The P-51 D Mustang is one of the most famous fighter aircraft ever built — and also one of the best. CARF Models has dedicated a great deal of time and research to this classic WWII aircraft to create a beautiful scale replica. In production since 1996, the CARF Models P-51 remains just as popular as it was in the beginning. Continuous development of the kit has led to many detailed improvements. And yet, after nearly 1,000 units sold — and with the launch of our Corsair — our Mustang deserved another facelift.
The P-51 is built entirely using sandwich construction. All surface details are already molded in. The master model was planked with aluminum sheets, just like the original. The kit is fully painted in silver, making the imitation of a full-aluminum aircraft absolutely perfect. Our Mustang is therefore one of the most true-to-scale warbirds on the market!
For easy transport, the wings and horizontal stabilizer are removable. The long engine cowl allows for easy access to the engine, fuel tank, and many RC components.
Updates
All control surfaces are hinged with Novotex tabs and removable steel pins. Naturally, all hinges come pre-installed.
An updated mold set ensures even better fitting of individual components.
Modified landing gear mounts in the wing and fuselage accommodate the new Sierra landing gear, which was specifically designed for our Mustang.
Landing gear doors are laminated in dedicated molds for perfect fit and warp resistance.
Wing and stabilizer mounts are already aligned and pre-installed.
These details elevate the kit to our current level of pre-fabrication and will make building it even easier! The kit also includes all necessary accessories such as control horns, wing joiner tubes, linkages, axles, screws, and nuts. Most of the vacuum-formed parts from the older version have been replaced with hand-laminated fiberglass components.
ARF KIT
Fuselage
Produced using TAVS technology (Total Area Vacuum Sandwich), 90% of the fuselage surface is now built in an ultra-light and rigid sandwich construction. This significantly reduces the weight behind the center of gravity, so even when using extremely lightweight engines, only minimal additional nose weight is required.
The horizontal stabilizer mount is already completed, as is the wing mount. Both are meticulously aligned before delivery. Naturally, the elevator and rudder are also hinged with Novotex tabs, making them easily removable.
Wings
Same look on the outside, improved on the inside! We've designed an entirely new landing gear mount that fits perfectly with our optional electric retract gear set. The gear doors are easy to remove, allowing optimal access for maintenance. They are now laminated in dedicated molds to prevent any warping and to ensure perfect fit.
The wings have already been factory-aligned and mounted to the fuselage. Ailerons and flaps are hinged with Novotex tabs, which are already glued in place. They can be easily removed at any time by simply pulling out a 2 mm steel pin.
Engine Choice
Any single-cylinder engine from 50 to 85 cc can be used. We have experience with both 3W and DA engines. A crankshaft extension is required to hide the cylinder inside the cowl. Various extensions are available on the market. Engine manufacturers typically advise against using them, but if you don't want the cylinder to spoil the appearance of your beautiful Mustang, you really have no choice.
With a 50cc engine — which is perfectly adequate for a lightweight model and scale-like flying — usually only the spark plug cap will stick out of the cowl. A more powerful single-cylinder engine (80–85cc) will definitely require an extension. Originally, the P-51 was designed for inline twin-cylinder engines, which of course remain an excellent choice, whether using modern designs or classic engines from the “old days.”
Scale Accessories
In addition to the now available scale landing gear, we offer a drop tank set with pylons, scale-like exhaust and propeller dummies, and a spinner. Scale wheels are, of course, also available. This elevates our P-51 to the level of our most comprehensively equipped kits — a timeless classic, built with the latest manufacturing techniques and compatible with the finest accessories.
Flying Characteristics
A P-51 always flies well — but the CARF Models P-51 Mustang takes it to the next level, that's for sure. Its ultra-lightweight construction, combined with an excellent choice of airfoils and other aerodynamic refinements, delivers unlimited flying fun and true everyday practicality. Takeoffs and landings are completely unproblematic, and the flight speed is very true to scale.
The P-51 is designed for engines from 50 to 85 cc, and the investment in a powerplant of this class is relatively modest. The CARF Models P-51 is THE warbird for those seeking something truly special — yet still a famous and legendary aircraft. And the great price-to-performance ratio makes the decision even easier, doesn't it?