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

In September 1940, the Packard motor business of U.S. began allow production related to Merlin V-1650-1 motor in Detroit, Michigan. With a fresh supercharger drive, a fresh V-1650-3 was mated towards initial P-51B. Both U.S. and England started the Merlin engine modification idea almost at the same time. 10 airframes was indeed modified inside the U.S. utilizing the Merlin that became the inspiration for the many effective fighter band associated with the war.

Flying initially on 30 November 1942, the XP-51B was indeed quickly modified with a larger coolant radiator information, that actually increased its top rate 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, and it also could now escort the bombers entirely towards the target and back. P-51B Mustangs began turning up in England in September 1943 utilizing the initial Mustangs going to the 3354th fighter group at Boxted, England, and completed the war with atmosphere to atmosphere victories. An overall of 3788 P-51B's had been produced