May Pre-Orders Are Live: F4F-3 Wildcat and P-51D Mustang VLR in 1/72

Pre-orders are now open for our May 1/72 scale releases. This time we prepared two kits that show just how much the Pacific War changed between 1941 and 1945.

On one side we have the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat - a fighter from the first six months of the war, from Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Coral Sea. It was a time when American pilots had to make up for experience with tactics, determination, and durable aircraft.

On the other side stands the P-51D Mustang VLR - an aircraft from the final stage of the war, flying from Iwo Jima on long-range escort missions over Japan and strike missions deep inside the Empire. This was already a different era: industrial strength, range, refined logistics, and full Allied initiative.

Two aircraft that let you feel two opposite moments of the same story.

70090 F4F-3 Wildcat - New Tooling and the Opening Phase of the Pacific War

The Wildcat is a completely new kit designed from the ground up. During development we used everything learned from our previous releases, so assembly is easier and more predictable. We wanted the build to be enjoyable, not a fight with plastic parts.

The kit also includes a new canopy for every version of this aircraft, and on the same clear sprue you will also find the Arma Jig for the 1/72 Wildcat.

The Wildcat may look less dramatic than later fighters, but only at first glance. It is compact, sturdy, and carries the reputation of aircraft that came back shot up - but came back. If you like the atmosphere of the early Pacific War, carrier decks, improvisation, and hard-fighting pilots, there is plenty of inspiration here for a great model.

We selected the markings to represent three moments from the time when the outcome of the war was still far from certain.

70073 P-51D Mustang VLR - Long Range over Japan

The Mustang VLR is a late-war version of the famous fighter prepared for Very Long Range missions. These aircraft flew from Iwo Jima, escorted B-29 bombers over Japan, and carried out very long missions over open ocean.

The kit includes an additional sprue with parts specific to this version: rockets and two types of drop tanks. They may be accessories, but they create the character of this particular Mustang variant - an aircraft that attacked airfields and other targets in the Tokyo area.

If the Wildcat tells the story of fighting to survive, the Mustang VLR shows the moment when the advantage had already shifted to the Allies.

The selected markings include everything modellers enjoy about the late Pacific War: striking nose art, bold tail markings, long-range missions, and real pilot stories behind aircraft that truly worked for a living, not just looked good in photos. All faithfully reproduced on Cartograf decals, with markings that finally fit the shape of the model.

Standard Editions and Bundle Options

Both kits are available in several versions:

• standard edition - the kit itself at the base price,
• edition with basic 3D accessories - printed parts also available as downloadable files (the instruction sheet includes the download link),
• edition with pilot figures from White Stork Miniatures.

For the Wildcat we prepared the set U.S. Navy Pilots Early War - ideal for carrier deck scenes or a patrol launch display.

For the Mustang we offer U.S. Air Force Pilots for Mustang P-51 - a natural companion for a late-war aircraft.

Accessories and figures included in pre-order bundles are available at a better price. Full details of each option can be found on the product pages.

Pre-order Until Mid-May

The pre-order period runs until mid-May. Shipping is planned for the second half of May, after pre-orders close and according to the production schedule.

If you were planning to get one of these kits, this is a good moment to choose the version that best fits your idea - whether a clean kit or a package with accessories and figures included.

Two Different Stories, One Workbench

Some will choose the Wildcat because they enjoy the opening phase of the war and aircraft full of character. Others will reach for the Mustang because it is hard to ignore a late P-51 with extra tanks and a history of flights over Japan.

And some will probably take both - because together they show the journey from 1941 to 1945. And that should surprise no one.