Legion Models 14606LD - North American P-51B Mustang1/72 Scale Diecast Model"Ding Hao", Pilot Maj James Howell Howard, CO of 356th FS " Red Asses", USAAF

Legion Models 14606LD

Legion Models 14606LD is a 1/72 scale die-cast model of the North American Aviation P-51B named “Ding Hao.” This model represents the aircraft flown by Major James Howell Howard, the commanding officer of the 356th Fighter Squadron (356th FS) “Red Asses,” part of the 354th Fighter Group (354th FG), United States Army Air Force (USAAF) while stationed at RAF Boxted, England, circa early 1944.

James H Howard

James Howell Howard (1913 – 1995) was an American fighter ace who served with the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in the Pacific and later with the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in Europe during World War II. He was the only fighter pilot in the European Theatre of Operations to receive the Medal of Honour.

North American Aviation P-51B/C

The P-51 Mustang is an American single-seat, single-engine, long-range monoplane fighter-bomber developed for the British. Its maiden flight took place on October 26, 1940, and it entered service in January 1942 with No. 26 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Mustang served in most theatres of World War II and later in the Korean War.

Produced in several variants, the P-51B and P-51C Razorback were the first models to use the Packard V-1650 Merlin engine. The B and C variants were identical, with the airframes manufactured in California designated P-51B and those from Texas as P-51C. Photo reconnaissance variants were designated F-6C and, in RAF service, Mustang Mk III.

The factory-fitted framed flat-panel canopies of the P-51 offered a poor rearward view and limited headroom. To address these issues, the British fitted their Mustangs with Malcolm hoods. Several American service groups acquired conversion kits and installed the new canopy, although most retained the original design.

The P-51 is powered by a single Packard V-1650-7 Merlin V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, which drives a four-bladed Hamilton Standard propeller. Its armament comprises four wing-mounted machine guns. It can carry up to 230 kg (500 lb) of stores on two underwing hardpoints.