Thoughts on these kits?

The two Accurate Miniatures kits are nice kits.  Good fit and detail.  There are lots of reviews online.  The propeller is clunky but it can be thinned and warped to a better shape.  The F-6B kit has the wrong cowling in it so I'd go with the MkIa unless you know somebody who would give you a junked P-51A to salvage.   

I have built a few Monogram Phantoms and even though they are old molds, the still make very nice models when completed. The pits  have some very nice molded details. 

I have heard positive comments about AM but a Google search can give you some reviews. 

Thanks for the feedback guys! I've looked at a couple online reviews and they say the same as what you guys are telling me. I just like to ask here b/c I know I can trust the source and wanted to see if anyone has had a different experience.

Both AM kits are good. Not a big fan of monogram

Wildcat

From a retired cop to an active one,  welcome aboard.

The Academy F-4 Is miles ahead of Hasegawa and light years away from Monogram but Ifind it still cool working on the  old Monograms. It takes me back a few years.

Hi Andy.  Buy with confidence.  The Accurate Miniature kits are very well done and shouldn't give you any issues.  I had the F-6B and it went together without any issues.  As was mentioned earlier, the prop is "okay" but could benefit from a few moments of thinning with a touch of reshaping.  I think if you did an internet search, you'll find some web sites which show how tackled this small issue.

As for the Monogram F-4C, again, you should have no issues.  I haven't built any of their C models but I've built many of their J versions.  The cockpits are very nicely done with lots of well done raised details.  Their Phantom kits go together well and won't give you any surprises.  At the prices you mentioned, that's what I'd fully expect to pay for any of those kits.  Good prices for good kits.  Enjoy!

Eric

Thanks for the feedback Eric! I think I'm leaning towards the MK-1A and I might pick up the Phantom. As far as thinning the prop...I haven't done that sort of thing before but it might be a good chance to try some new things. Thanks again everybody for all the help!

No problem, Andy!  When I built mine, I just left the prop "as is" but I have seen articles where someone just took some sandpaper and sanded the blades to a wee bit thinner cross section.  I haven't done it but it sounds easy even for someone of my average middle-of-the-road skills.

One last thought about the Phantom.  As others have mentioned, I've heard that Hasegawa and Academy Phantoms are just the bee's knees but I haven't tried them yet.  For me, cost is a MAJOR factor in that decision.  I do have a single Hasegawa Phantom in my stash but only because my local hobby shop was selling it for 50% off.  So there are a couple of other brands of Phantoms out there but they just seem a bit too complex and expensive for my modeling needs.  Everyone is different but, for me, the Monogram Phantom is perfect in terms of price point and ease of construction.

Eric