1/48 P-51B Mustang "Steve Pisanos" (Special Edition) 36798 4th FG 334th FS May 1944 (with Pilot's Signature Plate)

Spiros Pisano joined the RAF in October 1941 and transferred to the 268 FS and later moved to the 71st Eagle Squadron comprised of 244 American volunteers. In 1942 the USAAF 4th FG became home for the American volunteers. On May 21, 1943 his first mission with the 334th FS Pisano he scored his first victory. On March 5, 1944 with 10 victories his P-51B aircraft engine failed and crash landed. For six months he evaded capture and eventually returned to the U.S. where he retired as a Colonel in 1973.

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."

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
  
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.