I saw these both at Michael’s tonight and I have a 40% off coupon on one regular priced item but I was not sure whether these kits were even worth considering. How are they detail wise? Are they typical Monogram fit, which isn’t very good?
The coupon is only good until tomorrow so I thought I would check and see if these were worth looking into or not.
Otherwise I may buy a set of paintbrushes or something else.
Thanks
Mike
As far as I know, Monogram made a 1/48 P-51B and a P-51D in the 70’s. Both have raised line and the standards are OK. I’ve heard that ProModeler has a P-51B which evolves from the old Monogram mold by converting the lines to recessed. Monogram also made a P-38 in the 60’s. My friend told me that the detail is barely OK. It has a gun bay and some engine interior( I think you don’t expect any assembly parts on the engine but the whole engine is molded onto the fuselarge in one piece). Notice that the 1/48 P-38 from Promodeler , I heard from friends, is actually from Hasegawa. I am not sure how Revell/Monogram relate to ProModeler. It is because sometimes molds from Monogram sometime end up in Revell(e.g. TBF Devastator).
I hope I did not confuse you. Whenever come to Revell, Monogram, Revell/Monogram and Promodeler, I get confuse myself[:D]. Molds (or their improved versions) from any one of them end up appearing on another one.
It’s been a while, but if I remember correctly the Mustang has decent fit and good detail, and you can display one of the bottom engine panals open- the detail is molded into the fuselage half.
I think the Lightning was originally molded in the late 60’s, but is very good considering it’s age. Decent cockpit. The problem is empty wheel wells and see through scoops on the booms- You’ll never notice the bays if ya don’t pick it up and look! Plus you can build one of 3 or 4 versions.
Both have raised panel lines if you care about that. Great buys for the money IMHO, even without the coupon.
Yes, I too had the P-38 once upon a time, and I remember it as being one of my favorite early kits; interchangable parts for whatever mission you decide to build yours from. (plus, it was naturally tough and resisted drops very well!) [:D]
Take care,
Frank
Mike V,
fyi & imo, they’re old engineering technology & can in few ways compare to the Tamia…gawa…Accu.Min technology for fit, form & function…
however, though it might not be the case today…in and around '96 - '99 in the North Texas area, Monogram’s B mustangs (3 versions of box art) were like hen’s teeth and being snapped up as if they were made of gold…
although it’s not relevant here, a gentleman of George Lee’s caliber suggested the scale accuracy of the B was spot on in comparison to the newer releases of B mfgs and well worth the find & meager cost…($5.00 to $10.00)
i can’t speak for the Lightning other than to agree with comments in this thread but, personally i’d love to add another 1/2 dozen Mono B’s to my plans…
just more of my[2c]…& ramblings…
Monogram’s B-model Mustang is still a kit to consider after over 30 years. The specs are decent, with some detailing needed in the wheel wells and cockpit. I have just picked up four more of them for a project over the AM and Tamiya versions; both the latter are good, but I can buy 5+ for what each Tamiya kit costs. The D-model Mustang is actually OK; not up to the standards of the Tamiya kit, but a reasonably accurate kit at an affordable price. The P-38 is a bare-bones basic kit that offers parts options for four different models of the Lightning. No interior detail to speak of, and all the caveats that the others have mentioned apply. It still looks like a P-38 when you’re done with it. [:D]
A significant point to consider with either of these kits is that you’d probably be wanting to finish them in silver. With the raised detail and poor fit (especially the P-38) you’ll have trouible up that road. The P-38 came out when plastic models were still part toys, with working features. That meant intentionally working slop into the fit of some things so parts could move freely. Great for playing in the sandbox – not so great in achieving a realistic replica. As for the P-51, Monogram should’ve followed their P-51B approach and left the gun/ammo bay panel and lower engine panel alone. Fit of both of these in the closed position is rough at best.
I’ve got both in my stack. The P-51 is actually pretty decent and makes a good build. Watch the fit of the engine panel as on some kits it doesn’t fit very well. The P-38 can be built as a J, L, M and a pathfinder version. The M is the hardest version to build as you have a lot of surgery to do. The “christmas tree” rocket launcher is what makes the L version and there is more surgery involved to make the the pathfinder (lopping the nose off and replacing it with the appropriate peices). On all of them, watch the fit of the center pod as the seam here can be a real bitch to get right. Take your time with it and you shouldn’t have any problems.
I’ve built both kits many times and I’m quite happy with the builds I got (except for the P-38M that is). Both are good for a basis to do other A/C and there are lots of AM decals for both. Verlinden used to offer resin parts and conversions for these. And I beleive that there are also PE sets for both. Good luck with whichever you purchase.
I have the P-38, not too fond of it…
Though it is one of my earlier kits, so that could be it, but if I had to rate it it’d be a 4 outta 10 from me…
I love those 40% off coupons, though 
Thanks everyone.
It sounds like I made a good choice in not buying a kit. [:D]
They did have two of the Revell F-15E’s like I just finished building and with the coupon it would be a good deal but I think I will wait.
Mike
the mustang kit is outstanding. it rivals anything i have seen.(remember that phrase. i have seen) i have another that i am going to be doing. the lightning i built a long time ago and dont remember much about it.
joe
Hey Mike, Don’t they have a Revellogram 1/48 B-1 Lancer at that shop of yours? With that kit at least the discount will amount to something, plus you get to build the baddest bomber ever.[8D] I know it’s not an Eagle, but still… thought I’d plug this little ([%-)][:O]) idea of mine.
Filibert,
I wish they did. I would buy it in an instant.
I also love the B-1 and saw some awesome decals for it at the Nationals that I wanted. [:D]
Mike
the mustang is a decent kit for its price. i put one together without any problems as far as i remember. the lightning is another story, i just got done with one and its about to go into the spares box.
Hi all,
I found some time ago this “new” kit with recessed lines in the “Classics” series.
Comparing the old and the new kits reveals that that are absolutely the same parts (apart from new ones such as cockpit interior and pilot) but raised lines were modified into recessed ones…
How is it possible to modify an old mould giving raised lines to obtain recessed lines ?
All the best,
Jicéhem
Hi Mike,
I posted some pics of a p-38 Monogram kit I have in my stash. I hope the photos help. I also posted a pic of a conversion kit they made for this kit. I found mine on ebay. Once in a while if your lucky these conversion kits will pop up. My Monogram kit is dated 1973, I’m sure the conversion kit is from the 70’s also.
To be honest with you this kit looks like it will be a lot of fun and a good challenge.
I built the P-38 when it was first issued back in the 60’s. Always thought it was a neat kit, especially with all the optional versions you could build. Due to it’s complex configuration any P-38 is going to be a challenge to build.
I would rate the P-51D as just “okay”. The separate engine cover doesn’t fit well and the engine detail molded into the fuselage isn’t much to write home about.
Mark
While not up to Tamigawa standards with a little work they can be made into nice models.
Here’s a pair of P-51D’s I built
And a P-38 built as a drop snoot
Mark, Fantastic Builds [tup] I myself still prefer these " old kit’s" as I think they are more of a challenge to my modeling skills to build into a realistic looking aircraft. With all the Fine newer kits out on the market the Manufactures Have Done all the Work for you. Not to say I dont enjoy building a Edward FW or similar , but I have always been somewhat of a scratch builder.
MikeV , I so go ahead and go for either of these old kits as I believe you will have a great time with the build. Get a Squadron reference and go crazy making details to your liking ! The worst that can happen is you might pick up some never discovered modeling skills you have . [:)][wow]
I think the descriptions of both kits have been more than adequately covered so I’ve got nothing to add. I do have a comment about Monogram Kits having fit problems.The only Monogram kit I’ve ever had problems with the fit was the 1/48th P-61 Black Widow and that was pretty easily overcome. As for the raised “panel lines”, they are no more inaccurate than the very best kit with recessed panel lines. The finest engraved lines are nearly 3 scale inches wide at best. For the money, I’ve got to say that there is no better deal out there than those Revell/Monogram Kits. Build what you like-Like what you build.
Ray