Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50014
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 78th FG, #44-72218 "Big Beautiful Doll", John Landers, RAF Duxford, England, 1945 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
The Mustang modelled is 44-72218, the 192nd of a batch of three thousand P-51Ds ordered on 7th June 1944, 24 hours after D-Day, June 6th 1944. With callsign 472218, it was coded WZ-I while flown in the European Theatre of Operations and carried the nose art of 'Big Beautiful Doll'. It was flown by Colonel John Landers, Officer Commanding of the 78th Fighter Group, who flew a series of P-38s and P-51s, all of which were named 'Big Beautiful Doll'. From the 38th FS of the 55th FG he was promoted to command the 357th FG before moving to Duxford to take command of the 78th. After the war Landers commanded the 361st FG. He scored 14.5 victories, 8.5 with the Eighth Air Force.
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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Dragon Models produce some of the most detailed diecast metal P-51 models available. Each model is assembled from sturdy metal components featuring detailed panel lines, antennas, access panels and other surface details. All feature accurately researched exterior markings and placards which are applied using a state-of-the-art pad printing process so they will not fade or peel like decals. The canopy can optionally be displayed in an opened position, revealing a detailed cockpit interior. The flaps can also be positioned in the retracted or extended position. Finally, the model may be shown "in flight" on its display stand, or firmly on the ground when the metal landing gear is attached. Die-hard P-51 fans will be impressed with the attention to detail shown in the construction of this model.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircaft.
Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds 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.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
