[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by 1250ships

Another quick Photoshop job putting Shawn's image of the real bird in between the two models. Remember- different angles and different canopy types so you can only tell so much from these images. Also shrank them a bit to get them to fit hopefully on one screen.



My two cents is that the Gemini is closer to correct though I really do like the polished finish on the Corgi.

In my opinion the Corgi nose shape and profile looks very incorrect in comparison to the GA!

[timbo]

Thanks Stalag for the quick comparison.

For me my eye keeps focusing in on the cockpit - That just looks like there is something wrong in the main dimensions. If that is out it could be creating the illusion that other parts of the plane are out. The windows behind the cockpit do seem to be too small both in comparison to the Gemini photo and also the pictures of the real thing with Malcom hood posted earlier in this thread. Alternitivly they could be right but hood itself is out.

[SKUNKY]

It's not the length of the nose that's at issue as much as the shape of it...It looks like you could set a straight-edge on top of Corgi's and it would sit perfectly flat. That's primarily what looks so wrong about it...(well, that and the Grand Canyonesque gaps)

[leeG]

Originally Posted by stalag8611

The big issue with the Corgis is the flat engine cowling-it is wrong.

I've been looking at some pictures of the pre-production P-51A and comparing to this P-51B. I think the cowling is flat so the Allison air scoop can just sit directly on top for the A. Drill a couple of holes and drop it in. We've already noted the bottom of the cowling is swappable to make the B and A.

The A may be the best of this series, less compromised, so to speek. The plastic turtle deck won't be an issue on a full camouflaged livery, and I don't think the seams will be as prominent as with the metallic finish.

I really want to see this bird up close now. I'll keep my pre-orders for 'Shangri-La' and the Mk1a.

Measuring. Comparing. Complaining. That's what this hobby is all about!!

[stalag8611]

Looking at all four different manufactures of the P-51, yup I even count in Easy Moldels, got my curiousity working overtime and I visited the unofficial Corgi archive, specifically the P-51B section. Tricatus shows three issues: the Missouri Mauler (US37101), Tommy's Dad (AA37104) and RAF Sqn #224 (AA37105). I think Corgi may be playing a very clever game by using trompe l'oeil to disguise the fact that the same old flat cowling is still in use. On the Missouri Mauler the anti-glare panel is painted in an almost trapezoidal manner which confuses the eye. Tommy's Dad is lettered on he edge of the cowling, ditto fooling the eye. On the RAF model, an air scoop is in place on the cowling and certainly disguises the flat cowl. Take a look and tell me that I'm starting to get paranoid, or not.

[Shawn 507]

If only Corgi had tappered both the top and bottom of the nose I think it may have helped. And I do think Corgi's wings are a wee bit forward as mentioned earlier. Still the British Mk 1 / A model does look allot better.
- Shawn

[Kaptin_Kirk]

Originally Posted by 1250ships

Another quick Photoshop job putting Shawn's image of the real bird in between the two models. Remember- different angles and different canopy types so you can only tell so much from these images. Also shrank them a bit to get them to fit hopefully on one screen.



My two cents is that the Gemini is closer to correct though I really do like the polished finish on the Corgi.

I agree, Gemini's P-51 is by far the better model. Wake up Corgi!

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

I think you've nailed it, the Corgi wings do look to be mounted too far forward and that throws everything off. I hope these pics work, Its shows the Gemini wings to be correct if going by the diagonal panel line that comes off the front of the GA wing.
- Shawn

Just to prove a point, checkout the two top view profiles for each Mustangs - the "D"
and the "B/C" models. Do you guys see any differences on the forward leading edge wing
connecting to the nose section. It's a bit hard to tell but if you examine it close enough
it becomes pretty obvious that the wing leading edge on the D model tapers far forward
more than on the B/C model of the P-51. It's possible that Corgi just gotten lazy in retooling
and made use their existing "D" mould of the P-51 instead, and only made changes in the cockpit
area to represent a "B/C" model, but it is still wrongly shaped anyway.

Just my .02.

[Old Crow]

It is very hard to tell, but to me the leading edge of the Corgi model's wings appear to be perpendicular (90 degrees) to the centerline of the fuselage while on the real bird (B/C and D) the leading edge of the wings should trail away at a little more than 90 degrees (after the area nearest the wing root). Of course, it could just be the angle of the photo.

[Shamrock]

Dragon, even with the loose flap and spindly undercarriage issues are the best Ds. Gemini Bs are superb even with the King Kong' pilots of the early aircraft. Comparing Corgi P-51Ds with Dragon, and Corgi P-51Bs with Gemini is similar to comparing Corgi and Gemini Spitfires IMHO. The Corgi moulds are old, with big joint lines and do not bear comparison with Gemini because of the 6/7 year development difference.

I've pre-ordered Tommy's Dad and the cannon armed RAF MK111. The faults inherent in the Corgi moulds won't bother me too much. Old Crow and the slightly weathered Bud Mahurin are in my collection albeit with faults.Gemini are still the benchmark regarding Mustangs and Spitfires I feel. Vote with your feet on the Corgi P-51B; if you like it, buy it/if not buy Gemini!!