Has any one built this kit before? I really like it. Detail seems to be good. Lots of engine and cockpit detail, more than most I think.

Howdy,

Not bad out of the box. You can improve it with a True Details cockpit, new wheels and a vac canopy. My impression of the engine was it wasn't very accurate.

Brian Riedel

I agree. More engine detail than most models but it was not very well done. The molding wasn't realistic as you said. To many soft edges not what an engine would look like.

I will be looking into the cockpit and vac canopy.

Thanks

Otaki is not listed on the manu. list. What manu. would you recommend for this kit for the True Detail parts?

Howdy,

Some pics of my build of the kit. The wheels and drop tanks are from a Monogram P-51 kit (the prop might also be Monogram).

Do yourself a favor, if you use the kit canopy, dip it in Future. Something I do for every Otaki/Arii kit.






Brian Riedel

Beautiful model Brian! Thanks for posting.

I am looking for Future but seems a bit elusive.

Howdy,

This should work for the cockpit.

http://www.squadron.com/1-48-True-Details-P-51D-Cockpit-Set-TD48453-p/td48453.htm

Brian Riedel

In its day, that was a really great model. The problem is that its day was 40 years ago, and the state of the art has advanced somewhat from then. It'll be a really great practise model for you given that it fits quite well, and looks pretty good once it's done.

OMG, is it really that old, LOL!

Can't wait to start it. Infact, I had that cockpit from Squadron but it got lost in the shuffle of a divorce as so many things seem to vanish in such matters.

I will try it again though.

You could call it a nostalgia build. I like the look of it and with an aftermarket cockpit it would certainly be presentable, if not a Tamiya 1/48 P-51D.

The old Otaki P-47 also "looks right" on the shelf even if it can't compare with the Tamiya P-47 now. But, there is something to be said for working on the old ones. I had great fun refurbishing my Tamiya 1/48 A6M2 built in the early 80s.

Julio,
It seems like a life time ago that I 1st built the Otaki P-51D or any of the Otaki kits. They were cutting edge 40+ years ago, but today really aren't worth the money when you compare them to the Tamiya offerings we have today.

Honestly, I'd save the kit for nostalgia sake, and go with a Tamiya offering instead.

Joel