CorsairJock,

For most folks the ARF is fine as is. The problems with the US Insignia provided on the decal sheet would go un-noticed by most. So would the fact that C5*T as you pointed out, did not have a dorsal fin.

My comments pertain to the US Insignia only. Most people don't care or wouldn't notice. So below is for those who do.

The overall sizes are close, however it is not the size of the insignia that is wrong. It is the relationship of the white and blue parts of the insignia and how they go together. Repeating what I said in the previous post:

The stars are too small for the size blue circle and 1/8 surround, and the white bars do not reach in and touch the left and right star tips. Look closely again at any photo of a Mustang or any WWII aircraft of the period. Compare them with the decal.

The US Insignia is made up by combining three subparts
a. The star
b. The blue circle
c. the bars

All parts are proportioned based on the radius of the star. So...

a. The star tips shouldn't touch the edge of the blue circle; however , they should come within 1/8 of the star radius of the circle's edge. On the decal the white star is too small. The blue circle may be the right size for the airplane though. The star isn't.
b. The blue circle should be sized to the aircraft so that: It's radius is equal to the star's, plus 1/8th of the star's radius.
c. The bars (not including the blue edges) should equal the star's radius in length. There should also be no space between the inner top bar corner and the left and right tips of the star. Look at the decals. The tips of the star do not touch the white bars. Look again at a photo of the real insignia.

As I've said, most people don't care and wouldn't notice. I've even seen people place the insignia up side down on their models. My work background forced me to insure markings on the US military aircraft I was responsible for was done correctly due to the thousands of dollars involved. It has been handy in my scale modelling in case you're wondering.

Chris