[skydriver]

I found the FOV 1:32 P-51 at Target, and figure for only $24.99 it might be worth it. At least I can compare it to my Corgi 1:32 P-51's. Unfortunatly, I do not have pictures to post, but will try to do so this week.

The GOOD:

Price- For only $25.00....I guess it is worth it, compared to the prices for other 1:32 scale P-51's. (Especially if you have it on a high shelf and people do not handle it too much).

Flaps- The flaps are the best I have seen on any model. They acutally extend and and look great. Whoever designed them did a good job.

Paint- Overall the paint job looks very good including the lettering and invasion stripes.

Canopy- The canopy does slid open ( but see what I say about the cockpit/pilot below )

Propeller- Nice job and I especially like the manufactor decals.

The BAD:

1. There are 14... yes 14 little screws on the lower wing used to attach it to the upper part of the wing and the body of the plane. They did not even use little plastic covers to cover them. At least on the bottom of the horizontal stabilizer they used plastic covers to hide the 4 screw holes holding those together. There is also 1 little screw keeping the tail of the plane attached.

2. There are also 4 pretty noticible holes ( read "big" between the lines ) in the lower area of the plane where it was attached to the plastic base it came mounted to.

All in all the bottom of the plane looks like s**t.

3. The elevator tabs are movable, but once they move good luck keeping them in any noticable position. The right tab just falls into the descent position while the left tab will at least hold in a semi level flight position.

4. I decided not to touch the ailerons after seeing what happens when I manipulated the elevator positions to reflect the actual angle of flight as how the plane looks on the stand.

5. It looks like the instrument panel is nicely done, but it is completly covered by what seems to be on oversized gunsight. I am no expert, but it looks like the gunsight would fit better in a 1:24 scale than a 1:32 scale.

6. The pilot also looks like he should be in a 1:24 scale aircraft. Also, because of the oversized gunsight, I just do not know how he would be able to see forward of the airplane as it looks like his forward vision is completly blocked.

7. You have the option of leaving the engine visible , but I prefer to keep it covered. It was a tight fight getting the engine cover in place, and once it finally snapped in, I dared not try to remove it for fear of breaking it.

Finally, it looks like this is the George Preddy's "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd" as it has the blue nose paint job of the "Blue Nose Bastards of Bodney", and the lettering of his aircraft both on the side and tail. It also has his aircraft number stenciled on the rudder and 30 "kills" on the nose. But what really sucks, is if this is supposed to be his aircraft, which by all information I have found it is, then they could have at least finished the job and stenciled "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd" on the nose, as well as his name on the canopy.

[duxford]

Thanks for the review!

I found one at Target and had to have it, but it is BIG! I agree with the complaint about the name. I ordered some decals from Squadron/Signal--and hope to remedy this situation.

You did get a deal: I paid $29.95. Right now it is in the attic, waiting for a place to settle.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by skydriver

Finally, it looks like this is the George Preddy's "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd" as it has the blue nose paint job of the "Blue Nose Bastards of Bodney", and the lettering of his aircraft both on the side and tail. It also has his aircraft number stenciled on the rudder and 30 "kills" on the nose. But what really sucks, is if this is supposed to be his aircraft, which by all information I have found it is, then they could have at least finished the job and stenciled "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd" on the nose, as well as his name on the canopy.

Speculation is that Preddys family wouldn't let them use his Personal stuff on the plane without paying copywrite royalties.. The other Mustang is also supposed to represent Yeagers and it is the same way..

[duxford]

What an experience in unpacking. Worse than Corgi Legends. And the Preddy Mustang is BIG. But after all is put together, it was worth it. I will send some pictures.

I did not attach the rockets. I did apply some of the decals for the 1:32 Hasagewa. I know the Cripes is not the right style (should be Cripes 3rd), but it came out nice. With the little decal work I did, I know I will not ever build another model plane. Good thing I had some good tweezers.