Small Scale Military Headquarters

Hi Guys

This could be a bit of an odd post, but I remember when Killer came out someone said that the P-51's canopy had an odd shape to it, or looked a little differently. I was looking through a book today and possibly have come up with an answer, though it is probably crazy.

I have an old book with P-51 diagrams from the production blueprints. Now the planes were built in California but also in Dallas. Did anyone know that the Dallas built Mustangs had a slightly different canopy attached to the airplanes. It doesn't change the overall shape but it does give the airplane a slightly different look, and you really have to look to see it.

My thought is, when BBI modeled that airplane, did they use a photo of a Dallas built Mustang and the blueprints. If they did, that may account for the slightly different canopy shape on the Mustang. The question then would be, was Killer actually a Dallas built Mustang.

Corey

Thats interesting and I haven't thought of differences resulting from the location where the planes were manufactured. I think some of the complaints with the BBI canopy were that is was bubbled out on the sides a little. I actually kind of like that little error...

From the info I have gathered and studying drawings of Dallas built P-51D's BBI may have chose the Dallas canopy. It sure looks that way.


Other then that BBI's Mustang made me very happy and when I get the re-paint version of "Hurry Home Honey" I'll be even more happier.

I don't think they are that sophisticated. I think most of their R&D is from simple photographs or possibly a close look at a real bird.

Didn't even know that the plane was manufactured in diffferent areas. Why would they make different canopies in different manufacturing areas?

Mustangs were produced in Inglewood Calif and Dallas Tx during WW 2 because of demand. The need for them was so great that North American had to have two plants to build them. The Dallas style canopy that were used on Mustangs where mainly put on the P-51K version which was very similar to the D model. But they also found there way onto the 51D as well. You might say it was supply in demand.

P-51H Mustang has a very odd Canopy design, not to mention the tail!

Interesting Pics Britt. I did not even know there was an H version.
Todd

DocTodd wrote:Interesting Pics Britt. I did not even know there was an H version.
Todd

I got to see this plane in person at an airshow at Travis AFB back in 93'. I was shocked to see it as I recognized it immediately as an H model. The P-51H was the fastest production Mustang with the top speed of 465 mph. It' one quick plane. It featured lightweight landing gear (developed on the prototype P-51F), revised aerodynamics and a new lightweight prop.
Even after all these years, it still amazes me to see it flying......

The bbi Mustang has an over-blown canopy. It is a little big. The XD canopy is closer to the real thing.....

-Ski

ps. Let me know if I got any of the details wrong, I'm speaking off the top of my head, here, hehehe......

According to my info, the P-51H was the production version of the lightweight experimental Mustangs. They were 40 percent lighter than the D model, had taller dorsal tail, stretched fuselage, redesigned canopy and radiator inlet, and was the fastest production version at 487mph.

Cool photos. I didn't know there was even an H model flying today.

Ski,
Looks like you beat me to the H model info by mere minutes.

I saw a picture of a P-51K in a book by Oprey Publishing (Mustang Aces Of The 8th AF) today and sure enough there was the canopy that is on the BBI Mustang!! Bulged sides and all gentlemen. In black and white so its enough proof for me that BBI did get that one right even though its supposed to be on the K version not the D. If I had a scanner I would show it to you guys but I dont, sorry. But again the canopy BBI put on their P-51D is accurate, not for the P-51D but for the K version. But in my humble opinion I dont care either way. Until 21st comes out with their new tooled P-51 its still the best there is.

The "Dallas" canopy is also the canopy you will see in use on Mustangs with the jump seat to carry a passenger behind the pilot..

What you see here in these pictures is the "Cavalier Mustang"...Crazy Horse at Stallion 51 in Florida is one on them too.

Boeing Bandit wrote:What you see here in these pictures is the "Cavalier Mustang"...Crazy Horse at Stallion 51 in Florida is one on them too.

The photos are of a P-51H. The Canadian-built Cavaliers have the extended tail surfaces, but are basically identical to a D model. Here is a picture of a Cavalier P-51:

http://www.militaryairshows.net/hamilto ... 4jun91.jpg

I don't know why they have the prancing horse on the H. It is usually associated with Cavalier, so I can see how it can be mistaken.....

-Ski