Small Scale Military Headquarters

I've heard that the original ("Series 1") 21st Century 1/18 P-51D Mustang is fairly inaccurate
compared to the newer BBI one.

What are the main "issues" with it, accuracy-wise? Does anyone have a link to any reasonably-sized photos of this plane?

Check out my comparison photos of the bbi P-51 and the original 21st P-51 here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/225288325hOldRN

Not the best photos, but they should answer your questions!

-Ski

Thanks for the link!
The BBI model certainly looks miles better in terms of finish and fine detail, particularly the gears/wheels and
cockpit interior. For an unmodified display model, there's absolutely no contest between the two - the BBI model makes 21C's Mustang look like a crude toy.

The basic shape of the XD P-51 still looks OK though. Since I'm interested in a 1/18 P-51 as the starting point for a rebuilt, repainted and "superdetailed" customised model, it'd still be OK for my purposes. (All of the smaller details will be replaced or heavily modified - the airframe, propellor and canopy are the only parts I really need)

However, is it true that the series 1 XD Mustang is collectable now + actually worth more than the newer BBI one? Or is it only certain colour schemes that are rare + collectable?

Ive had Big Beautiful Doll hanging in the basement for a while, recently I recieved the BBI 51 Killer, its like night and day as far as detail.

Guys, please keep in mind that the first generation P-51 Mustang from 21st was the FIRST 1:18 scale aircraft out there... it started it all. Things have come a long way since then.

Maybe the 21st pilot was molded after Dustin Hoffman and the BBI was Tim Robbins. I remember getting the 21st version, I thought it was the greatest thing. We have come along way.

BD6

As Britt mentioned, the XD P-51 started off the ENTIRE 1:18 line of aircraft. And as such, it tends to land pretty high bids on E-Bay. I'm personally proud to have my MIB LOU IV I got from the 21st fan club when they actually offered it back in 2001!! The small pilot was done to make it easier to fit him in the cockpit. The later larger pilot of BBD had to be mashed in to fit! So you can't blame 21st for actually starting a completely new hobby, now can you!!


-Ski

Yeah, kudos to 21st for coming such a long way from their first P-51.

I just found it odd that in all the first series planes, they chose to P-51 to mess up...it's not that they are lacking in reference materials.

The Stuka is nice, even by today's standards. Could use a little work, but still look great, out of box. The P-38 is awesome....was that 1st series too?

Easy man, just a little humor after looking at the figures by each other, I did not blame 21st for anything in my post. I am well aware of what 21st has done for the hobby, I have been with them from day one !!

Yes kudos to 21st for kicking off this exciting hobby! Designs most often get better as time passes. For example look at the ridiculous musclebound Star Wars figures (1995) compared to more recent super articulated figures-night and day difference.
Todd

Big Duke 6 wrote:Easy man, just a little humor after looking at the figures by each other, I did not blame 21st for anything in my post. I am well aware of what 21st has done for the hobby, I have been with them from day one !!

I thought he was kidding Duke, and I know you were too

I have the "Lou IV" and the "Laura Michelle" P-51s (produced by 21C), and the BBi "Killer Ace".

While I agree with the comments made about BBi's detail superiority over the 21C, S1 series, I feel that in terms of overall shape accuracy, the S1 models are closer to the real thing. I say this because while comparing the models to various pictures, drawings and profiles, the S1 models seem closer (to me at least) in terms of proportion ratios, canopy shape and fuselage design.

Obviously the landing gears (especially the tail wheel), wheel pants, air scoops and other details leave a lot to be desired when compared to BBi's product, but then of course, one must consider the time difference as mentioned previously.

The truth is that I love all my P-51s and appreciate each particular model for what it is.

As for the short pilot in one of them, it doesn't bother me because in real life we also have pilots of various heights and shapes. They certainly were not all six feet or taller, white, blonde and blue eyed. In fact, I've read that the average WW-II pilot was 5'4".

LOL BoomBoom! Happy New Year and make lots of bucks on e-bay.

You need help Dave.......


But, seriously, your RAF and 56FG painted planes look beautiful!!

-Ski

Emil Frand wrote:Ive had Big Beautiful Doll hanging in the basement for a while, recently I recieved the BBI 51 Killer, its like night and day as far as detail.

Supposadly the original Beautiful doll's checker board design is all wrong(checkers too big) they announced a few months ago they were coming out with an updated version. Havn't seen or heard about it yet, Also Thought the NEW 32nd Zero and Itialian plane were supposed to be out for the holidays. Right just like the Avenger. 21C sure puts out alot of mis info as usual with 21C. They sure are bringing back the old stuff in the repaint mode and alot of new 32nd stuff. One 32nd that might be wrong also is the P-47 Bubbletop "Angie". Box say's Col Anthony V Grossetta, plane say's pilot Capt Paul Rogers. Can't find any info anywhere saying Grossetta ever flew that plane although he was the commanding officer of the 406th fighter group of which the 512th was attached.

I managed to win a BBI P-51 on eBay for $46 plus $25 airmail post to the UK - total around £41 which isn't
bad (the most I've paid for a 1/18 plane so far but I doubt I'll find one cheaper).
This will probably be my third 1/18 customisation project. Currently I'm working on the Corsair and my next one
will be the Fw190D.

EPinniger wrote:The basic shape of the XD P-51 still looks OK though. Since I'm interested in a 1/18 P-51 as the starting point for a rebuilt, repainted and "superdetailed" customised model, it'd still be OK for my purposes. (All of the smaller details will be replaced or heavily modified - the airframe, propellor and canopy are the only parts I really need)

The 21c Mustang has the wrong proportions. The wings, rudder, and tail are all far too thick and the edges look too rounded. The BBI mustang is much closer to the actual P-51 in basic shape. The BBI model would be a much better starting point for a super detailed custom model.

Teamski wrote:Check out my comparison photos of the bbi P-51 and the original 21st P-51 here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/225288325hOldRN

Not the best photos, but they should answer your questions! :D

-Ski

I hadn't seen that before Teamski, very nice job. And I also enjoyed seeing your similar comparison of the Corsiars!

Yes, 21st deserves mucho praiso for starting it all with the S1 P51, but it's obvious that the present BBI model kicks its butt.