Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>P-51B>HA8512

General Background

The only difference between the North American P-51B and C variants was the B was built in Inglewood and the C in Dallas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C variant first flew on August 5, 1943. The B variant saw 1,988 built while the C variant saw 1,750 built. On December 1, 1943 the P-51B Mustang flew its first combat mission and in March 1944 provided bomber escort to Berlin.

The Aircraft

P-51B Mustang 43-24842 was originally assigned to Lt. George George of the 363rd FS/357th FG. The aircraft was named “Blackpool Bat” after the town his then girlfriend, later wife, lived in. Lt. George was best known for ground support and was the 357th top train buster. On September 15, 1944 “Blackpool Bat” was being flown by 2nd Lt. Graeff and was lost in a mid-air collision. Lt. George was now assigned a P-51D that he named “Blackpool Bat II”. Lt. George received several awards and went on to fly an F-86 in Korea.

Specifications :

P-51B/C Production:	3,738
B:	1,988 produced at Inglewood plant
C:	1,750 produced at Dallas plant
Dimensions:
Length:	32.25 ft
Wingspan:	37.04 ft
Height:	13.67 ft
Weight
Empty:	6,985 lbs
Normal T/O:	9,800 lbs
Maximum Gross:	11,800 lbs
Performance
Power Plant:	1 X Packard (Rolls Royce) V-1650-3-7 producing 1,380 hp in the B variant and 1,490 hp in the C variant
Maximum Speed:	439 mph @ 25,000 ft
Service Ceiling:	41,800 ft
Range:	B – 1,180 miles
	C – 1,900 miles
Armament	4 x .50 cal machine guns with 1,260 rounds
	2 x 1,000 lb bombs or rockets