GeminiJets Gemini Aces GAUSA2003
North American P-51B Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 354th FG, 356th FS, #43-6315 "Ding Hao", James Howard, RAF Lashenden, England, May 1944 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51B Mustang | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
Aerial combat during WWII was fought by ordinary men, performing extraordinary deeds. James Howard would argue that he was simply doing his job, but the bomber crews he defended on 11th January 1944 witnessed a hero at work! Ferocious dogfights left Howard alone with a large number of vulnerable B-17 'Flying Fortresses'. Over 50 enemy fighters circled for the kill, but Howard repeatedly attacked them, repelling wave after wave of determined attacks. He showed little regard for his own safety in the face of overwhelming odds. Bomber crews reported that they witnessed 6 enemy fighters fall to the guns of Howard's Mustang, however the modest Howard did not report anything unusual on his return to base. Howard was to receive his nations highest award for valour, the Congressional Medal of Honour! The P-51 Mustang has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever produced. It was developed following a British request for a new fighter in 1940, made to the newly formed North American Aviation Company. Initial engine problems plagued the design, but the combination of the Mustang and a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine proved a revelation. The aircraft was transformed into the world's most potent fighting machine, possessing speed, endurance and firepower. The USAAF now had the ability to escort its bombers deep into Germany and the Mustang ensured the Allies gained air superiority. It also accounted for more enemy aircraft 'kills' in Europe than any other type, as overwhelming numbers systematically destroyed the Luftwaffe's ability to fight! 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. Gemini's 1:72 scale P-51B Mustang is constructed using more diecast metal than most other models on the market today. Metal details include an all metal propeller and spinner hub—uncommon features in this scale—metal exhaust stacks, a solid metal antenna, metal main landing gear that is both pinned and keyed for proper ground display and moveable flaps and rudders with metal hinges. There is also high-quality rivet and panel detail on the wings and fuselage, and two types of removable wing-mounted fuel tanks. © Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc. The GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with minimal use of plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Metal presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Photo-etched, spinning metal propellers.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
