P-51A Units and Combat History?

[TimAPNY]

So we may have several new P-51A flying around in the next few years. Please learn me as to the combat history of the “A”.

Anyone have any good shots of wartime P-51A’s that would make cool paint schemes?

Besides some guns around the engine and dive brakes what would be involved in turning a P-51A into an A-36?

Tim

[Robbie Stuart]

Here is a link to Joe Baugher's site. Joe has a wealth of information over there.
http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p51_7.html

Robbie

[k5083]

There are a few models that Baugher doesn't cover very well. Here's a good brief source on the early Mustangs:

http://ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/1999/ ... 1early.htm

So as you can see we have the Mustang Mk.I, Mustang Mk.IA, Mustang Mk.II, P-51 (no letter), P-51A, A-36A, F-6A, and F-6B. Among the difference from variant to variant were changes in the shape of the scoop above the engine (it had kind of an area-ruled look when seen from above on some variants) and changes in the radiator scoop configuration. Armament also varied, including 4x20mm cannon on some versions. So there are a lot of interesting USAAC, RAF, and RCAF schemes to choose from when you order your kit.

[Jack Cook]

TAM's P-51A is in the markings of american/RCAF pilot Hollis Hills who scored the first Mustang kill over Dieppe.
I would suggest 11 kill ace Maj. John England's P-51A #75 "Jackie" when he was the CO of the 530th FS "Yellow scorpions" 311th FG China 1943-44.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3897/is_200301/ai_n9190674

[Connery]

As far as I know, P-51A's and A-36's in USAAF service were only used in North Africa, Italy/Sicily and China/Burma/India.

As far as Allison powered variants go, there were not a lot of different color schemes on the USAAF side. On the RAF side, their's were quite different with their different camo schemes. So if you want it to be an accurate scheme and don't want just plain OD Green, then the Mustang MKI schemes are the way to go. I'm thinking that's why the POF scheme on the A model is now one from the CBI theatre because it was a little different with the white striping.

Just a little footnote....The very first Mustang Ace was Capt. Mike Russo flying in A-36 variant. He was also the ONLY pilot to become an Ace while flying in a A-36.

[airnutz]

As far as I know, P-51A's and A-36's in USAAF service were only used in North Africa, Italy/Sicily and China/Burma/India.

From the IPMS page...
F-6B Mustang
35 of the P-51A produced were fitted with twin-K24 camera installations and had their guns removed. These were redesignated F-6B. All aircraft served in Europe, mainly with the 107th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron based in England.

Edit; OOps!

Last edited by airnutz on Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[TimAPNY]

I'd love to see one or two get outfitted with the 20mm canons. That would be a nice touch.

Tim

Thanks for all the info, good stuff.