Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7706
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
SAAF No.2 Sqn, "Miss Marunouchi", Korea, 1952 |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 203mm | | 235mm |
2nd Squadron, South African Air Force sailed to Japan on September 25, 1950. There they received training on the F-51D Mustang supplied by the USAF. When they were ready the 2nd Sq., SAAF became one of four squadrons assigned to the USAF 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing. The 2nd flew their first combat mission in Korea on November 19, 1950 and on the 30th moved to their new base K-13 near Chinhae. The 2nd Squadron insignia and name "Cheetah Squadron" was adopted because of the two cheetah cubs they brought with them. Another first when the 2nd came to Korea was the use of the Springbok (antelope) in the center of their roundel. The Cheetahs main role was close air support, interdiction flights against enemy logistics and communication and providing air protection during rescue operations. Unfortunately the aircraft #361 ex USAF 44-74863 and named "Miss Marunouchi" was written off on October 22, 1952 when Slt B.M. Forsyth was wounded in combat and made a forced landing. The 2nd flew their Mustangs in 2,890 missions and 10,373 individual combat sorties. Out of the original 95 Mustangs they started with there were 74 lost due to accidents and combat. The loss ratio for the SAAF pilots in Korea was 1 out of every 6.
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'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.
Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" 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.
- Hinged extending/retracting landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
Pictures courtesy of www.hobbymastercollector.com
Please see my other listings and visit the Dora 9 Diecast website and blog.
