Hobby Master Archive

P-51D Mustang “Duchess Arlene” was named after Captain Robert Williams’ sweetheart at the time, Arlene Roberts. Captain Williams was a graduate of the all black training facility in Tuskegee, Alabama. Captain Williams flew with the 15th Air Force, 100th FS, 332nd FG in Italy. The 15th Air Force is credited with over 9,100 sorties. The Tuskegee Airmen became known as the “Red Tails” because they were equipped with used P-51Ds from other units. To cover the old tail markings they decided to paint the entire tail section red.