tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
For you WW2 aviation buffs out there...
Initial thoughts - cool pen! I really appreciate Retro 51 putting out attractive, themed FPs at an affordable price. This P-51 pen is particularly well done.
Design - the aircraft details are great and the etching has a nice 3D effect. It’s supposed to represent the famous “Red Tail” paint scheme of the Tuskegee Airmen. I kinda wish that Retro 51 had used a more conventional cigar-shaped body since it would fit the aircraft esthetic better. I’m not super keen on the knurling on the cap. It’s functional on the rollerball version of the Tornado, but just decorative on the FP and doesn’t work with the aircraft theme. Also, the black section is functional but would be nicer if it matched the body or reprised the nose art from the cap. But I also understand all that would add to the cost. For what it is, it looks fantastic.
Function - the nib is a JoWo #6, so fairly generic, but attractive and writes beautifully. It’s tuned perfectly out of the box. This medium lays down a nice wet line but doesn’t leak in the cap. I like that. Otherwise, the nib is not particularly exciting, but will be easy to swap later if I want to. As you might guess, it’s a cartridge/converter filler. Par for the course at this pricepoint. The body is metal (brass probably?); it has a little heft, but not too much. The pen is a good length unposted and long, but usable, posted. My only gripe is the section is on the narrow side.
Value - fantastic! I purchased this pen from Bertram’s Inkwell for $52, the best price I have seen. They usually go for around $60, which is still pretty good for the quality construction and unique style. The JoWo nib is standard issue on boutique pens costing much, much more. The pen came with two cartridges and a converter. Pretty good for a touch over fifty bones.
Overall - I’m really happy to add this pen to my collection. It’s creative and fun, but also a little bit frustrating. I can see how with just a little bit more effort, Retro 51 could easily take this idea “next level”. Start with a cigar-shaped body that actually looks like a fuselage.
The P-51 is a nice compliment to the Tigershark rollerball I got last month. These two have me pretty well covered for nerding out on WW2 history. The only thing that would be cooler is a tank-themed fountain pen. Hmm, olive paint with white stenciled star and “US ARMY”. Blacked out trim and nib. Oh, it looks rad. Come on Retro 51, pleeeease!
Initial thoughts - cool pen! I really appreciate Retro 51 putting out attractive, themed FPs at an affordable price. This P-51 pen is particularly well done.
Design - the aircraft details are great and the etching has a nice 3D effect. It’s supposed to represent the famous “Red Tail” paint scheme of the Tuskegee Airmen. I kinda wish that Retro 51 had used a more conventional cigar-shaped body since it would fit the aircraft esthetic better. I’m not super keen on the knurling on the cap. It’s functional on the rollerball version of the Tornado, but just decorative on the FP and doesn’t work with the aircraft theme. Also, the black section is functional but would be nicer if it matched the body or reprised the nose art from the cap. But I also understand all that would add to the cost. For what it is, it looks fantastic.
Function - the nib is a JoWo #6, so fairly generic, but attractive and writes beautifully. It’s tuned perfectly out of the box. This medium lays down a nice wet line but doesn’t leak in the cap. I like that. Otherwise, the nib is not particularly exciting, but will be easy to swap later if I want to. As you might guess, it’s a cartridge/converter filler. Par for the course at this pricepoint. The body is metal (brass probably?); it has a little heft, but not too much. The pen is a good length unposted and long, but usable, posted. My only gripe is the section is on the narrow side.
Value - fantastic! I purchased this pen from Bertram’s Inkwell for $52, the best price I have seen. They usually go for around $60, which is still pretty good for the quality construction and unique style. The JoWo nib is standard issue on boutique pens costing much, much more. The pen came with two cartridges and a converter. Pretty good for a touch over fifty bones.
Overall - I’m really happy to add this pen to my collection. It’s creative and fun, but also a little bit frustrating. I can see how with just a little bit more effort, Retro 51 could easily take this idea “next level”. Start with a cigar-shaped body that actually looks like a fuselage.
The P-51 is a nice compliment to the Tigershark rollerball I got last month. These two have me pretty well covered for nerding out on WW2 history. The only thing that would be cooler is a tank-themed fountain pen. Hmm, olive paint with white stenciled star and “US ARMY”. Blacked out trim and nib. Oh, it looks rad. Come on Retro 51, pleeeease!