As I’ve written before, Tamiya’s 1/32 P-51D Mustang is an astonishing kit on most every level.
But no kit is perfect, and the big Tamiyastang’s biggest flaw is easily its rubber tires. Actually not the tires themselves, but the thin mold seam than runs the circumference. From experience with the Spitfire Mk.VIII, this seam is almost impossible to remove (being flexible, it doesn’t sand well).
Fortunately, aftermarket to the rescue!
A few weeks ago, Scale Plastic & Rail tipped me off to some direct-replacement resin tires from Grey Matter. I ordered a set at once.
Well, they arrived today, and I have to say they are probably the crispest set of tires I’ve seen in any scale. And that’s saying quite a bit, given my love of Ultracast tires. It remains to be seen how well they fit the kit hubs, but the initial visual inspection warrants a massive thumbs up!
They also offer a set of full tires and wheels for the Hasegawa, Dragon and Trumpeter kits (I ordered a set for my Hasegawastang as well, since those kit tires are nothing special whatsoever).
Doogs Models 
Just picking your brain on resin & plastic tires.I was never happy w/ flat black in that rubber from that era had an almost ,but not quits, dark grey appearance.I’ve seen actual tires on half-tracks,jeeps at museums & even my own back yard has an Military aviation museum at Bradley Int’l airport.It has an inpressive amout of planes from all twentieth century era’s.So what I’ve found most convincing right outte the jar is Floquill’s “Grimy black”. Just curious what you use. Keith R.
Keith – my favorite tire paints are hands down Vallejo. Mainly because they brush so beautifully. I agree – tires weren’t (and still aren’t) entirely black.
For quite some time, I was a big fan of Vallejo Black Grey mixed with some browns and grays to muddy it up a big. Then I discovered Vallejo Dark Rubber from their Panzer Aces line. Love. So far I’ve used it on the Spit VIII, P-51D, and Panzer III-L.
Thanks Doogs, I had a feeling you’d broaden my perspectives.It’s cheap enough,so I’ll try Vallejo’s dark rubber out. Keith R.
Excellent – enjoy it Keith! Also, FYI, it looks VERY light in the bottle, but don’t let that put you off. It dries darker.
Just orderes 2- bottles of Vallejo ” Panzer aces dark rubber” f/ Crossroads hobby.The lowest price I could find.I have only two L.H.S.’s within 100 miles that don’t carry Vallejo,so I’m forced to use e-bay on many items.Can’t wait to see the differance. Thanks again, Keith R.
I’ve seen a couple of your reviews now and as a result have purchased the said items. I just want to thank you for taking the time to review the items for the less experienced like myself.
Thanks again
Jase