HOBBY MASTER 1/48 USAAF UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE NORTH AMERICAN P-51 MUSTANG 324823, 363rd FS, 357th FG (HA8514)

The only difference between the North American P-51B and C Mustang variants was that the B was built in Inglewood, California and the C in Dallas, Texas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C  in August 5 the same year. 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. P-51B Mustang 43-24283 originally was assigned to Bud Anderson as “Old Crow”. When he 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 he 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.