Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series US34405
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 357th FG, 362nd FS, #44-14450 "Old Crow", Bud Anderson, w/3 Figures | Limited Edition
2200
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:32 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 12" | | 14" |
In late 1944, Captain Clarence "Bud" Anderson returned to the 357th Fighter Group and was assigned a new P-51D painted in the dark green camouflage scheme. When snow fell over Germany, Bud had the plane painted silver for better camouflage. This flight-line diorama is dedicated to Bud Anderson for his skillful combat flying, and all the 357th ground support who maintained the P-51 Mustangs during WWII.
Please note: Ground crew figures are in winter gear and "Bud" figure is in more accurate uniform and gear.
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.
Corgi's 1:32 scale P-51 Mustang is a large scale model loaded with features. All of the control surfaces, the landing gear and gear doors are moveable with metal hinges. The upper portion of the engine cowling is removable, revealing a masterfully rendered V-12 Merlin engine. Beneath the removable covers on each wing are detailed machine guns and ammo belts. The cockpit interior and detailed pilot figure are easily viewed with the canopy open or closed.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
