P51B Mustang USAAF 354th FG, 356th FS, #43-12434 "Short-Fuse Sallee", R.E.Turner, 1944 (Hobbymaster HA8509)

Category Aircraft Models, Subcategory 1: 48 Hobby Master, Scale 1 : 48, ISBN/Box HA8509, Publisher/Brand Hobbymaster

1/48 scale pre-finished
Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic.
Professionally painted.
All markings pad applied for superb results.
Cockpit slides open.
Comes with a pilot that can be removed.
Comes with display stand.
Can be displayed with landing gear up or down.

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”.


Originally built as RAF Mustang MK. III FX-906 but returned to the USAAF in January 1944 it was assigned to the 356th FS. The USAAF serial was 43-12434 and assigned to Captain Richard Turner who named it “Short-Fuse Sallee” after his short tempered sweet heart. Between January 5 and April 11, 1944, while flying P-51B 43-12434 “Short-Fuse Sallee”, Captain Turner managed eight kills and four damaged. In May 1944 43-12434 was reassigned and later Turner stopped using “Short-Fuse Sallee” on his aircraft when he received a “Dear John” letter.

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

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

Weights
Empty – 6,985 lbs
Normal T/O – 9,800 lbs
Maximum Gross – 11,800 lbs

Armament
4 x .50 cal machine guns with 1,260 rounds
2 x 1,000 lb bombs or rockets

For more information: R.E.Turner