Hi,
I’m looking to build a P51-d mustang in 1/48th. Any of you guys know which kit is the best? The Tamiya ones the dearest - is it worth it?[:p]
The Tamiya kits always gets good ratings with lots of good accurate detail and options. I think Hasegawa has a larger selection of configurations and decal sets for the Mustang. Either way, you can’t really go too wrong.
The Revell/Monogram kit is a cheapy, but not an all together bad kit if you don’t mind applying a little elbow grease or if you are looking for a kit to experiment with. I bought one to see if I could convert it to a P-51B - at the low cost, I might by a second just to have the spare parts.
Ditto on what scooter_roo said. The Monogram offering can be had in the USA at just about any Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby for less than $10, and builds up pretty nicely. Plus, there are MANY, MANY aftermarket sets available for the P-51, so building a good-looking kit, regardless of manufacturer, shouldn’t be a problem.
Either the Tamiya or the Hasagawa kit build into an excelent P-51. Tamiya gives you the dropped flaps option. With the Aeries optional detail cockpit kit,and the wheel well kit, you get an outstanding scale replica. There is a plethora of aftermarket decals available, but both kits have excellent decals.
If I remember right the Hasagawa kit also provides the “Dallas” canopy so you can built the kit as a P-51 K. (I think there are a few other minor differences between a D and a K but the main difference is the canopy).
Will one of you purist Mustang fans please correct me if I’m wrong. rangerj
Both Tamiya & Hasegawa produce fine P-51 kits, each with its own shortcomings.
Tamiya - thick clear parts, sliding canopy attachment point to sprue is difficult to clean up, shallow cockpit side consoles.
Hasegawa - wheelwells are shallow, no dropped flaps,.
I’ve built both, and these are the major differences. Hope this helps !
Hey Colin,
Either kit you use is a win win situation…!! Even if they do have tiny inaccuracies[;)]
Hey Pix,
Didn’t ya hear that Tamiya redid their P-51D? Basically they remolded the attachment points on the canopy/front windscreen section. They are now located at the bottom of the frame work which means there will be a few aspirins used in the sanding process…[:p][;)]
Flaps up, Mike