This is the first special commission Witty model I've seen, let alone own, and it came to my hanger by way of the Old Flying Machine Company in
jolly old England. The model depicts the "real deal" bird that the OFMC owns and operates. It's number 1,702 of 2,006 models, and all proceeds
from the model sales go to keeping these vintage airplanes going -- something that I'm all too happy to support! (Last year I purchased the Corgi
Merlins Over Malta set for the same reason!) This bird costs just about double a standard Witty release.
I've always found this paint scheme particularly striking -- I own a 1:18 scale R/C version, in fact -- and it looks fantastic in 1:72. To my
knowledge, no one else offers this scheme in diecast. As with all Witty 1:72 WW II fighters an in-flight display stand is included, but not a retracted
gear option, so I display mine "on the ground". Unlike other Wittys, a paper certificate of authenticity, with serialized production number, is included.
And the box has a nice custom sleeve with lots of info about the real airplane.
Unfortunately, Witty's P-51 mold is not the best. There are a few ugly and unfortunately placed join lines -- one on the nose that rips right
through the name, and another where the cockpit joins the fuselage. Also, the overall level of detail doesn't match Dragon's, and the pad-printed
graphics are not as crisp, either (I do prefer Witty's Mustang to Corgi's, at least). It just comes off a bit more toy-like than I'd like.
Still, I like the limited run (considering that this model will be popular with more casual collectors that want it after they see the real plane, a run
of 2006 may prove to be more limited than you'd expect), and the fact that at least a few dollars from the purchase goes to a very worthy cause. (A
special commission Spitfire is also available, and I plan to post a review of this model as well very soon.)
Keep 'em flying! Recommended.
jolly old England. The model depicts the "real deal" bird that the OFMC owns and operates. It's number 1,702 of 2,006 models, and all proceeds
from the model sales go to keeping these vintage airplanes going -- something that I'm all too happy to support! (Last year I purchased the Corgi
Merlins Over Malta set for the same reason!) This bird costs just about double a standard Witty release.
I've always found this paint scheme particularly striking -- I own a 1:18 scale R/C version, in fact -- and it looks fantastic in 1:72. To my
knowledge, no one else offers this scheme in diecast. As with all Witty 1:72 WW II fighters an in-flight display stand is included, but not a retracted
gear option, so I display mine "on the ground". Unlike other Wittys, a paper certificate of authenticity, with serialized production number, is included.
And the box has a nice custom sleeve with lots of info about the real airplane.
Unfortunately, Witty's P-51 mold is not the best. There are a few ugly and unfortunately placed join lines -- one on the nose that rips right
through the name, and another where the cockpit joins the fuselage. Also, the overall level of detail doesn't match Dragon's, and the pad-printed
graphics are not as crisp, either (I do prefer Witty's Mustang to Corgi's, at least). It just comes off a bit more toy-like than I'd like.
Still, I like the limited run (considering that this model will be popular with more casual collectors that want it after they see the real plane, a run
of 2006 may prove to be more limited than you'd expect), and the fact that at least a few dollars from the purchase goes to a very worthy cause. (A
special commission Spitfire is also available, and I plan to post a review of this model as well very soon.)
Keep 'em flying! Recommended.
Witty Sky Guardians, 1:72
| Released: 2006 |
#WTW7200400A P-51D Mustang "Ferocious Frankie"
 | |  |
The pilot is more than a bit goofy looking -- kind of looks like Snoopy's traded in his flying
doghouse for a more modern ride.
doghouse for a more modern ride.
| Score: 3.5 (out of 5) Collectibility: Medium Price: $28 Production Run: Limited Catalog Number: WTW7200400A |
|
| | |