Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7718
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 332nd FG, 302nd FS Tuskegee Airmen, Little Freddie, Freddie Hutchins, Ramitelli, Italy, 1944 | Limited Edition
520
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 8" | | 9.25" |
The Tuskegee Airmen of 332nd FG, or "Red Tails" as they were also known, were the first African-American military aviators in the United States armed forces. Fred E. Hutchins was born in Georgia and graduated from flight training on April 29, 1943 at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. He joined the 302nd FS of the 332nd FG at Ramitelli, Italy in December 1943 just before the 302nd flew its first combat mission on February 5, 1944. During his time in WWII Lt. Hutchins had 4 P-51 Mustangs and all wore the name "Little Freddie". By the end of WWII Freddie Hutchins was a Captain and went on to fly in Korea and Vietnam. For his service he was awarded the DFC and a Purple Heart along with several other awards.
Most 302nd FS P-51Ds had red-and-yellow striped noses, although some (like this one) did not have the red stripes applied. Unusual, Hutchins' aircraft did not have red-outlined codes or out-board theatre ID bands. Yellow trim tabs were used as a unit identifier, along with candy-striped noses. The 302nd FS was the most successful of the four Tuskegee fighter units controlled by the 332nd FG.
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.
Hobby Master's 1:48 scale P-51 Mustang is a well-thought-out, quality product, constructed almost entirely from diecast metal with intelligent use of plastic components. The sliding canopy opens to reveal pad printed flight controls, instrument panel and radio equipment boxes. The all-metal propeller spins freely, and the wing flaps and radiator cowling are also movable. Separately applied metal exhaust stacks have six flanged pipes on each side, and pad printed rivets can be seen on the flaps, engine cowling and rudder. Landing gear and doors are constructed as a complete subassembly for easy configuration. Releases in this series include a variety of wing mounted external fuel tanks and ordnance.
© Copyright 2003-2019 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
