Forces of Valor American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model

Maj. George E. Preddy was the top ace of his time with the 352nd fighter group. His aerial skills were unmatched in his faithful P-51 “Cripes A’ Mighty 3rd”. Preddy ranks as the world’s top scoring P-51 Ace, claiming 24 kills in Mustangs and a total score of 27 aerial and 5 ground victories. Sadly on Christmas day 1944, Preddy was shot down and killed by American anti-aircraft fire. At the time of his death, George Preddy was the top American ace while flying operations in the ETO.

North American P-51D Mustang

Designed to meet an RAF requirement for fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-51 Mustang was first flown on October 26th, 1940. This versatile aircraft was capable of escorting bombers on long-range missions, engaging in dogfights, and dropping down to destroy German targets on the ground. At least eight versions of the P-51 were produced, but it was the definitive P-51D that gave the Mustang its classic warbird appearance. Britain and the US both tested the airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which gave the aircraft tremendous performance gains. The Truman Senate War Investigating Committee called the Mustang “the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence.”

© Copyright 2003-2020 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale P-51D Mustang is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, with solid metal wings and fuselage and plastic components in those areas requiring greater detail. The focal point of this beautiful model is the Rolls-Royce V-12 engine, visible beneath two correctly-modeled removable cowlings. Engines with this level of detail are uncommon in this scale—this one has been meticulously hand-painted, with details seen in the engine block, valve covers, exhaust stacks, supercharge and engine bay framing. Other fine details include a hand-painted hydraulic line inside the wheel wells, and three machine gun ports on each wing with shell casing vents below.

© Copyright 2003-2019 The Flying Mule, Inc.