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ZM 1/32 P-51 kits


gunpowder

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For balance ...

 

The Tamiya kit is awesome ... it's true ... 

Like all Tamiya kits, it's highly detailed, fits together well and the finish is pretty decent.

My only criticism, if you can call it that ... is the external surface over-detail.

Unless you are super close to viewing a real mustang - its USUALLY quite difficult to see all the rivets.

While the Tamiya kit is leagues better than most in this department ... I think the ZM kit provides a better representation at the finish.

 

The ZM kit has a few mixed reviews ...

Some record that the parts fit wasn't the best ... but I didn't experience that at all - in either building the original kit or the Mk.IV variation.

I'll insert the caveat here that I ALWAYS (no matter the kit brand, type or medium) test fit and check against instructions at least 3 times ... and make any adjustments before glue gets anywhere near the parts.

More than the end result though ... was the build experience! ...

While I understand that assembly is not everyones cup of tea ... I really ENJOYED the way that the ZM kit went together - more so than the Tamiya kit.

 

For me ... the ZM kit scores a marginal win - for the restrained (to my eye - better) surface detail representation ... and for enjoyment of build experience.

They are the 2 best representations in '32 out there, though - for accuracy, detail, complete OOB build.

 

Rog :)

Edited by Artful69
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Get the Tamiya P-51D/K kit, it's a better kit albeit a bit more expensive.

 

I completely agree. Having fondled both kits extensively and now built two Tamiya kits I would say there is no comparison.  The Tamiya details are crisp and sharp almost to perfection. The ZM details are soft and almost toyish in comparison when you hold them side by side with the Tamiya version. 

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Thanks Guys. I have built a few Tamiya ones so i know how good they are. The reason i was asking about the ZM one os purely because it has the exact markings i wanted , the RAF shark mouth , that and the fact i have never built one. We took our Son to Duxford last weekend for the first time. He is only 13 months old but i was suprised how much he seemed to be taking in. The shark mouth P-51 was flying around while he were there and he was fascinated by it. I just wanted to build one to remember the day. I am building the Revell one with Alis tail , but i just fancied a change.

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I am building the ZM P51 right now. Yes I agree the Tamiya kit is better and I have built three of those but the ZM is a good kit and a worthy alternative to the Tammy. The plastic does lack some of the crispness of the Tammy and the engineering provides some very different challenges to the Tammy but it is an enjoyable build. My first Tamiya P51 was built as a 112 Squadron aircraft with the firewall camo scheme in a MkIV (not IVa) configuration which used the cuffed prop with the Tammy. The sharks mouth was obtained from an aftermarket set for a 1/32 Mk III which fit well. There is plenty of online information you can obtain to help with the build.

Edited by BarryWilliams
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Thanks Guys. I have built a few Tamiya ones so i know how good they are. The reason i was asking about the ZM one os purely because it has the exact markings i wanted , the RAF shark mouth , that and the fact i have never built one ...

 

I'd say ... go for it! ... 

 

Obviously do your due diligence and have a look at some reviews first (you've obviously begun that process here) ...

Remember I said that the method of ZM kit construction isn't for everyone ... although I found it very interesting.

 

Also ... sift through the overly strong opinions ... and the ever present sweeping general statements like "Kit A is the ultimate such and such" ...

One persons love is anothers abhorration ... and everyone has their own definition of what is acceptable.

 

Rog :)

Edited by Artful69
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FYI, if you buy the Tamiya mustang from Tamiya USA store, it's $99 with free shipping.

 

The P-51D/K (the OP asked about a P-51K) kit is not $99, it's $218 from the Tamiya store.  That is a good price for the regular D kit and with free shipping, it's even better.

Edited by Juggernut
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