The North American P-51 Mustang was one of the most famous fighters of World War II. It’s beginnings were not auspicious but the merging of the North American airframe with the Rolls Royce Merlin engine created a very powerful fighter aircraft.

The North American P-51 was originally ordered by Britain to supplement its fighter force but was also adopted by the United States after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.

It had very good performance below 15,000 feet because of its engine so the first P-51s were used primarily in ground attack and photo reconnaissance roles.

The first P-51 Mustangs were delivered to the Royal Air Force in February 1942 and made their combat debut in May. Their long range allowed them to make history on 22 October 1942 when they became the first Allied fighters to fly over Germany during World War II.

The United States Army Air Force first used them in combat in June 1943.

An unusual disruptive camouflage pattern was tested on this P-51A early in the aircraft’s career, but not adopted for use.

Accurate Miniatures 1/48 kit completed by Wayne.