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

In September 1940, the Packard Motor Company of U.S. started permit production associated with Merlin V-1650-1 engine in Detroit, Michigan. With a new supercharger drive, a fresh V-1650-3 was mated towards very first P-51B. Both U.S. and England started the Merlin motor modification idea very nearly simultaneously. 10 airframes were modified in the U.S. using the Merlin that became the foundation for the many effective fighter group of the war.

Flying for the first time on 30 November 1942, the XP-51B was quickly modified with a larger coolant radiator information, which in fact increased its top speed by 50mph and provided it a greater roof by 10,000 ft. The addition of an 85 gallon gas tank behind the chair increased the P-51B's currently exceptional range, plus it could now escort the bombers all the way towards the target and back. P-51B Mustangs started showing up in England in September 1943 with the very first Mustangs going to the 3354th fighter group at Boxted, England, and finished the war with the most atmosphere to atmosphere victories. An overall total of 3788 P-51B's were produced