Corgi Flying Mule Collection US37101
North American P-51B Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 4th FG, 336th FS, #43-24769 "Missouri Mauler", Willard "Millie" Millikan, RAF Debden, England, March 1944 | Limited Edition
3010
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51B Mustang | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
Captain Willard "Millie" Millikan was a member of the elite 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, one of the most successful air combat units of WWII. Though he washed out with the USAAC and showed little promise during subsequent flight training with the Royal Canadian Air Force, Millikan went on to become a P-51B ace with 13 kills to his credit.
Though often eclipsed by its more famous sibling, the bubble-topped P-51D, it was the P-51B that had the greatest positive impact on the German bomber war. The P-51B/C equipped almost all of the 8th and 9th Air Force fighter squadrons in Europe, and it also served in the Far East and in the Mediterranean. By the end of the war, the P-51B/C still accounted for almost half of the P-51s in service.
Millikan's P-51B combat career ended on May 30, 1944 during a freelance sweep near Wittenburg in support of returning bombers. Millikan and wingman Lt. Young were attempting to dodge heavy flak when their aircraft collided and both pilots were forced to bail out. Millikan was captured by the enemy and spent many months as a prisoner of war. He eventually escaped captivity but returned to the 4th Fighter Group too late to return to operations.
After the war, Millikan joined the Air National Guard and saw combat in Korea. He ended his military career as a Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, Andrews Air Force Base.
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 1:72 scale P-51 Mustang series includes the early war P-51B and the late war P-51D variants. P-51B releases feature either an early bird-cage style canopy or the "Malcolm-Hood" style canopy and under wing mounted pitot tube. The P-51D's large "bubble-top" canopy allows for easy viewing of a hand-painted pilot figure. A removable engine cowling is included on some releases (see photos), revealing a detailed Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. This series includes models with a variety of wing mount drop tanks and ordnance and accurately modeled radiator scoops. When configured for ground display, the wing's structural detail can be seen inside the wheel wells.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Flying Mule Collection" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Models in this range are produced in limited quantities with individually numbered certificates as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series. They are highly collectible and have become very desirable among Corgi Aviation Archive collectors.
Corgi "Flying Mule Collection" 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".
- Numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Commissioned box artwork.
- Detailed 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.
