Hobby Master Archive

The only difference between the North American P-51B and C variants was the B was built in Inglewood and the C in Dallas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C variant first flew on August 5, 1943. The B variant saw 1,988 built while the C variant saw 1,750 built. On December 1, 1943 the P-51B Mustang flew its first combat mission and in March 1944 provided bomber escort to Berlin. The high shape of the P-51B/C dorsal spine gave it the name “Razorback”.

North American P-51C 42-103968 c/n 26522 was one of the 1,000 P-51Cs manufactured in 1942. This aircraft was flown by Tuskegee airman Lt. Charles McGee of the 302nd FS/332nd FG who named the aircraft using his wife’s nickname “Kitten”. Lt. McGee flew this particular aircraft for 136 of his 408 combat flights flown during 3 wars. After WWII McGee flew another P-51 “Kitten” in Korea followed by the Vietnam War as the C/O of the 16th TRS and flew RF-4s. Charles McGee dedicated 31 years in service to his country.

Specifications for the North American P-51B/C Mustang The only difference between the B variant and the C variant are the plants where they were manufactured P-51B/C Production - 3,738 B - 1,988 produced at Inglewood plant C - 1,750 produced at Dallas plant Dimensions Length - 32.25 ft Wingspan - 37.04 ft Height - 13.67 ft Performance Power Plant - 1 X Packard (Rolls Royce) V-1650-3-7 producing 1,380 hp in the B variant and 1,490 hp in the C variant Maximum Speed - 439 mph @ 25,000 ft Service Ceiling - 41,800 ft Range B - 1,180 miles C - 1,900 miles Weights Empty - 6,985 lbs Normal T/O - 9,800 lbs Maximum Gross - 11,800 lbs Armament 4 x .50 cal machine guns with 1,260 rounds 2 x 1,000 lb bombs or rockets

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA8507A P-51B/C Mustang “Kitten”, Charles McGee, 302nd FS/332nd FG, 1944 AUTOGRAPHED BY PILOT

1/48 scale pre-finished Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Cockpit slides open. Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand. Can be displayed with landing gear up or down.