North American P-51D Mustang

USAAF 4th FG, 335th FS, #44-14570 "Thunder Bird", Capt. Ted Lines

Hobby Master 1:48 HA7750

Born and raised in Arizona, Ted Lines joined the U.S. Army Air Forces after his graduation from Mesa Union High School. He trained as a fighter pilot, flying P-40 and P-51 aircraft, arriving at Debden, England in April, 1944 as a part of the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group. He was a double ace, credited with ten enemy aircraft destroyed, and tied for third place in aerial victories. His P-51 Mustang was named "Thunder Bird", in homage to his Arizona heritage. After completing his combat tour, he checked out pilots in their aerobatic capabilities at Luke Field in Glendale, Arizona. Captain Lines died on June 4, 2005 in Gilbert, Arizona , at the age of 84.

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.