Tamiya 61042 - 1/48 North American P-51B Mustang  [61042]

In September 1940, the Packard Motor business regarding the U.S. started permit production associated with Merlin V-1650-1 engine in Detroit, Michigan. With a brand new supercharger drive, a new V-1650-3 ended up being mated toward very first P-51B. Both U.S. and England started the Merlin motor modification idea nearly at the same time. 10 airframes were modified within the U.S. with the Merlin that became the cornerstone for the many successful fighter group of the war.

Flying the very first time on 30 November 1942, the XP-51B had been soon modified with a more substantial coolant radiator information, which actually increased its top speed by 50mph and gave it an increased roof by 10,000 ft. The addition of an 85 gallon gas tank behind the seat increased the P-51B's currently exemplary range, plus it could now escort the bombers entirely toward target and back. P-51B Mustangs began arriving in England in September 1943 because of the first Mustangs visiting the 3354th fighter team at Boxted, England, and ended the war with atmosphere to air victories. An overall total of 3788 P-51B's had been produced