Meteor Productions

PYN-up "Stunning Stangs" Part I, #PYND32003 Cutting Edge "Big Stud Ponies" Part I, #CED32080 Cutting Edge "Big Stud Ponies" Part II, #CED32081

Reviewed by  Ed Kinney, IPMS# 2989

MSRP: PYN-up sheet $21.99, Cutting Edge sheets $11.99 With the release of Dragon's new P-51D coming on the modeling scene shortly, (or if you prefer to use the aging Hasegawa offering) PYN-up Decals and Cutting Edge Decals have offered 3 sheets of markings that will nicely fit the model of your choice. First in line is a sheet of PYN ("Pick Your Nose") Decals, followed by two Cutting Edge releases "Big Stud Ponies", Part I and II. PYN-up Decals "Stunning Stangs" Part I This is a limited edition with only 300 printed. For those of you that haven't had the opportunity to look closely at the PYN-up Decals, the artwork is nothing short of spectacular. The pretty ladies that adorn the noses of these '51's are printed on a separate decal sheet from the main and are beautifully reproduced in the highest quality. Additionally, there is a "background" decal on the main sheet to insure that the images, when applied to the model, are crystal in clarity. Markings for 2 aircraft are included in this offering. First is a P-51D-5-NA, Serial #463223, "Sweet Arlene", 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group. This makes a colorful choice with a natural metal finish with the stylized red nose and spinner and rudder. A set of Black Magic masks are included for masking the proper curve for the nose section. The code letters on this aircraft were black with red outlines. PYN-up Decals accomplished this by applying them in two steps. First apply the red, then after drying, the black is applied and positioned over them. Bowers racked up 6 kills and the canopy "scoreboard" is also included on the main sheet. This is a very attractive aircraft with just enough color to make it stand out, particularly with the nose art. The second set of markings is for Mullins' aircraft, an early P-51D-20-NA, 4th Fighter Group, without the fin fillet. Although not quite as colorful as the other aircraft this one's rated P.G. (mild nudity), but tastefully done. It's an unusual scheme that will look good when complete, so it becomes builder's choice as always. As expected, the decals themselves are, as always, superb in color, register and thickness. Normal application is recommended using the Microscale Method. Cutting Edge Decals "Big Stud Ponies" Part I This set contains markings for two aircraft as follows: · P-51D-20-NA, 44-63607, 353 FS/354FG, as flown by Lt Col Glenn Eagleston 1945 · P-51D-20-NA, 44-14292, 355 FG Commander, as flown by Colonel Clairborne H. "Zoot" Kinnard Jr., 1945 Also included is a Black Magic mask for the background on Lt. Col Eagleston's aircraft. Both are natural metal finished birds. The same expected quality exists here, as is consistent with Cutting Edge Decals. All stylized kill markings, personal data, serial #'s and National insignia are included. Cutting Edge Decals "Big Stud Ponies" Part II This set contains markings for these two aircraft: · P-51D-NA, 44-72922, 434 FS/479FG, L2-W, as flown by Major Robin Olds, "Scat VII". · P-51D-5-NS, unknown, 79 FS/20FG, MC-O, as flown by Capt Jack M. Ilfrey, 1944, "Happy Jack's Go Buggy". This sheet contains the markings for two rather high profile P-51s. First, is none other than Major (at that time) Robin Olds, SCAT VII. Truly, as well know a pilot with a career spanning many years before his retirement as a Brigadier General. With all personal nose art, kill markings, codes and National insignias included, this aircraft coupled with the markings for Capt Jack Ilfrey's personal mount "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" make for an interesting pair of subjects for your "Stang" collection. Highest of quality of course. Further, since there is a plethora of markings for Mustangs, I'm hoping that these represent just the first in a series of many to follow. Any and/or all of these sheets come most highly recommended. Many thanks to David Klaus of Meteor Productions not only for the review samples, but for all he has done for IPMS/USA. Visit their web site at www.meteorprod.com.

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