Hey guys,
Building the 1/48 Tamiya Tuskegee Mustang kit. I understand from research that later versions of the Mustang got a new version canopy to maximize visibility. There are two canopies in the Tamiya kit, but when I put them side-by-side, I see no difference between the two. Am I missing something? [^o)]
Chris
One of the canopies is the “Dallas” canopy. The rear “bubble” part should be slightly higher than then standard one.
There are a few differences in the P-51s manufactured in Dallas TX. This was due mostly to the different OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) suppliers and availability, e.g. the canopy and the propeller.
Well, if the kit parts are different, I sure can’t tell. I don’t have 'em off the sprue yet, so I guess we’ll see.
It doesn’t mean diddely- just pick any one and go for it!
I’m working on one right now too Chris and thought the same damn thing. I’m glad it’s not just me. Maybe I just wasn’t looking hard enough because it wasn’t an obvious enough difference…but it sure looks the same to me. I’ll certainly be double-checking but I would just stick with whatever the build happened to call for. =]
Good luck.
My recollection is that the Dallas canopy doesn’'t strart sloping down to the rear of the frame as quickly as the more common canopy. Look at how far it remains ‘parallel’ with the spine of the a/c and that will probably be the only distinguising characteristc.
Well, I went with Cadet Chuck’s suggestion and just slapped one on. It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you stop giving a crap. LOL
If you look at the canopies from the side view, you’ll notice that the aft end of 1 canopy sits a little higher at the rear. That’s known as the “Dallas” canopy. Do a Google search and you’ll see what I mean.
Actually the Tamiya canopy(s) are cumbersome and inaccurate I usually replace it with a Squadron vacuform or steal a Hasgawa one from the stash (which also comes with 2). Just my 2 cents…
Joe
Here’s a picture of what they’re talking about. The regular Inglewood canopy is the blue line. The Dallas canopy is in black.
081p51 by brittvallot, on Flickr
So I guess you just have to do your homework if you’re looking to make it count.
This drawing is one I did for my website. It’s fun to see it appearing as a reference and I think it is a good representation and is based on North American drawings. There are more differences in front view, the Dallas canopy was free blown and bulged out more on the sides than the Inglewood canopy, which was made by a different process. Here is a link to my P-51 page, which also has photos of airplanes with the different canopies from angles that I think help distinguish them:
Ha! Nice! Yeah, I happened to just stop and look for some kind of diagram or actual comparison of the two and came across this. Perfect example and simple to see.
Very nice link to the P-51, good job
as to all your fine builds;
I’m not going to speak to you. Yes, childish I know,( my jealousy is such an ugly thing) but at my age, I can be that way—
SERIOUSLY: Great Stuff 
I am working on several P-51 B,C,&D’s. My research indicates that both canopies fit the D aircraft. Regardless of what canopy was on the plane when it left the factory; in the field, when a replacement was needed the type canopy used was determined on what type of canopy was available. So at any given time, any P-51D could have either canopy. Without a discernible reference both are right!
BTW, there is a difference in the Tamiya 1/48 P-51 D canopies; but, it probably would not be noticeable once mounted on a model.