[Old Crow]

Well, folks, just returned home from L.A. with all 3 of the new Gemini Aces. Just opened up the P-51B and I'm working on unpacking the others. Will post pics later when I get a chance.

Mini-review: these birds are heavy and seem to have more metal than their die-cast brethren. Few parts to attach, save 2 different sets of drop tanks on the -51, and a center line tank for the 109. Only other parts to attach are the U/C, which have the struts attached to the covers for each configuration so are easy to attach.

Each has moving rudder and ailerons and a prop that feels quite sturdy and turns very easily.

Each has pilot figure of average quality but the canopy on the spitfire is a bit cloudy; the others are better. Markings seem crisp and each even has some very tiny stenciling. I know some have wondered about the colors. Hard for me to say as all my reference books are boxed away and i have always been skeptical about criticisms of color in any case as there are few color photos and none of us have seen the real deal circa 1940's. None seem wrong in the way that Forces of Valor colors on their 1/32 birds always look off. Interestingly, the -51 has OD green paint on the upper wings adjacent to the wing roots and on the upper fuselage immediately behind the cockpit and a different shade of OD for the anti-glare panel in front of the cockpit. No idea if this is accurate.

Profiles and lines look good to me, more delicate in the way of Dragon models. Each bird's propeller blades are different and styled accurately, with manufacturer markings on the Mustang's blades. Wheels on the U/C are average, about the same as Corgi.

The stand is either the best or the worst yet. It is the same heavy, metal stand available for Gemini 1/400 civilian jets (I think these sell separately for $5-7) but are painted flat green. However, the plane has a small hole on the bottom of the fuselage and, as far as my puny brain can fathom, the model simply rests on the stand with a small peg at the top inserted into the hole, and it is very unstable.

No weathering so those who like the showroom fresh look will be pleased. Dragon-style boxes have a camo pattern with a color profile of the enclosed bird on the cover with information about the type and the specific bird on the inside. Each plane comes with an attractive credit card-style collector card and the collector number (xxxx of 2000).

Final verdict: 4 stars out of 5 for the Mustang; 3 and a half stars for the other 2. This may change as I get used to these as I am afraid these were so anticipated that my expectations were probably inflated.

[admin]

While I know that is useless to debate to correctness of the OD Green color, does it look good?

[planenuts]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

Interestingly, the -51 has OD green paint on the upper wings adjacent to the wing roots and on the upper fuselage immediately behind the cockpit and a different shade of OD for the anti-glare panel in front of the cockpit. No idea if this is accurate.

SOME U.S. squadrons used British paints for over paints, etc. Maybe their references told them that's what they used on the wings and fuselage. I can't find anything specific in all of my references on this squadron.

Actually A LOT of study has gone into what was WWII U.S. olive drab 41. A good place to start is; 'The Official Monogram US Army Air Service & Air Corp Aircraft Color Guide' by Robert D. Archer. Then all of the studies by the esteemed Steven Zaloga. They now know within a hair what WWII olive drab 41 was. The only question that remains is if the change to ANA 613 olive drab was used during wartime.

[Old Crow]

While I know that is useless to debate to correctness of the OD Green color, does it look good?

Yes. In fact, the different shades seem to give it an air of authenticity. Makes me wonder if this is a situation like the A Bit O Lace B-17, with the cowling cover taken from another plane or some similar scenario.

[admin]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

Yes. In fact, the different shades seem to give it an air of authenticity. Makes me wonder if this is a situation like the A Bit O Lace B-17, with the cowling cover taken from another plane or some similar scenario.

Reeaally.....It has mixed panels (different shades)? Thats way cool! I think thats the way that most of these model should have been made in the first place.

[Old Crow]

Reeaally.....It has mixed panels (different shades)?

Well, I wouldn't go that far yet. All I can say is that the shades are different. The cowling cover is a more brown version of OD. The more I look at this the more I am inclined to agree with Planenuts and think this is a representation of the invasion stripes overpainted with OD.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

Yes. In fact, the different shades seem to give it an air of authenticity. Makes me wonder if this is a situation like the A Bit O Lace B-17, with the cowling cover taken from another plane or some similar scenario.

Seems to me if it has different shades, that would mean it's been in the field awhile, and therefore should not look factory fresh. A factory fresh craft should be the same shade, should it not?

Anyway, Old Crow, thanks for the review.

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

Wheels on the U/C are average, about the same as Corgi.

...On the Mustang? ...Please say it ain't so, Crow...Not those Flintstonemobile tires.......I really want to see the main gear doors....Piccies please!....

[HotTrap429]

Don't worry Skunky, I'm sure the wheels are okay.
Thanks for the P-51B review OldCrow. Just received my shipping confirmation from the Mule and now I'm waiting for that box. Can't wait!

Glad I didn't bite on the Spit and 109.

[Old Crow]

...On the Mustang? ...Please say it ain't so, Crow...Not those Flintstonemobile tires.......I really want to see the main gear doors....Piccies please!....

Fear not, O aromatic one. Upon further review, and with a semi-decent night's sleep, I think my initial U/C review was a tad harsh. They actually look pretty good, but I'll wait to see if they pass the sniff test.

Anyway, here are some pics. Forgive the quality but they are the best I can do. I think Tricatus should hold a diecast photography clinic. A couple show the difference in shades of green or O.D. I referred to earlier.