Legion Models 1:72 Aircraft 14663LF
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
USAAF 15th FG, 78th FS Bushmasters, #44-63984 Margaret IV, James Tapp, Iwo Jima, April 1945 | Limited Edition
500
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not currently in stock and has a planned arrival date of June 2026.- Orders may not ship until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Arrival dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
- Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order.
In November 1944 the 15th FG began receiving their new P-51D-20/25 Mustangs. One of three squadrons within the 15th FG was the 78th FS who were called the "Bushmasters" after a very poisonous snake from Central America. The P-51's from the 78th were numbered 100 – 149. On April 7, 1945 the 15th and 21st FG's departed Iwo Jima on their first VLR mission (Very Long Range) escorting B-29 bombers all the way to and from Tokyo. The P-51's were equipped with two 110 gallon drop tanks that would give them the required fuel for the round trip mission. These tanks normally were dropped once they reach landfall. There were slightly more than 100 Mustangs guarding approximately the same number of B-29's when they encountered Japanese aircraft whose goal was to destroy the bombers. Out of approximately 110 to 125 aircraft sent to intercept the bombers lost 71 confirmed kills as well as 44 damaged with 30 of these were probably destroyed. On the 7th Major James Tapp flying his P-51D "Margaret IV" named after his wife, had 3 confirmed kills and on April 12, 1944 he scored again. This made Tapp the first USAAF pilot to become an Ace while flying over Japan. Major Tapp's final tally was 8 confirmed and 2 damaged. Six of his victories came while flying "Margaret IV". 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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Legion Models 1:72 Aircraft range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aicraft in 1:72 scale. Legion Models 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.
- Fixed display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed pilots and crew members.
- Spinning propellers.
- Authentic ordnance loads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
