21C AC: New molds or new pieces?

[olifant]

Given the talk around the new Mustang D model, would you rather see new molds of old planes (Me-262, Thunderbolt, Warhawk, etc) to improve the quality or new molds (Lightning, Spitfire, ?) of never before done pieces?

I would prefer new molds of never before done pieces.

Disclaimer: I feel any work from 21C is positive.

[hworth18]

I would like to see new planes, BUT, I would also like 21st to redo some of their classic planes like the Bf-109E and Me-262.. I am not asking for a complete retool, but just enough to update the molds to more current standards..

[tmanthegreat]

I would like to see new planes, BUT, I would also like 21st to redo some of their classic planes like the Bf-109E and Me-262.. I am not asking for a complete retool, but just enough to update the molds to more current standards..

I second all of that The 32x planes from really the FW-190D on have been terrific in terms of detail and accuracy. The early P-51D, ME-262, and Bf-109E, however, are certainly not up to the level of the latest releases. Therefore, I'm glad to see 21c revisiting the P-51D

[Jagdpanther]

Its great that 21st is doing retool of its P51-D. But I would also like to see the older molds retooled, but then again new planes would be just has good.

[Quixote511]

While a retool of the 51 is nice, I am looking for more variety. Typhoon-Hurricane, Mossie, Black Widow-----you get the idea.

[nooker21]

I'd be happy if they kept making smaller versions of the ones they've already produced in 1/18, especially the spitfire, avenger, and lightning. Oh, and a razorback thunderbolt, if that doesn't count as going back and redoing a plane...

[olifant]

I am with you Nooker. If we are going to see a Thunderbolt re-tool I think the razorback would make more sense.

TKO, I am not sure you are in the know on this, but I have wondered how 21C is doing the mold mods. I work in the plastics industry and spent time about a decade ago working with injection applications. There are two ways you could modify molds when working with a P-51 B/C vs. the D model:

1) Design the mold with interchangable parts surrounding the cockpit/upper rear fuselage so you could swap out going from variant to variant. This is the more expensive way to go and can be problematic with mold lines.

2) Run all the production you want on the mold prior to permanently modifying it for future runs. It is much easier to remove material rather than micorweld it back in. In this scenario 21C would run all the B/C variants then modify the mold by machining away material to end up with a D variant.

My guess would be that 21C opted for option 1 for future flexibility. In that event we would see both new Thunderbolt variants. In the event they chose option 2 we better scoop up all the Mustang B/Cs as there will be no more in the pipeline.

There is the possibility they have made two molds for the two variants but this is more expensive. With auto-cad downloaded to machining equipment most of the cost is in the engineering labor; the only difference is equipment time and steel. I don't know what set up the factory uses though; it could range from top-of-the-line-we-handing-American-tool-shops-their-hats-with-our-cheap-labor to some old master mold maker hand machining the molds and running them on a little old 20 ton molder.

This area is outside my trained vocation so maybe someone else could comment. Spudkopf, I think you are in the industry aren't you?

TKO, can you weigh in if you know? It doesn't really matter as I will buy them even if they are carved from solid blocks of resin by artesian craftsman but it would be nice to know.

[1958Zelda]

I agree,I would prefer new planes such as the p-38.

[General custer]

Please diversify your production! Enough Tigers, Panthers, Sherman and other Panzer IV!

WW2 is however fertile in tanks in all kinds! We want original models, we need KV-1, JS III and ISU152, Churchill, Crusader and Comet, M10 Destroyer ...

And if you want to make profitable models already existing, Nasshorn and Hummer can be made on the basis of your PzKfw4, Sturmtiger on that of Tiger I, etc..

And then , the history of the armoured production is not limited to WW2! Thus... Centurions, Chieftains and Conquerors! M47, M48 and M103! T54 and T62! AMX50 , ARL44 and Leclerc!
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[RAD 2112]

I'm putting my vote in for a 357th P-51D with "Passion Wagon" on it.
OR
Captain Chuck Weaver's P-51D.