Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7712B
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 357th FG, 362nd FS, #44-14450 "Old Crow", Bud Anderson, 1944 |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 8" | | 9.25" |
The 357th Fighter Group was the first P-51 equipped unit in the Eighth Air Force, beginning combat operations in February 1944. The 357th scored a higher number of air-to-air kills than any other unit in the Eighth and it accounted for 42 Mustang Aces, more than any other group. The leading ace of the 363rd Fighter Squadron was Clarence 'Bud' Anderson. Initially flown by Anderson in drab and neutral grey, "Old Crow" had been stripped to a bare metal finish by late 1944 and had gained a red rudder, although it retained invasion stripes. Clarence Anderson ended the war with 16.25 aerial victories, plus a single strafing kill. He remained in the USAF after the war, serving as a test pilot for many years, before flying F-105s in Vietnam. Today Bud still flies a P-51 restored exactly as his "Old Crow" at airshows and other events across the USA.
Designed to meet an RAF requirement for fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-51 Mustang was first flown on October 26th, 1940. This versatile aircraft was capable of escorting bombers on long-range missions, engaging in dogfights, and dropping down to destroy German targets on the ground. At least eight versions of the P-51 were produced, but it was the definitive P-51D that gave the Mustang its classic warbird appearance. Britain and the US both tested the airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which gave the aircraft tremendous performance gains. The Truman Senate War Investigating Committee called the Mustang "the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence." © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:48 scale P-51 Mustang is a well-thought-out, quality product, constructed almost entirely from diecast metal with intelligent use of plastic components. The sliding canopy opens to reveal pad printed flight controls, instrument panel and radio equipment boxes. The all-metal propeller spins freely, and the wing flaps and radiator cowling are also movable. Separately applied metal exhaust stacks have six flanged pipes on each side, and pad printed rivets can be seen on the flaps, engine cowling and rudder. Landing gear and doors are constructed as a complete subassembly for easy configuration. Releases in this series include a variety of wing mounted external fuel tanks and ordnance.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
