Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7704
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 15th FG, 78th FS Bushmasters, #44-63984 Margaret IV, James Tapp, Iwo Jima, April 1945 |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 8" | | 9.25" |
In November 1944 the 15th FG began receiving their new P-51D-20/25 Mustangs. One of three squadrons within the 15th FG was the 78th FS who were called the "Bushmasters" after a very poisonous snake from Central America. The P-51's from the 78th were numbered 100 – 149. On April 7, 1945 the 15th and 21st FG's departed Iwo Jima on their first VLR mission (Very Long Range) escorting B-29 bombers all the way to and from Tokyo. The P-51's were equipped with two 110 gallon drop tanks that would give them the required fuel for the round trip mission. These tanks normally were dropped once they reach landfall. There were slightly more than 100 Mustangs guarding approximately the same number of B-29's when they encountered Japanese aircraft whose goal was to destroy the bombers. Out of approximately 110 to 125 aircraft sent to intercept the bombers lost 71 confirmed kills as well as 44 damaged with 30 of these were probably destroyed. On the 7th Major James Tapp flying his P-51D "Margaret IV" named after his wife, had 3 confirmed kills and on April 12, 1944 he scored again. This made Tapp the first USAAF pilot to become an Ace while flying over Japan. Major Tapp's final tally was 8 confirmed and 2 damaged. Six of his victories came while flying "Margaret IV".
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.
Hobby Master's 1:48 scale P-51 Mustang is a well-thought-out, quality product, constructed almost entirely from diecast metal with intelligent use of plastic components. The sliding canopy opens to reveal pad printed flight controls, instrument panel and radio equipment boxes. The all-metal propeller spins freely, and the wing flaps and radiator cowling are also movable. Separately applied metal exhaust stacks have six flanged pipes on each side, and pad printed rivets can be seen on the flaps, engine cowling and rudder. Landing gear and doors are constructed as a complete subassembly for easy configuration. Releases in this series include a variety of wing mounted external fuel tanks and ordnance.
© Copyright 2003-2019 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power 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.
- 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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
