1/32 P-51D, need advice, which is the best detailed kit??????

**N4521U** · 05-15-2011 01:01 AM

I have been searching for Anything on this scale kit and can find nothing definitive. I want something with an engine, good scale and detail. Everything I have found shows only finished kits, nothing that will point me toward a kit.

I have a 1/48th of Merlin's Magic underway, but my ultimate goal is a 32nd diorama +/-. I have a Tamiya engine on a stand that will be the blown engine, Reno races, and want the top cowlings off and replacement engine installed, work stands on both sides, prop off and on it's own stand. See pictures, prop, engine and my 1/32nd engine on scratch built stand underway.

Give me an idea of your choices, Has or other. I know I have seen a D model build on the forum, but cannot locate it.

Much appreciated, Bill Attachment 167433 Attachment 167431 Attachment 167432

**N4521U** · 05-15-2011 01:12 AM

I have been searching for Anything on this scale kit and can find nothing definitive. I want something with an engine, good scale and detail. Everything I have found shows only finished kits, nothing that will point me toward a kit.

I have a 1/48th of Merlin's Magic underway, but my ultimate goal is a 32nd diorama +/-. I have a Tamiya engine on a stand that will be the blown engine, Reno races, and want the top cowlings off and replacement engine installed, work stands on both sides, prop off and on it's own stand. See pictures, prop, engine and my 1/32nd engine on scratch built stand underway.

Give me an idea of your choices, Has or other. I know I have seen a D model build on the forum, but cannot locate it.

Much appreciated, Bill

1/32 P-51D, need advice, which is the best detailed kit??????-2-prop.jpg

1/32 P-51D, need advice, which is the best detailed kit??????-2-blown-engine.jpg

1/32 P-51D, need advice, which is the best detailed kit??????-2-engine-stand.jpg

**ozhawk40** · 05-15-2011 02:12 AM

Wait for the Tamiya, due out soon. Brand new kit - as good or better than the IX/VIII/XVI Spitty they did.

**Airframes** · 05-15-2011 11:06 AM

I'd agree there. It'll be costly, but well worth it. Second choice would maybe be the Dragon kit, but it's a b*tch to fit. Looks great when done though. Not sure about the Trumpeter offering.

**Crimea_River** · 05-15-2011 12:33 PM

The Trumpy 'stang, based on pictures I've seen, has potholes for rivets. Looks really bad IMHO.

**Airframes** · 05-15-2011 12:48 PM

I'll stay away from that one then Andy! Thanks mate, I haven't seen it yet.

**Crimea_River** · 05-15-2011 12:58 PM

example:

**N4521U** · 05-16-2011 06:27 AM

And! Look at the surface of the Dragon, and look how deep the panel lines are!!!!!! I want a smooth polished aluminium look.

Now, having said all this, is the Tamiya kit open to pre-purchase yet?????????? Like the Spitty was? I have heard both ways.
Never the less I will wait.

**Airframes** · 05-16-2011 12:23 PM

The Trump and Dragon kits seem similar in their rivet detail. Once given a couple of good paint coats and a polish though, the Dragon looks acceptable for a WW2 machine, but maybe not the smooth, highly polished finish of a racer. Not sure about pre-order on the Tamiya kit - could depend on the outlet. Hannant's, for example, normally announce when they will accept pre-orders.

**ozhawk40** · 05-17-2011 10:35 AM

Bill

Just found out there's another contender.

Zoukei-mura have recently announced a 1/32 scale P-51D. They are taking pre-orders at the end of May.

http://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/cp-bin/blog_en/

Sooo... big choice now. Tamiya or the Z-M?

Can't wait for a comparo on these two.

Cheers

Peter

**N4521U** · 05-19-2011 09:01 AM

Looked at that one you posted Oz. Looks promising.
Does anyone have experience with their kits?

Sorry about the double post, I had a lot of ISP trouble with this one.