P-51 B Mustang 324842 "Blackpool Bat" WWII Hobby Master HA8512 scale 1:48

P-51 B Mustang 324842 363rd FS/357 FG "Blackpool Bat" WWII die-cast Hobby Master HA8512 scale 1:48 Highly detailed Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series Country: USAF Aircraft: P-51B Mustang Item#: HA8512 Scale: 1:48 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 high shape of the P-51B/C dorsal spine gave it the name “Razorback”. On September 15, 1944 several P-51s departed to provide escort for bombers on their way to Warsaw Poland. P-51B 42-106783 “Flying Panther” was assigned to Captain E. K. Simpson Jr. but on this day was being flown by Lieutenant Nowlin. P-51B 43-24842 piloted by 2nd Lieutenant Kenneth F. Graeff had departed first and was loitering while he waited for the rest of the escorts to form up. As Lieutenant Nowlin climbed to altitude he entered heavy overcast conditions and as a result collided with “Blackpool Bat” killing both pilots. Specifications for the North American P-51B/C Mustang The only difference between the B variant and the C variant are the plants where they were manufactured 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