I'm looking into building a new P-51 and I was just wondering if there a preference in the brand of kit out there that is the best for this project? I was looking at the great planes version vs the top flight.... but i don't know if i need all that power that the top flight dishes out...let me know what you all think...

Depending on size and how scale you want the plane to be, 3W in Germany produces an excellent kit. The fiberclassics P51 is also excellent, but requires quite a bit of fussing with engine choice and mounting to avoid showing through the cowl. Both planes fly beautifully.
Mike

Mike: It all depends on what you are looking for, the Top Flight could be considered a first step into scale aircraft, with all the options that can be built into the kit, retracts, flaps etc. The Great Planes is more of a "fun"," sport" or "stand-off" scale, and is a great everyday fun to fly, easy to handle plane. The GP kit is rumored to be based off the old Dynaflite Mustang, probably the best flying "sport" scale warbirds that were ever made. Bad wood, but awesome fliers. If you want a plane to fly alot, buzz the field, and looks like a warbird, but flies like a pattern ship, go with the GP, if you want to spend some time to detail and scale out a warbird and fly occasionally, then go with the TF.

You really need to decide what you want this plane to do for you. If flying is the main concern and you wish to get into the air quickly the GP wins hands down. If you are planning on developing an entry into Scale the Top Flight is the clear winner. It can be made very scale and if you are planning on really persuing the scale end of the hobby this would be a great place to start. It is more difficult to fly than the GP especially if you incorporate all of the scale option into the build. It will however give you first hand flight experience on the way a Scale warbird will fly. You will get to know the rudder and the use of flaps both of which are necessary if you plane on ever taking on a true scale plane. In defence of the GP Mustang it is one of the nicest flying planes out there. Most folks recognize it as a P-51 but it's not very scale. Id make my decision based on where I want to be in this hobby two years down the road.
Jack Devine

Thanks for the replies. I will probably build this one just to fly... so probably the build the GP. I 'll probably build a different scale warbird eventually from TF.

DQ

Hi;

Does any of you have by any chance a copy of the Great Planes GPMA1510 P-51 Mustang .40 ARF manual?

I have a new one waiting to be assembled, with no manual

Please Help!

Thanks!