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”.

In 1944 the USAAF 14th Air Force became involved in the Sino-Japan War on the side of the Nationalist Chinese Air Force. By this time the CNAF (CNAC - Chinese Nationalist Air Corps) already had been fairly well equipped with up-to-date aircraft delivered by the U.S.. By 1944 the list included A-29, P-40, P-43 and P-66s and with the defeat of Germany more of the latest advanced aircraft began arriving in 1945 which included B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress along with P-51Bs and P-51Ds. Several Mustangs came from the 23rd FS.

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 HA8511 P-51C Mustang 205, No.25 Squadron, Chinese Air Force, 1945

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.