Theo Posted January 25 Posted January 25 Title says it all. I wonder iff they can improve there Mustang with this engine and they should do a new cockpit, I like to hear what you think
MikeC Posted January 26 Posted January 26 I am 99% certain that Airfix would not do that, for many commercial and practical reasons. But could a modeller fit the Merlin from the new Spitfire into the old P-51D? The engine is a Merlin in each case, as we know, so the simple answer is yes. The more complex answer is that it depends on respective variants of Merlin, not least that the engine in the Spitfire VIII and IX was produced by RR, the Mustang's by Packard; ancilliary fittings, with perhaps some not fitted to one or the other, some to both but in different positions; and engine mountings in the aircraft. No doubt it could be done with application of modelling skills. Pete Roberts and KiwiZac 2
geedubelyer Posted January 26 Posted January 26 (edited) Yes. Unfortunately for modellers, Airfix have said in the past that they will not revisit their vintage classic range so they are unlikely to modify or add anything to the Mustang. The aftermarket creators are probably the best bet in this scenario or as Mike suggests, modifying things by the modeller. Edited January 26 by geedubelyer
Shoggz Posted January 26 Posted January 26 I’ve seen a number of modellers utilise the Merlin from the 1:24 Hurricane in their Mark.I Spitfire builds, as it was a far superior version of the engine. (I’ve built both and can concur!) So, I’m sure with the requisite skills, it’s possible to pop the latest version from the Mk.IX or Mk.VIII into the P-51. The Packard version was based on the 6x series of Merlins, so will be basically the same - with that distinctive ‘box’ on top for the two-stage supercharger.
Royboy Posted January 26 Posted January 26 If you wish to upgrade the cockpit could I recommend the Airscale products which I purchased for this very kit! You won't be disappointed! Yes the engine could be transplanted but as has been identified already by these other distinguished modellers on here it will require only some research and some moderate modelling skills. Enjoy!😎 Archimedes and Rick Griewski 2
Johnny Cloud Posted January 27 Posted January 27 On 1/26/2025 at 2:14 AM, geedubelyer said: Yes. Unfortunately for modellers, Airfix have said in the past that they will not revisit their vintage classic range so they are unlikely to modify or add anything to the Mustang. The aftermarket creators are probably the best bet in this scenario or as Mike suggests, modifying things by the modeller. I would take that with a grain of salt. It seems the old 1/24 P-51D still makes them some money but at some point it will make more financial sense to produce a new tool. I believe it's unavoidable, it's just a matter of time. CRAZY IVAN5 1
Pete Roberts Posted January 27 Posted January 27 1 hour ago, Johnny Cloud said: I would take that with a grain of salt. It seems the old 1/24 P-51D still makes them some money but at some point it will make more financial sense to produce a new tool. I believe it's unavoidable, it's just a matter of time. I would like to think you are right, but I am not holding my breath. After all, what makes the P-51D different to the Spitfire Mk I, Hurricane Mk I, or Me 109E? All iconic aircraft, yet there is no sign of any being re-tooled. Indeed, these kits have been re-released as 'Vintage' series. I would have thought that, if re-tooled kits were in their calculations, they wouldn't have diluted the market by re-releasing the older versions. CRAZY IVAN5, Johnny Cloud and geedubelyer 3
Johnny Cloud Posted January 28 Posted January 28 Yes, I agree Peter, it may take a while. All their old 1/24 kits are iconic aircraft that would sell very well if retooled.
jcweston351 Posted February 1 Posted February 1 It'd be far better if they'd design & manufacture a completely new Mustang, there are many issues with their old kit both shape & detail wise, I built & detailed it many years ago. Airfix clearly have a tonne of info & data on the mustang based on their smaller scale kits on the subject & apart from Trumpy they are the only manufacturers that do 24th scale kits. It'd be like printing money for them to re-do this kit to a level like their new release large scale kits.
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