When I was first assigned this review I started four P-51D kits thinking I’d get a jump on things, but when the decals arrived I discovered they were meant for two P-51Bs and two Ds. So much for planning ahead.

The decals were on register and looked great in the package. The four aircraft represented are:

• Aircraft #1: Malcolm Hood P-51B “Salem Representative” flown by Lt. Ralph K. Hofer of the 334FS/4th FG.
• Aircraft #2: P-51D “Sky Czar” flown by Capt. Fred Munder, Jr. of the 381FS/363rd FG
• Aircraft #3: Malcolm Hood P-51B “Big Mac Jr.” flown by Capt. John Brown, Jr. of the 382FS/363rd FG.
• Aircraft #4: P-51D “Nancy Lee” flown by Lt. Richard Baggett of the 402FS/370 FG.

Although there are markings specific for four aircraft, there are common decals for only one. To use the other three nose art markings I used the individual kit decals for the stars and bars, prop markings, walkway stripes, etc..

The full-color instructions are nicely done and give the history of each aircraft and the pilots who flew them. References are given for each paint scheme, and where there’s a question as to color Lifelike explains why they specify the color they did, since most of the information was taken from black and white photos.

Following the instructions of dipping the decals in water and waiting a few minutes worked OK, but they didn’t like to slide off very easily, almost as if they didn't like to slide over the edge of the paper backing. I also had trouble with them folding over onto themselves, so care had to be taken. If this happens to you, put the decal in some warm water, let it unfold, then scoop it out onto its original backing paper and try again. I used Micro-Set to set the decals, which worked on painted surfaces, but they didn't like to adhere as well to the Alclad II which I used for the silver finishes. They did settle fairly well into recesses, but some needed extra slicing to get them to lie down around curved areas.

I finished aircraft #3 entirely in the review decals, but on the others I used the Lifelike nose art and any markings specific to that particular aircraft, and kit decals for the rest.

If you’re a Mustang fan and are running out of subjects, with care these add up into a nice job. My thanks to IPMS/USA, Lifelike Decals, and Pacific Coast Models for the opportunity to review this product.