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The P-51 was arguably the greatest fighter of World War ll. It was developed in a record 102 days, with the first prototype, XP-73, with an Allison V-1710 inline engine, first flew on October 26, 1940. In December of that year it was officially named Mustang by the British. The first flight of a production Mustang took place on April 23, 1941. The Mustang initially had a lack of power at high altitudes. In view of this, the Mustang was soon mated with a two-staged supercharged, Packard built Rolls-Royce Merlin V1610 inline engine. This gave the Mustang superb high altitude capabilities up to 41,800 feet. The P-51B&C models first flew in mid-1943 and entered service over Europe in August of 1943. The P-51D was the definitive version of the Mustang. It was powered by the Packard V-1650-7, a license built version of the two speed, two stage, supercharged Rolls Royce Merlin 66 engine. The P-51D was the most produced with 8,200 models manufactured. Numerous P-51 Mustangs of all variants still exist today and are favorites at air shows all over the world.
This P-51D Mustang "Missouri Armada" was flown by Lieutenant John Brooks of the 362nd Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group in the European theater in 1943. The squadron was based at Royal Air Force Station Leiston, England. He was the second highest scorer of the 357th with 17.5 victories. Promoted to Major, he remained in the service after the war, and his life ended in a North American F-86 Sabre crash in November of 1954. England Air Force Base in Louisianna was named after him in his honor.This very impressive 1:35 scale diecast metal model is an excellent, highly detailed reproduction of his P-51D aircraft. The approximate dimensions are: 12.00" long with a 14.00" wingspan, and includes:
- A beautiful finish with historically accurate markings
- Rotating propeller
- Detailed cockpit
- Sliding canopy
- Detailed landing gear
- Retractable landing gear
- Movable ailerons, flaps, elevators and rudder
- Removable engine cowling
- Highly detailed engine
- Two types of fuel tanks
- Underwing bombs
- Opening wing covers displaying machine guns and ammunition
The very rare GMP ground diorama includes:
- Framed aircraft and equipment mounting base
- Four ground crew figures
- Two bomb loading carts
- Two bombs
- Two equipment tables
- Four 55 fuel gallon drums
- Six 50 caliber machine guns
- Ammunition storage boxes
- Miscellaneous other small equipment
The model is shown has retractible landing gear but is displayed in the ground configuration.It is a limited edition and out of production model. All sales are final. Shipping to the USA only.
NOTE: This hefty GMP Models reproduction of the North American P-51 Mustang is likely one of the highest detailed diecast models of the Mustang you will find. This is the only one available.
NOTE: The P-51 Mustang is new, but because of the condition of the diorama box, it will be considered used, but the diorama iteself is new and never been on display. The shipment will be made in two boxes.
NOTE: The last photograph in the sries is of Lieutenant Brook's actual P-51.
NOTE: This very rare and highly detailed P-51 Mustang and the diorama is a one-of-a-kind, extremely rare combination. An internet search will not find another one like it. It will be an excellent addition to any aviation collection.
