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

In September 1940, the Packard engine Company of U.S. began allow production associated with Merlin V-1650-1 motor in Detroit, Michigan. With a new supercharger drive, a brand new V-1650-3 had been mated towards initial P-51B. Both U.S. and England started the Merlin engine modification idea nearly simultaneously. 10 airframes had been modified within the U.S. utilizing the Merlin that became the building blocks for the numerous effective fighter band of the war.

Flying the very first time on 30 November 1942, the XP-51B had been quickly modified with a larger coolant radiator information, which actually increased its top speed by 50mph and supplied 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 entirely towards the target and straight back. P-51B Mustangs started showing up in England in September 1943 with the initial Mustangs going to the 3354th fighter team at Boxted, England, and finished the war with the most atmosphere to atmosphere victories. An overall of 3788 P-51B's were produced