Lifelike Decals from Japan has issued a 1/32^nd scale set titled “Part 3- Big Beautiful Doll Special” which covers six versions of Col. John Landers famous P-51D. The set actually starts with markings when he was a major and then Lt. Colonel and then finished with Colonel so it has markings showing the progression of his career.

A quick bit of history, Col. Landers had 14.5 kills making him almost a triple ace, starting with P-40’s then P-38’s and lastly the P-51. This set only covers the P-51’s and there are two specific planes with multiple markings. The markings in the set cover the following aircraft:

• P-51D-5-NA, 38^th FS, 55^th FG, BuNo 44-13923
• P-51D-5-NA, C.O. 357^th FG, BuNo 44-13923
• P-51D-20-NA, C.O. 78^th FG, BuNo. 44-72218
• P-51D-20-NA, C.O. 78^th FG, BuNo. 44-72218 - repaint
• P-51D-20-NA, C.O. 78^th FG, BuNo. 44-72218 - additional kills
• P-51D-20-NA, C.O. 361^st FG, BuNo. 44-72218

Inside the package, you will find three pages of full color instructions. There is a page of profiles, a page of stencil and markings, and a page with details on each plane giving both paint details and history for the modeler. Lastly, there are four decal sheets covering the markings, national insignia, and specifics for the planes. The stencil markings are specific to the planes used and kit decals are used for the stenciling using Lifelike’s guide. Three of the decal sheets are printed by Microscale with the smaller one being printed by Cartograf. All are in excellent register and very colorful.

This is a great set of decals and the markings are fabulous. Great research, colorful markings and plenty of options of a very historic aircraft. Highly recommended to fans of Big Beautiful Doll and P-51’s. Also a note to smaller scales, this same set is available in 1/48^th scale as set 48-051 and in 1/72^nd as 72-037.

My thanks to Lifelike Decals and IPMS for the opportunity to review the set.