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”.

P-51B 43-6315 “Ding Hao” (Chinese phrase, “very good” or “number one”) was the second P-51B assigned to Lt. Col. James Howard. This aircraft had the new improved sliding Malcolm Hood canopy. James Howard was an American born in China and moved to the USA, became a USN pilot, left to join the AVG and later flew with the 354th FG/ 487th FS. He is credited with 6 Japanese victories and 6 more confirmed plus 1 probable and 2 damaged, for a total of 8.333 during World War II.

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 HA8508 P-51B Mustang 43-6315 “Ding Hao”, 487th FS, 354th FG, 9th AF, Great Britain, May 1944

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.