RNZAF P-51D Mustangs, Auckland, Wellington,Canterbury and Otago TAF Squadrons

V7276

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Decals1/72nd

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NZ2419 of No.2 (Wellington) Squadron, NZ TAF. The checker-boardswere adopted in early 1953.

NZ2425 No.1 (Auckland) Squadron.

NZ2429 was a P-51D of No. 4 (Otago) Squadron and was the only Mustang painted in thediamond-around-roundel scheme. It was operated by the squadron from late 1951 until being writtenof after a crash landing at Rangitihea beach on 27 february 1953. It had 36" roundels in all six positions.

NZ2427 of No. 3 (Canterbury) Squadron.

NZ2425 is depicted at left in its first New Zealand applied scheme in July 1952, whenit was issued to No.1 Auckland Squadron,NZ Territorial Air Force (similar to the US AirNational Guard). It was eventually lost overthe sea, north of Auckland on 20 March 1955.

NZ2426 of No.4 (Otago) Squadron.

Two reference photos for NZ2425.Note the presence of bomb androcket pylons and the location ofthe upper and lower wing markings.Some sources speculate that whenover-painting the USAAF stars, thebars were left untouched. Thephoto below supports our view isthat in most cases the slightlybrighter RNZAF blue was addedto the bars as well. (Peter Dingwall)

NZ2413 at the end of it’s life with No.1 (Auckland) Squadron, after being struck off in October1955. It had 36 inch roundels in six positions and seems to have been partially repaintedsilver at some stage with bare metal areas still showing around the Squadron Badge andremaining stencils. Anti-glare panel is matt black.

NZ2426 of No.4 (Otago) Squadron, NZ TAF. It was taken on charge in late 1951 and disposed of in1955. In early 1953 the TAF squadrons adopted checker-board bars about their fuselage roundelsin each provincial areas colours. Otago’s colours are blue and yellow. NZ2426 had 36 inch roundelsin six positions.

The starboard side of NZ2426 withthe squadron leaders rectangularbadge behind the natural metalexhaust panel. Note the blue radiomast and spinner cap on both Otagoaircraft.All the RNZAF P-51s were DallasBuilt P-51D-25-NT aircraft. (RNZAF)

NZ2419 of No.2 Wellington Squadron, NZ TAF. It was taken on charge in July 1952 and disposed of inJune 1955. In early 1953 the TAF squadrons adopted checker-board bars about their fuselage roundelsin each provincial areas colours. Wellington’s colours are yellow and black. NZ2419 wore 36 inch roundelsin six positions.

Ventura Hobby Products, P.O. Box 10-213, Wellington, New Zealand

Ventura Decals are printed thinly for a painted on look. Cut out each item as required and dipinto water for a few seconds, then leave to stand on a non absorbent surface. At first the decalwill curl up, then uncurl. This indicates the letter has loosened and will slide. Apply carefully toa gloss painted surface and position with a minimum of moving about. The common “silvering”problem with decals is usually caused by excessive moving washing away the decals glue.

Upper wing roundels for NZ2427 were48 inches.

Upper wing roundels forNZ2413, NZ2419, NZ2426 andNZ2429 were 36 inches.

Lower wing roundels for all“checker-board” subjectswere 36 inches.

NZ2427 was a P-51D of No. 3 (Canterbury) Squadron. It was silveroverall except for the engine exhaust panel which was tarnishedmetal. The aircraft has a red spinner cap and white (not yellow)propeller blade tips.Right. NZ2427 port nose detail. “No. 3 Canterbury Squadron” appeardabove the port exhausts and “Royal New Zealand Air Force” below.The words are in white with red shadow and the decal provides redand white lettering. Lay down the red words first.

Starboard view of P-51D NZ2413, in service with No.1 (Auckland) Squadron TAF, 1953. Anti-glarepanel is black. The NZ Territorial Air Force (TAF) was a similar idea to the US Air National Guard.

NZ2419 of No.2 Wellington Sqn TAF about January 1953, before the checker-boards were applied.Note the natural metal finish with standard USAAF stencil markings. This photo gives a clearimpression of the matt black style of anti-glare panel generally applied by RNZAF painters. All theRNZAF P-51s were Dallas Built P-51D-25-NT aircraft. (via Anthony Galbraith)

The starboard side of NZ2419 after a forced landing on 19 February 1953. Ithas a natural metal finish that looks rather weather beaten. It seems to havea faded, or oversprayed anti-glare panel. (via Anthony Galbraith)

Three No.3 CanterburySquadron Mustangs. Thetwo nearest the cameraare painted silver, whilethe third is natural metal.The style of anti-glarepanel varies. NZ2417 hasno fin number and it hasa silver spinner, while theother two are naturalmetal. NZ2409 has a No.3Sqn badge under thewindscreen. (via AnthonyGalbraith)