Winnie Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 So I have both in the stash, and as I am moving closer towards the finish line with my Revell P-51D (NEVER AGAIN!) I want some opinions on which one to start next.... ANd I have both in the stash so no worries there. I have looked through both, and the P-51 D looks to me to be more "gimmicky" with movable flaps and flight controls and pose-able wheels as well as the on or off engine cowlings. I also have a slew of Barracuda Cast for the P-51D, whilst the only aftermarket for the F4U is Radub's seatbelts. Anyway, I have looked at several F4U builds lately but not that many P-51 builds show up. so, if you have looked at both, or better have both, or even better again, have BUILT both, what is YOUR opinion? Cheers Harald MikeC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 (edited) I have built several of both and love both kits, probably 2 of the best kits out there. Can't go wrong with either IMO. However the mustang is slightly easier to do just because of the corsairs wingfold set up and even that isn't bad. I would flip a coin on the build and go with it. Edited November 7, 2019 by The Dude LSP_K2, MikeC and Winnie 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly Roger Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 I have built both, and as the Dude said both are amazing kits. I personally found the F4U to be a more enjoyable build. True, the wing fold area is a bit of a PITA but the P-51D has things like PE and SS rod hinges, magnetic panels, etc. My vote is for the Corsair! MikeC and Winnie 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbk57 Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 I love both kits and they are different experiences. The Corsair has more actuators and bits that are visible relative to the various flaps and control surfaces, also the way the landing gear works it all has to be built one way or the other, thus reflecting the kit’s engineering. The Mustang lends itself to the working control surfaces more so than the corsair does. These are not that difficult to work with and build, I have worked with them on multiple kits and they allow you to snap in the control surfaces after construction is finished for the most part if you choose. I really like the magnetic cowling feature, the top and sides fit perfectly and remove nicely. The bottom is too flimsy to safely remove really once it is installed. I have found a dab of lithium grease though on the pins makes it viable to remove that piece if desired. Canopy remains workable on the Mustang which I love as you can display open or closed. Biggest criticism I think most people have of the Mustang is the riveting on the wings. On my last build I spent hours filling and sanding. I have a different method in mind next time I build one as I now have Gunze liquid filler which might do the job better. I love these kits, I will be building more of each in the future. Probably will do another Mustang though next as I did a F4U-1D this year. The Machine gun bays are a lot of work, I like them though have had satisfactory results with those on both of my builds. All in all I love the Tamiya Mustang. I think I like it slightly better than the Corsair in the end. Mustang also has a lot more personal marking options which to me marginally pips the mustang as my preference of the two. I am a big fan of removable cowlings on Model airplanes with engines as it permits display of the engine without it being a permanent state. I don’t like building the plane opened up on a permanent basis. Winnie and MikeC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winnie Posted November 7, 2019 Author Share Posted November 7, 2019 OK that allays some of my fears with the P-51 kit. So perhaps I'll chose that one to do next, as it has sat the longest of the 2 in the stash. I love the F4U as well, but may need to gather more aftermarket for it. As long as the Tamiya kit models better than the Revell kit we will be off to a winner... lol Cheers and thanks all! MikeC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbk57 Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 I have never built the revell kit, however if you are careful with the Tamiya kit and follow the instructions it is amazing. Personally I would not build the Revell kit, not because I think there is anything particularly wrong with it, the Tamiya kit is just that nice. The only issue I had with the Tamiya kit was on the second build, I used the Baracuda Cockpit sidewalls and the floor has to be trimmed for them to fit. I must not have trimmed quite enough because my fit was a tad off when I closed up the fusilage. So do lots of test fitting if you add any AM. MikeC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_K2 Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 I have both (very happily I might add), but have begun neither. Both look utterly magnificent in the box. Like the Dude said, just flip a coin. MikeC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ron Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 I've built the P-51D twice and the Corsair once. The Corsair is most certainly more difficult and you must follow the instructions to a tee or you can easily build in major fit issues with the engine, cowl and outer wings. I honestly fell AM for either kit outside of seat belts is sort of a waste of money. Neither kit really needs it. Ron MikeC and The Dude 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1to1scale Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 One warning, from personal experience, be careful building both as they came out in different versions, and most of the old parts are still on the trees, I accidentally installed a few birdcage parts on my F4U-1D! MikeC, haveblue and LSP_K2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ron Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 Also, for the mustang make sure you drill the two holes in each cylinder head before gluing the halves together. The hid that little step pretty well in the instructions and its near impossible to mount the exhaust in the correct location with no holes. MikeC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John1 Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Mustang is too gimmicky. Corsair is a complex bird but if you simply follow the directions carefully, you’ll have no issues. MikeC and Jolly Roger 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Well I'm off to SMW tomorrow with some money burning a hole in my pocket, so this thread is both timely and informative in helping me decide on a purchase. Although as for not needing aftermarket beyond seat belts for the Corsair, for me a set of RN Fleet Air Arm decals would be pretty much a must. Thanks all. LSP_K2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Fündekals do a lovely set of FAA decals Mike - I have a set here and will put together a review: http://www.fundekals.com/corsair_RN.html Iain LSP_K2 and MikeC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ray Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 5 hours ago, Iain said: Fündekals do a lovely set of FAA decals Mike - I have a set here and will put together a review: http://www.fundekals.com/corsair_RN.html Iain As does Eagle Editions/Jerry Crandall! Fundekals has some of the best background info on their website on their F4u decals, though. I guess it mostly comes down to whether you find a good deal on a birdcage, or -1A. At least either way you are covered! Iain and LSP_K2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Thanks chaps, both look good, as do this set So it seems I'm OK for any RN Corsair variant. But then again, whilst I have a "standard" P-51D, there's the Pacific boxing with the F-6D parts and a nice Kitsworld decal sheet calling me. Decisions, decisions ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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