Hobby Master P-51D Mustang 1/48 Die Cast Model - Signature Edition HA7720A

Highly detailed Hobby Master P-51D Mustang 1/48 Die Cast Model "DoDo," Cpt. Clinton Burdick, 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, USAAF, England, 1944 (Special Edition plate on stand signed by pilot) 1:48 Scale. Later in WWII the Allied bombers were flying deep into Germany but suffered tremendous losses because of the lack of range the fighter escorts had. German fighters would wait beyond the range of the Allied fighters and then attack the vulnerable bombers. Once the P-51 called Mustang by the British had the Allison engine replaced with a British Merlin it possessed the high performance that had been lacking. With drop tanks the P-51 had the range to escort bombers all the way to Berlin and back. P-51D Mustang 44-15310 named “DoDo” was piloted by Captain Clinton Burdick of the 361st FS, 356th FG, 8th USAAF. Captain Burdick was one of the 356th five aces when he scored 5.5 victories, all against Fw-190s. Captain Burdick’s victories were achieved between November 25 1944 and January 14 1945. On February 20 1945 Captain Burdick flew the last of his 53 combat missions. Clinton was the second Burdick ace; his father Lt. Howard Burdick flew a Sopwith Camel with the 17th PS in WWI. He accumulated 8 aerial victories and was awarded the DFC and DSC. Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.