Forces of Valor 812013A
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 352nd FG, 487th FS Blue Nosed Bastards, #44-15041 Petie 3rd, John Meyer, RAF Bodney, England, 1944 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
J.C. Meyer joined the USAAF in 1939. By 1943 he was a Major and CO of the 487th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group Stationed in Bodney, England. With the nose of their aircraft painted blue the 352nd became known as "The Blue-nosed Bastards of Bodney". On November 26, 1943 Major Meyer scored the first 487th victory against a Me 109. In 1944 Meyer became a Lt. Col. and finished WWII with 24 air-to-air victories, 13 ground victories. He was awarded three Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the French Croix de Guerre, and the Belgian Croix de Guerre. During the Korean War Meyer was CO of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing and earned 2 MiG-15 victories. He later became a four-star General and held many posts and commands, too numerous to list. One such role was Vice Chief of Staff of the USAF. On July 1, 1974 General Meyer retired from the military as Commander in Chief of SAC. 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. Forces of Valor's 1:72 scale P-51D Mustang is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, with solid metal wings and fuselage and plastic components in those areas requiring greater detail. The focal point of this beautiful model is the Rolls-Royce V-12 engine, visible beneath two correctly-modeled removable cowlings. Engines with this level of detail are uncommon in this scale - this one has been meticulously hand-painted, with details seen in the engine block, valve covers, exhaust stacks, supercharge and engine bay framing. Other fine details include a hand-painted hydraulic line inside the wheel wells, and three machine gun ports on each wing with shell casing vents below. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Waltersons "Forces of Valor" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aicraft. Waltersons "Forces of Valor" 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.
- Fixed display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed pilots and crew members.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
