Small Scale Military Headquarters

I realized today I do not have a P-51D in my collection. So, besides a Corgi one, or a model kit,what is the best 1/32 scale one out there in your opinion. Standard considerations apply; is it a good mold, is its build quality good, and does its paint scheme match the legendary stature of the plane. Thanks guys.

- Kevin

Best is the Tamiya kit, but I'm guessing you don't want to build it yourself.

If you don't want to build a kit, or get a Corgi 1/32 or GMP 1/35, then that only leaves 21 Century.

Not bad, but certainly not Corgi quality.

snake wrote:If you don't want to build a kit, or get a Corgi 1/32 or GMP 1/35, then that only leaves 21 Century.

Not bad, but certainly not Corgi quality.

Didn't FoV make a D model P-51? I have none of the 1/32 aircraft that FoV produced so i don't really know how they compare in terms of quality.

And didn't 21st have multiple molds of the P-51D? I seem to recall mention of them having re-done their D model because the first one was wonky. And I already have the B/C model 21st did and I like it a lot, just looking for it's prettier sibling

-Kevin

PanzerArm wrote:

snake wrote:If you don't want to build a kit, or get a Corgi 1/32 or GMP 1/35, then that only leaves 21 Century.

Not bad, but certainly not Corgi quality.

Didn't FoV make a D model P-51? I have none of the 1/32 aircraft that FoV produced so i don't really know how they compare in terms of quality.

And didn't 21st have multiple molds of the P-51D? I seem to recall mention of them having re-done their D model because the first one was wonky. And I already have the B/C model 21st did and I like it a lot, just looking for it's prettier sibling

-Kevin

Yeah, forgot about the FoV ones. But they are kind of forgetable anyway.

Not very good quality, and I would save your money.

The earlier releases by 21 Century did have issues, the most noticeable beeing the huge rivets that covered the model. Later releases were much better in this regard.

Still say go with Corgi, but if not, then 21 Century. But the Corgi is worth the money, especially for such an iconic fighter as the P-51D.

I had an FOV P51 and the quality was pretty rough - huge rivets & panel lines like the early 21C planes but worse. Mine was actual diecast on the fuselage but the weight actually made it seem dangerous. I display my planes in flight overhead and the FOV Mustang is a concussion on pause.

Give me a minute to search and I may still have a pic of it next to a 21C.

The best 1/32 scale P-51D prebuilt is made by Corgi. The GMP P-51D is 1/35 scale so not quite the same size and there is some speculation about the length of the main wings which got shorter on some models.
The 21st P-51D is not bad and makes a fine display piece if you choose to display it in flight.

Your second option would be to have someone build a Tamiya or ZoukeiMura P-51D

Don't know how well these will work for comparison, but here goes:

Early 21C mold:


Later 21C mold:


FOV offering:

Thanks CplSlade, this is exactly what I was looking for. It seems for the money, the later 21st Century P-51D is the one for me. If only I could find a Corgi one for <$100 I would opt for it but methinks that is a fantasy I may never see.

-Kevin

I'd have to agree with the others that the 21st Century retooled P-51D is the way to go if you want affordability combined with accuracy in 1:32 scale. Take note in that the 21c retooled P-51D had only 3 schemes: Double Nuthin/Checkertail; Mrs. Bonnie; RAF 112 Sq/Sharkmouth. These all tend to have various QC issues that many of the later 21c items had in any scale, particularly paint alignment issues. You will find other 21c P-51Ds in 1:32 scale in a variety of great paint schemes, but they are the early 32x version, which is just a scaled-down version of the original 1:18 P-51 tooling from 2000 as you can see in [CAT]CplSlade's photo.

You can always repaint a 21C if you don't like the few schemes offered. It wouldn't be any different than building one of the kits they made which were nothing more than the toys unassembled AS WELL AS unpainted. They go together as simple as the old snap-together kits (unless you get one where they glued the fuselage) and since you have to primer a model anyway covering up the old paint is no problem. You can pretty much keep the underside as it is by some simple masking if you do an OD paint job - they all keep the Stars'n'Bars and there is no other stenciling on the 21C planes, really. If you want NMF then it becomes complicated since you have to prep more to get that nice finish and not that grainy $2 pot of Testor's enamel finish that would look awful even on a preschooler's art project.

I know you'd prefer pre-built but perhaps someone could repaint it for you?

Know it is easy for me to say, as not my money.

But go for the Corgi, PanzerArm. You are looking for a 1/32 scale example of one of the most iconic fighters of all time, and the Corgi is so much better than the others.

Has a lot of metal content, and comes with a good display stand as well.

It will really stand out, and the quality will be apparent.

Should be the best 1/32 model in your collection, and a P-51D.

Oh man I wish I could, but the wife would kill me. Most I see on eBay are going for around $180, and with one kiddo already and another one on the way, my gut instinct says it's probably not a prudent purchase either. If I could find one for less that $100, maybe, but until then I can't see myself making the commitment. Maybe I should just hold off until I can get one because from what you guys are saying, it sounds like there is no comparison.

-Kevin

onmarkint has the Corgi 1/32 RAF P-51D for $99 with free shipping.

PanzerArm wrote:Oh man I wish I could, but the wife would kill me. Most I see on eBay are going for around $180, and with one kiddo already and another one on the way, my gut instinct says it's probably not a prudent purchase either. If I could find one for less that $100, maybe, but until then I can't see myself making the commitment. Maybe I should just hold off until I can get one because from what you guys are saying, it sounds like there is no comparison.

-Kevin

I have a couple of Corgi 1/32 P-51D's that I started to repaint but never finished. I'd let you have one of those for a sweet deal. They are just repainted to bare silver. I think they are complete other than missing drop tanks.
PM me if interested.
Harry

PM Sent