P-51B

Subject:
North American
P-51B Mustang
Kit Used: Tamiya 1/48

Model & Review by:
Mark Huhtala
Pictures: R. Forys

November 2004
Model of the Month

History: The P-51 Mustang was one of the most effective fighter aircraft of World War II. It was actually designed in 1940 to fill a British requirement, and was originally equipped with an 1100hp Allison engine. However, the Allison engine lost horsepower at altitudes above 12000 ft., so starting with the "B" model, the proven airframe was combined with the Roll-Royce Merlin engine, and a thoroughbred was born.

[The B model combined a proven airframe with the Roll-Royce Merlin engine]

The "B" model commenced production in 1943, and almost 2,000 aircraft were built in the Inglewood, CA factory. Besides the Merlin engine, it featured a structurally reinforced airframe, and a different aileron design. It had a top speed of 440 mph, and a typical armament of 4 .50 cal machine guns.

[This model depicts the Mustang flown by Captain Robert M. Barkey and was named Dorothy II after his wife.]

This model depicts the Mustang flown by Captain Robert M. Barkey of the 319th Fighter Squadron, which was named "Dorothy II" after his wife. During his tour with the Checkertails, he flew 53 combat missions in either a P-47 or this P-51B, and logged over 200 hours combat flying time. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 12 Oak Leaf clusters, three battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. He was credited with 5 Bf 109 kills and another probable.

As an item of interest for us in Livonia, it turns out that Bob Barkey was a Michigan native, and attended Wyandotte High School and Michigan State University. He then became a Wyandotte Police officer and later enlisted in the Army Air Forces Aviation Cadet program before being called to active duty in 1942.

The Kit: This is the excellent 1/48 scale Tamiya kit. As usual the kit engineering is great and the instructions are clear and very easy to follow. It went together with no fit problems what so ever. The only changes or additions made to the kit were some Eduard photo-etched belts and a pair of drop tanks from a Hasegawa P-51D kit.

The kit features an eye-catching Alclad bare metal finish. This stuff produces wonderful results, but use plenty of ventilation. The decals came from a Superscale sheet. Mark says he chose these marking because his mother's name is also Dorothy.

[The 319th Fighter Squadron was known as the Checkertails.]

Came across the IPMS website while looking for something else. Saw the P51B decorated in Bob Barkey's colors. I am Bob's oldest son. (His P47 was named "Thunderbolt Lad" after me. Bob is still alive (almost 88) and living in California. His health is not good, but he still has the "Look of the Eagle" in his eye. He continued to fly into his 70's until his health grounded him. I sure if he could still climb into a P51, he could still fly it. I think that in all of the times I flew with him, when he landed, I never felt the wheels touch the ground. For such a big guy, he had a gentle touch with an airplane.
One note about the P51. When the 325th FG transitioned from P-47's to P-51's, Bob was nearly transferred to bombers since he was almost 6' 4". He fought to stay in fighters since he had 4 kills and wanted to make Ace. His crew chief tore the seat adjuster out of his plane and welded the seat to the floor as far back as it would go. I guess it worked!
Nice looking model. I'm glad someone chose those colors.
Bob E.

References:

Checkertails, E. McDowell, D. Greer, Squadron Signal Publications, 1994
The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, D. Donald, Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1999

[This is the excellent 1/48 scale Tamiya kit.]