K5054NZ Posted September 22, 2017 Share Posted September 22, 2017 (edited) What is the most accurate option OOB, shape-wise and especially around the leading edge wing root, for a gun-armed Allison P-51 in 1/72? So far I've found Academy, Frog, High Planes, Italeri and MPM. I'd like to build this A recently completed by Pacific Fighters in the markings of an XP-51, which competed at the Reno air races last week and I am now in love with: Quote Totally goregous, These are from John Muszala II's Facebook page. Edited September 22, 2017 by K5054NZ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Thompson Posted September 22, 2017 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Academy is generally considered to be the most accurate/best detailed of the available Allison P-51 kits, but I don't know if that makes it the best basis for an XP-51. This thread from Hyperscale Plane Talking may be helpful, although it requires careful reading: http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/thread/1335408880 You may be more prepared to make your own decision on which kit to start with after reading this: http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/1999/11/stuff_eng_p51early.htm Always wanted to do an XP-51 or the NA-73X myself, but never got serious about it - good luck! John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Snowbird3a Posted September 23, 2017 Share Posted September 23, 2017 the two XP-51s were actually Mustang Mk1s pulled off the assembly line. Although the Academy kit is not a Mk1, I feel it still is the best basis for a Allison powered Mustang. Tony Quote Link to post Share on other sites
K5054NZ Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share Posted September 26, 2017 Thanks gents, I'm doing my best to track down the Academy kit but there's only two on eBay! Hoping for a connection on another forum to pay off. The subject aircraft is P-51A 43-6006, formerly "Polar Bear" restored with a lot of P-51D parts including an Indonesian wing but now back to P-51A standard...and now painted as XP-51 41-039. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RCAFFAN Posted September 27, 2017 Share Posted September 27, 2017 In a similar vein, I note that Brengun has just released 2 1/72 kits of the A-36 Apache (U.S and British boxing). Anyone know the history of this kit as in is it a new mold or another earlier kit repackaged? Brengun's site doesn't actually say a new mold when they talk about this release. Anyone seen one? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
K5054NZ Posted September 27, 2017 Author Share Posted September 27, 2017 I've only seen photos and it is a new kit, but with the same wing issues as every other kit bar the Academy and (I understand) issues with the shape of the lower cowl. Luckily I think I've managed to nail one of the Academy kits down. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
K5054NZ Posted September 28, 2017 Author Share Posted September 28, 2017 (edited) It turns out my question is moot, at least for 43-6006: it's got a D wing. This from John Terrell, P-51 expert and walking encyclopaedia, on September 9: "They've done a ton of work to make the aircraft resemble a P-51A, closer than what had been accomplished in its first restoration. Although the main fuselage and wings are still all from a P-51D, it now has an A-model type radiator scoop/doghouse section and a lot of detail work has been poured into the cockpit to present it as a stock A-model" Photos from the restorers on Facebook: The Wing 01 by Zac Yates, on FlickrThe Wing 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr So all that effort has been for nought. At least this means I only need to spend NZ$12 or so to get my kit! Italeri, here I come. Edited September 28, 2017 by K5054NZ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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