Sharks and Stallions

P-40N & P-51B/C

Eduard Limited Edition Dual Combo

1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre was one of the most challenging Allied air-war environments of the Second World War. Its operations encompassed the defence of China, the campaign to recapture Burma and the vital air supply routes across the Himalayas, known as the Hump.

The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was a mainstay of Allied air operations in China from 1941. Initially associated with the American Volunteer Group, the Flying Tigers, P-40s subsequently equipped USAAF units, including the 23rd Fighter Group and the 51st Fighter Group. Rugged and well armed, the Warhawk proved effective in air defence, ground attack and close support, although its performance at altitude was increasingly challenged by newer Japanese fighters.

The Merlin-powered P-51B/C Mustang brought a significant improvement in performance, particularly at altitude and over longer distances. Mustangs began operating in the CBI in 1943, initially including Allison-engined P-51As and A-36 dive-bombers.

By 1944, P-51B/C fighters were strengthening the Fourteenth Air Force, progressively supplementing and replacing P-40s in units such as the 23rd Fighter Group. They undertook fighter sweeps, bomber escort, reconnaissance and attacks against Japanese airfields, transport and supply lines.
14th AF+2

Despite the Mustang’s superior performance, the dependable P-40 remained valuable for ground attack and operations at lower altitudes. Together, these fighters helped contest Japanese air power, protect vital supply routes and support Chinese ground forces. The CBI air campaign was ultimately shaped as much by formidable distances and logistical difficulties as by the capabilities of the aircraft themselves.

The Limited Edition Sharks and Stallions Dual Combo brings together two of Eduard’s most highly regarded 1/48 scale fighter kits in a single package, offering two complete models and eight marking options.

Both kits are impressive examples of modern injection-moulded engineering, with excellent surface textures, finely rendered detail and thoughtful design that makes them enjoyable projects for experienced modellers and those looking to tackle a more sophisticated build.

The package also includes multimedia enhancements, including photo-etched components and canopy and wheel masks for both aircraft. With the extensive range of alternative parts supplied in the original kits, there should be plenty left over for the spares box.

A Modern Pairing

Eduard introduced its new 1/48 scale P-51B/C Mustang family in May 2024, debuting with a Limited Edition Dual Combo. The new-tool P-40 family followed in February 2025, initially with the P-40E, before the P-40N appeared in the Royal Class Dual Combo reviewed in 2025. The two designs are therefore relatively recent additions to Eduard’s catalogue, although the P-40N is the newer of the pair.

I have built both kits, and they are a pleasure to work on. The surface textures are outstanding, the detail is excellent, and the engineering reflects a clear understanding of the modeller’s needs. Neither kit should be described as simply falling together, but both offer a straightforward and thoroughly enjoyable building experience.

The extensive range of optional parts is another feature shared by the two kits. Eduard has provided alternatives for different production versions and configurations, along with a generous selection of ordnance and other equipment. The result is a considerable supply of unused parts, making these kits particularly welcome additions to the modeller’s spares box.

Contents and Media

The Dual Combo provides the plastic parts needed to build both complete models, together with multimedia enhancements for each aircraft. These include photo-etched components, canopy masks and wheel masks, plus the decals required for the eight marking options.

The P-40N Royal Class kit on which this package is based contains a particularly extensive selection of alternative parts.

Its original contents include around 260 grey plastic parts, 27 clear parts, one colour photo-etched frets, self-adhesive masks and decals. More than 80 grey plastic parts are marked as not for use, reflecting the extensive provision for alternative configurations.

The P-51B/C family is similarly well endowed with optional parts, including alternative propellers, air-filter panels, seats, control surfaces and ordnance. Its original standalone ProfiPACK release contains 225 grey plastic parts and 23 clear parts, alongside photo-etched components and masks.

These original-kit specifications illustrate the depth of the engineering behind the two models.

High Points

• Two complete, state-of-the-art 1/48 scale aircraft kits in one box.

• Outstanding surface textures and finely rendered detail.

• Clever engineering and well-considered parts breakdowns.

• Extensive optional parts, allowing different configurations to be represented.

• Multimedia enhancements, including photo-etched parts and canopy and wheel masks.

• Eight varied marking options featuring distinctive personal markings and camouflage schemes.

• Enjoyable construction, with the design clearly intended to make assembly as straightforward as possible.

The Sharks and Stallions boxing offers eight marking options, divided equally between the P-51B/C and P-40N. The selection has a strong China connection, with several Mustangs and Warhawks serving with units of the Fourteenth Air Force, alongside two further P-40s operating in other theatres.

P-51B/C Mustang — Options A–D

The four Mustang subjects all served in China during 1944.

Three are P-51C variants and one is a P-51B, with markings that include striking black tail treatments, lightning bolts and distinctive nose artwork.

• Lieutenant Joshua D. Sanford, 75th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group. Black tail with diagonal demarcation and nose artwork depicting Rosalie.

• Captain Raymond A. Crowell, P-51C-10-NT, serial 44-11102, 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group. Black lightning-bolt markings on the tail and fuselage.

• Lieutenant Lester L. Arasmith, P-51C, serial 42-103903, 530th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group.

• Captain Burden N. Rodier Jr., P-51B, serial 43-7058, 26th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group.

P-40N Warhawk — Options E–H

The Warhawks offer a colourful contrast, with shark-mouth artwork, Chinese national markings and irregular dark-green camouflage over olive drab on several subjects.

Stencil decals are also included.

• Lieutenant Fred F. Burgett, 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, Yan'an, China, 1944. Small shark-mouth marking and dark-green camouflage patches.

• Captain Raymond Callaway, P-40N-15, with a large shark mouth, Chinese Nationalist blue-and-white roundel, striped rudder and the name Shirley II.

• P-40N-5, 88th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, India, 1944. Prominent skull artwork on the cowling, large number 27 on the fin. Finished in Olive Drab and dark-green patches.

• Major Armit W. Lewis, 7th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Fighter Group, China, 1944

The combination of natural metal Mustangs with dramatic personal markings and olive drab Warhawks carrying shark mouths and other distinctive artwork provides plenty of variety.

The subjects also offer an appealing opportunity to explore the different operational environments in which these two American fighters served.

Eduard’s Sharks and Stallions is an attractive pairing of two outstanding modern aircraft kits. Both the P-40N and P-51B/C combine exceptional detail with thoughtful engineering, convincing surface textures and a wealth of optional components. Having built both (P-40E and P-51B), I can confirm that they are rewarding projects that should deliver an enjoyable modeling experience.

The eight marking options offer a good spread of distinctive subjects, while the photo-etched enhancements add value to the package. The large number of unused parts will also ensure that the spares box receives a welcome top-up.

Highly recommended for fans of the P-40 Warhawk, P-51 Mustang and modern 1/48 scale aircraft kits.

Text and Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
Page Created 28 October, 2026
Last updated 28 October, 2026

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