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Best 1/72 Allison P-51?


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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:

 

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Totally goregous,

These are from John Muszala II's Facebook page. 

21559055_10210768470908153_5479123055952

21430492_10210768470948154_1590729501865

21557917_10210768471668172_5169275734212

 

 

Edited by K5054NZ
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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

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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:

37331929942_8b5776eae2_b.jpgThe Wing 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
36692307133_ec46049d60_b.jpgThe 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 by K5054NZ
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