North American P-51D

USAAF 354th FG, 355th FS, 44-63702 Grim Reaper, Lowell Brueland, 1945

Hobby Master 1:48 HA7755

Lt Brueland flew P-39 Airacobras with the 20th Fighter Group at Paine Field, Washington, and at March Field, California, until March 1943, and then with the 355th Fighter Squadron of the 354th Fighter Group at Santa Rosa Army Air Field, California, and Portland Army Air Base, Oregon, from March to October 1943. He next deployed to England with the 355th Fighter Squadron and began flying the P-51 Mustang in November 1943, and became Commander of the 355th in May 1945. Maj Brueland was credited with the destruction of 12.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, plus 3 probables and 6 damaged, before returning to the United States in November 1945.

North American P-51D Mustang
Designed to meet an RAF requirement for fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-51 Mustang was first flown on October 26th, 1940. This versatile aircraft was capable of escorting bombers on long-range missions, engaging in dogfights, and dropping down to destroy German targets on the ground. At least eight versions of the P-51 were produced, but it was the definitive P-51D that gave the Mustang its classic warbird appearance. Britain and the US both tested the airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which gave the aircraft tremendous performance gains. The Truman Senate War Investigating Committee called the Mustang "the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence."

Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.