Corgi AA34402 North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model USAAF 357th FG, 362nd FS, #44-14450 'Old Crow', Bud Anderson

Corgi AA34402 North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model USAAF 357th FG, 362nd FS, #44-14450 'Old Crow', Bud Anderson

The P-51 Mustang was America's response to the Spitfire during World War II. Interestingly, both planes had the same engine. The Mustang was powered by a Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which was known as "The Cadillac of the Skies." This specific Mustang has the serial number '44-14450' and was flown by WWII Triple Ace fighter pilot, Colonel Clarence 'Bud' Anderson. Colonel Anderson served two combat tours escorting heavy bombers over Europe. He flew 116 combat missions (480 hours) and destroyed 16.25 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and one on the ground. The aircraft is marked with the unit markings of the 362nd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, United States Army Air Force.

The P-51 Mustang was designed to meet an RAF requirement for a fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. It was first flown on October 26th, 1940. This versatile aircraft was capable of escorting bombers on long-range missions, engaging in dogfights, and strafing 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. Both Britain and the US tested the airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which gave the aircraft tremendous performance gains. The Truman Senate War Investigating Committee referred to the Mustang as "the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence."