Forces of Valor 812013D
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
ROCAF 4th FG, #2199, Hsu Hua Chiang, Taiwan, 1949 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
The Republic of China was a notable operator of the North American P-51 Mustang during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). Since the United States entered the Second World War, plans were made to provide the Republic of China China with modern American warplanes to replace the worn and outdated planes that the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) were using. The Mustangs were initially flown by pilots of the Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW) starting from November 1944. At the end of the Second World War, the ROCAF received 278 Mustangs from the USAAF. Soon after, the uneasy relationship between the Communist Party of China under the leadership of Mao Zedong and the Nationalist government under the leadership of Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) disintegrated. As such, the civil war between the two parties resumed after nearly nine years of truce. As time went on, the Nationalist forces began losing their hold on mainland China and were forced to retreat to Formosa (Taiwan), but not before many of their soldiers, officers and generals defected, leaving a substantial amount of equipment behind.
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.
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 2003-2024 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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
