1/48 North American P-51B Mustang - Tamiya 61042  [61042]

In September 1940, the Packard motor company of U.S. started allow production related to Merlin V-1650-1 engine in Detroit, Michigan. With a brand new supercharger drive, a brand new V-1650-3 had been mated towards initial P-51B. Both U.S. and England began the Merlin engine modification concept nearly simultaneously. 10 airframes was indeed modified within the U.S. utilising the Merlin that became the inspiration the many effective fighter band associated with the war.

Flying at first on 30 November 1942, the XP-51B was certainly quickly modified with a larger coolant radiator information, that truly increased its top price by 50mph and supplied it a larger roof by 10,000 ft. The addition of an 85 gallon vehicle's gas tank behind the seat increased the P-51B's presently exemplary range, looked after could now escort the bombers completely towards the target and back. P-51B Mustangs began arriving in England in September 1943 utilizing the initial Mustangs visiting the 3354th fighter group at Boxted, England, and completed the war with environment to atmosphere victories. A standard of 3788 P-51B's was produced