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A longtime player in the 1:400 jetliner
arena, Gemini threw its hat in the 1:72
warbirds ring in the Fall of 2006, releasing
three models: A P-51B (hooray!), a
Spitfire, and a 109. Collectors, including
myself, had been salivating over these
models as Gemini is very highly regarded
in the 1:400 space.
I was not disappointed with the first
wave, either. These are very well-done
models with the highest metal content
you will find in the scale—even the props
are metal! (Heck, I even think the optional
tail wheels are, too.) The paint jobs are
superb, the detail is very good, and the fit
of the small parts (optional gear/ordnance
/etc.) is amazing! (Are you paying
attention, Dragon?)
The “Bald Eagle” is the first P-51B in 1:
72, and it is long, long overdue. The
Johnnie Johnson MkIX Spit is quite
simply THE best Spitfire I have yet to see
in 1:72. The 109 features a gorgeous, eye-
catching Eastern Front paint scheme you
will not find anywhere else. All feature
metal display stands, numbered collector
cards, velvet lined storage boxes, pilots,
up/down landing gear, and moveable
control surfaces.
Now for the “ugly”: The display stand
does not fit the P-51B well, due to the air
scoop on the belly, so it’s best to display
this one on the ground. The antenna on
all three need work: The P-51’s looks like
a baseball bat, and the Spit and 109’s are
sharp to the point of being dangerous.
And the pilot figures, which are not
optional, are a bit oversized, too.
Word on the street is that Gemini will
have these issues ironed out by the
release of the third wave of models. Two
waves of three models are due out
between now and early next year, all
different versions of the P-51B, Spit, and
109.
While they cost more than even Corgi’s
AA line, I think you do get a fair value
with these models. I will be keeping a
close, close eye on this line for sure.
Gemini Aces 1:72 Warbirds
