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Code: AM-ACSL22-02    Add to wishlist
Status: Sold out - Discontinued
We regret this item is no longer available for sale. Please see the product description for links to similar items we still have available.

Amercom 1:72 Aircraft of the World ACSL22-02
North American P-51B Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 352nd FG, 478th FS Blue Nosed Bastards, #42-106449 Princess Elizabeth, William Whisner, RAF Bodney, England

1:72 Scale   Length   Width
North American P-51B Mustang   5.25"   6.25"

P-51B-10 #42-106449 was built by NAA at Inglewood, California in early 1944 and was shipped to the UK in February or March of that same year. It was issued to the 352nd FG at Bodney, Norfolk in April. There it was assigned to future ace Lt. William Whisner of the 487th FS. The name "Princess Elizabeth" came coming about after a senior 8th AF officer suggested to Whisner's previous CO, Lt. Col. John C. Meyer, that a suitably named Mustang might impress the future Queen of England during her impending visit to the 352nd FG's base at Bodney. The only unnamed bare metal machine in Meyer's 487th FS at that time was 42-106449, so this P-51 was duly decorated with the name. Whisner was unaware of this until after the artwork had been applied, and he was not best pleased with the nickname, nor the attendant press publicity which went with it.

Already a combat veteran with 1 aerial and 2 strafing victories in the P-47 Thunderbolt, Whisner used the fighter to share in the destruction of a Bf 109G on May 30th . The German aircraft went down after it was attacked by both Whisner and the new squadron CO, Maj. George Preddy. Whisner completed his first tour on May 31st , 1944, and was sent home on leave. Princess Elizabeth remained at Bodney and was assigned to Lt. Robert K. Butler. The Mustang was eventually shot down by flak near Epaignes during the 352nd FG's mission during the invasion of Normandy on June 6th , D-Day. Lt. Butler succeeded in bailing out of the stricken fighter and evading capture until he made it back to Allied territory near the Normandy beachhead.

North American P-51B 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."

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Amercom 1:72 Aircraft of the World

The Amercom "1:72 Aircraft of the World" range presents affordable, ready made diecast models of military aircraft in 1:72 scale. To help keep the price down, these items arrive in low-cost, discardable blister type packaging.

Amercom "Aircraft of the World" diecast airplanes feature:

  • Diecast metal and plastic construction.
  • Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
  • Rotating wheels and propellers.
  • Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

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