Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series US32214
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 325th FG, 318th FS Checkertails, Shu-Shu/Chuck-O, Norman McDonald, Italy, 1944 | Limited Edition
1100
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
The 325th Fighter Group began combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater. They started as part of the 12th Army Air Force while flying their first missions in North Africa. In 1943, they became part of the 306th Fighter Wing with the newly formed 15th Army Air Force in Italy. The 325th was formed by the 317th, 318th, and 319th Fighter Groups. Lieutenant Colonel Norman L. McDonald began his pilot career by flying Spitfires. After a run in the North African and Sicilian campaigns, he was sent back to the Zone of the Interior where he was assigned to a training squadron of the P-47's. He soon tired of this assignment and asked for a second combat tour, which is when he joined the Checkertails in 1944 and flew his "Shu-Shu/Chuck-O" 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." © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale P-51 Mustang series includes the early war P-51B and the late war P-51D variants. P-51B releases feature either an early bird-cage style canopy or the "Malcolm-Hood" style canopy and under wing mounted pitot tube. The P-51D's large "bubble-top" canopy allows for easy viewing of a hand-painted pilot figure. A removable engine cowling is included on some releases (see photos), revealing a detailed Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. This series includes models with a variety of wing mount drop tanks and ordnance and accurately modeled radiator scoops. When configured for ground display, the wing's structural detail can be seen inside the wheel wells.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
