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”.

Originally built as RAF Mustang MK. III FX-906 but returned to the USAAF in January 1944 it was assigned to the 356th FS. The USAAF serial was 43-12434 and assigned to Captain Richard Turner who named it “Short-Fuse Sallee” after his short tempered sweet heart. Between January 5 and April 11, 1944, while flying P-51B 43-12434 “Short-Fuse Sallee”, Captain Turner managed eight kills and four damaged. In May 1944 43-12434 was reassigned and later Turner stopped using “Short-Fuse Sallee” on his aircraft when he received a “Dear John” letter.

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 HA8509 P-51B Mustang 43-12434 “Short-Fuse Sallee”, 356th FS, 354th FG, 9th AF, 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.