A new Mustang in five different markings from the Korean war from Bronco
North American F-51D Mustang Korean War
From Bronco Models
Kit No #FB4012
1/48th scale
After the end of World War II, a large number of P-51D still served in the USAAF for many years. The United States Air Force was established in 1948, reforming the naming convention for aircraft models, changing the "P" of the destroyer to the "F" of the fighter and the P-51 to F-51. In addition, the "F" of the photo-reconnaissance aircraft was abolished, and F-6D and F-6K were changed to RF-51D and RF-51K.
On June 25, 1950, the Korean War broke out, and the Mustangs entered the battle again. The Mustang is more suitable for the small airstrip in South Korea than the F-80 and F-82 deployed in Japan. The F-51D deployed in Japan was immediately transferred to South Korea and put into action to curb the rapid advancement of North Korea.
The Mustang took off from the airports of Gimpo, Busan and Pohang to perform close support missions. The Mustang was the main aircraft of the UASF short-range support mission in the early Korean War. At that time, the jet aircraft had limited battery life and could not stay for a long time over the target.
In order to increase the close support force, the Boxer aircraft carrier sent 145 F-51s from the United States. These aircraft were quickly assembled and flew to the combat unit. Even the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing abandoned the F-80 and switched to a Mustang, which is probably rare in history. The Mustangs played a big role in preventing North Korea ’s offensive, giving the United Nations Army some breathing time.
The Mustang performed 62,607 support combat missions, lost 351, and most of them were shot down by anti-aircraft fire. The Mustang is not suitable for low-altitude attacks. The liquid-cooled engine relies heavily on the fragile radiator of the belly. Once the radiator is damaged by ground fire, the engine will quickly overheat. According to other records, the Mustang shot down several North Korean Yakovlev fighters in the encounter.
This new kit from Bronco Models
This new kit has a few figures pointed out in CAD drawings we received today, they are:
Cuffed and uncuffed propellers for this bird, there are hollowed out exhausts included also.
Correct aerials for the late D/K P-51.
Included are 500lb bombs, 75 gal metal & 108 gal paper droptanks included as well as 6 HVAR rockets.
A CAD drawing set of the model from many angles to get your ruler out against :-)
The markings of this boxing are from many allied nations during the conflict, a nice mix in there including a South Korean Army, two USAF, a SAAF and lastly the Aussies with a RAAF Mustang...
The decal sheet includes an instrument panel, national markings and stencils - The markings of a South Korean Army, USAF, SAAF, RAAF are all included here (and in this preview - the same aircraft) to help with your reference.
This kit is said to be out in the next few months. You can see more about Bronco's kits on their website.
