Actually, (1) best overall kit and (2) best value kit. I have bought some air racer decals and am looking for a couple kits to put them on. As many of you know, I am a "naval a/c guy" and haven't a clue on this, and even contemplated using a Testors snapper just because I have a spare from working with my grandson. I will run through the review sites I know of, but wanted to know y'all's opinion.
John
I've built the 1/72 Airfix P-51D (a new tool from 2 years ago) and (most) of the 1/72 Tamiya P-51D.
Both kits are great. The Airfix kit has a few bonus features: lowered or raised flaps, positionable rudder, engineered for easy wheels-up building.
The Tamiya kit has a polycap prop (so it can be installed after painting and still be positionable) and comes with the open and shrouded exhausts (Airfix has shrouded exhausts only, if I recall correctly).
I also feel like the Tamiya main gear struts are more robust compared to the Airfix.
Both have very nice surface detail, although the Tamiya detail seems sharper in my opinion.
The Airfix kit is $9 retail, and the Tamiya lists at $19, but can be found at $15 or so, usually.
My choice is probably the Tamiya. If you're building several just for fun, I don't think the Airfix kit can be beat for the price! It's a very, very close second choice.
So to answer your questions, in my opinion:
1) Best: Tamiya
2) Best Value: Airfix
Let me know if you'll be at the meeting tomorrow, I have unassembled Airfix, Tamiya, and Hasegawa kits if you'd like to see them in person.
Thanks, Matt! Exactly the kind of info I was looking for. So Airfix is in the lead for me with its positionable flight surfaces and price.
JohnM
Now I want to build one! You can NEVER have too many Mustangs!!
Bill L.
Bill, It's quick and easy, go for it!
There are a lot of great decals out there in 1/72. If you have any sort of idea what markings you'd want to do, run it past me. I've got several 1/72 decal sets for the Mustang, so I may have the exact scheme you want if it's on a sheet I bought for another scheme.
PM sent. ;)
Bill L.