Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series
HA8514P-51B Mustang "Berlin Express" 324823, Lt. Bill Overstreet, 363rd FS, 357th FG, 1944
General Background
The only difference between the North American P-51B and C variants was the B was built in
Inglewood and the C in Dallas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C variant first flew
on August 5, 1943. The B variant saw 1,988 built while the C variant saw 1,750 built. On
December 1, 1943 the P-51B Mustang flew its first combat mission and in March 1944 provided
bomber escort to Berlin. The high shape of the P-51B/C dorsal spine gave it the name
“Razorback”.
The Aircraft
P-51B Mustang 43-24283 c/n 102-24700 originally was assigned to Bud Anderson as “old Crow”. When Bud moved on the aircraft was assigned to Lt. Bill Overstreet also from the 357th FG. Overstreet had the new name “Berlin Express” painted on the left side of the engine cowling and a winged Mustang on the right side. One thing Bill was known for was flying aircraft under special structures. He once flew under the Golden Gate Bridge and most famously pursuing a German aircraft under the Eiffel Tower and shooting it down.
Hobby Master HA8514, P-51B Mustang "Berlin Express" 324823, Lt., 1:48
- P-51B/C Production: 3,738B: 1,988 produced at Inglewood plantC: 1,750 produced at Dallas plantDimensions:Length: 32.25 ftWingspan: 37.04 ftHeight: 13.67 ftWeightEmpty: 6,985 lbsNormal T/O: 9,800 lbsMaximum Gross: 11,800 lbsPerformancePower Plant: 1 X Packard (Rolls Royce) V-1650-3-7 producing 1,380 hp in the B variant and 1,490 hp in the C variantMaximum Speed: 439 mph @ 25,000 ftService Ceiling: 41,800 ftRange: B – 1,180 milesC – 1,900 milesArmament 4 x .50 cal machine guns with 1,260 rounds2 x 1,000 lb bombs or rockets