[Cardinal]

Today I spent some time closely examining my GMP Cripes A' Mighty 3rd Mustang, which without a doubt is a beautiful piece of showroom die-cast .

However, I couldn't but fail to notice that although it has some unique detailing e.g. guns, it doesn't have nearly the same level of detail and realism as my 1/48 Patty Ann II P51B from Eagles International. To be honest, I think that the level of detailing on EI models is in a class of its own and will possibly be the main reason why I buy no more GMPs but instead put the Ca$h aside for the new EI releases and those from Carousel 1 (with the occasional HM and FM 1/48s thrown in for good measure) .

I'm definitely no rivet counter but am I alone in thinking that the hype surrounding GMP aircraft is more 'style over substance' ...

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

I'm definitely no rivet counter but am I alone in thinking that the hype surrounding GMP aircraft is more 'style over substance' ...

You're not alone in this matter, Cardo. Yes I totally concur with your assessment on this one. For me, I didn't buy into the 'substance' thing for what the GMP models seriously lacked in comparison to the Eagles Intl. diecasts. Instead I looked at it from another angle when making my decision to purchase it. The 'style' part of it ain't too bad as long as the subject matter captures the elegant profile, lines and shape of the P-51, which in this case is very much in line and acceptable to my taste. Besides, the GMP models offers us with features of working parts and details alot more than the EI models, imho. I'm very satisfied with the 2 P-51s and a P-40 I own so far. I am looking forward to next new mould that GMP will suprise. Here's hoping it's a ..........

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

You're not alone in this matter, Cardo. Yes I totally concur with your assessment on this one. For me, I didn't buy into the 'substance' thing for what the GMP models seriously lacked in comparison to the Eagles Intl. diecasts. Instead I looked at it from another angle when making my decision to purchase it. The 'style' part of it ain't too bad as long as the subject matter captures the elegant profile, lines and shape of the P-51, which in this case is very much in line and acceptable to my taste. Besides, the GMP models offers us with features of working parts and details alot more than the EI models, imho. I'm very satisfied with the 2 P-51s and a P-40 I own so far. I am looking forward to next new mould that GMP will suprise. Here's hoping it's a ..........

GMP aircraft definitely have plenty of style . They possibly even surpass our dapper Skunky in his tuxedo ...

(Seriously though, at the aesthetic level there is little to fault GMP aircraft - a display stand and metal prop would definitely enhance them as would some extra 'rivet' detail.)

[SKUNKY]

First off,Cardo, nothing but nothing will ever surpass me in my tux.

and secondly, I think I'm the only person in the world who doesn't even like GMP Mustangs..They never have looked right to me...Yes, they are pretty, lots of moving parts and have a good bit of detail and all, but they just- don't- look- right...sorry to all the the GMP fans out there who believe they are the definitive P-51 model..They're not. I believe the anorexic main landing gear is the primary culprit...If you don't believe me just look at a good (gear down) profile pic of the real deal and compare it to your GMP. A real Mustang looks a lot more robust....In short - too much money for not enough accuracy....Corgi's 1/32nd Mustangs, with all their shortcomings in detail, actually look better to me.....I would say that EI is the current king of the genre.

[mustangdriver]

I am a huge fan of both GMP and Eagles. I think they are the best. The GMP P-40 I feel is perfection and the P-51 is right up there in my opinion. However, the Eagles P-51 is perfect. These two companies have produced the finest models out there in the larrger scales. Now after getting my Hobbymaster Avenger, I feel that that is the best 1/72 scale bird I own.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

The GMP P-40 I feel is perfection and the P-51 is right up there in my opinion. However, the Eagles P-51 is perfect. These two companies have produced the finest models out there in the larrger scales

I tend to agree. I can't seem to find no fault about this airplane. To quote Seven of Nine: "It is BORG PERFECTION!"

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

You're not alone in this matter, Cardo. Yes I totally concur with your assessment on this one. For me, I didn't buy into the 'substance' thing for what the GMP models seriously lacked in comparison to the Eagles Intl. diecasts. Instead I looked at it from another angle when making my decision to purchase it. The 'style' part of it ain't too bad as long as the subject matter captures the elegant profile, lines and shape of the P-51, which in this case is very much in line and acceptable to my taste. Besides, the GMP models offers us with features of working parts and details alot more than the EI models, imho. I'm very satisfied with the 2 P-51s and a P-40 I own so far. I am looking forward to next new mould that GMP will suprise. Here's hoping it's a ..........

The more that I think about what you said (highlighted above) FlyXwire, the more I think they're true words of die-cast wisdom that should be applied in all those circumstances where someone likes a model because it just looks good and displays well, irrespective of minor 'rivet' issues ... definitely words to collect by i.e. buy those models that YOU like and don't be overly influenced by those that don't necessarily share your opinion or tastes .

[flyXwire]

Aaaaaawe....shucks man, you makin' me blush, Cardo! Thanks for that and you sure made my day.

[mustangdriver]

One of the things that I like about GMP is some of the screw ups they have are from being out and looking at a real P-51. For example the P-40's tail wheel is the wrong way, because they were seeing a P-40 parked in a hangar with it's wheel that way, and did not know that it could turn all of the way around. My P-51 "Old Crow" has the Nnumber of Jack Rousche's Old Crow real small under the elevators. Those are mistakes that I can live with since they are due to them looking at the real aircraft.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I like the GMP P-51 Mustang (Old Crow & Cripes A Mighty 3rd) and P-40 (Robert Scott Flying Tigers) really well..Like Skunky did say before there's something about the P-51 that looks off.
I think maybe it could be because it looks skinnier then the Corgi P-51 does and that may make the nose look longer.
My gears have the sunken shock look anyways for some reason and that makes it look better i think.
But to me it's the best out there in todays market so far and EI makes the best P-51's in 1/48 too.
I would of been nice for GMP to have a stand.
I think what ever make you happy as a collector is what counts the most.
JP