One of their
most releases in MMP's Single series highlights the P-51B Mustang. This was the
first Merlin engine variant of the plane and gave it the ability to operate at
high altitudes thanks to the engine. Oddly, this is an airplane that the brass
of the USAAF did not want as it wasn't initially designed for the US, but for
the British. The British outfitted several prototypes using the Allison powered
versions and swapping out the engines. When several USAAF pilots were given the
opportunity to fly these planes, it was discovered that this was the long range
escort fighter they were looking for. After convincing the brass in theater
about how good the plane was, these generals went back to the US and put forward
their case for this plane. Sense leaked into the heads of those in charge back
home and North American was directed to start producing the aircraft. The P-51B
was the result and it literally changed the course of the US bombing campaign
from early 1944 until the end of the war.
In line with the other releases, this one is in
the large A4 size with several distinct sections. There is no
history of the type, but there are superbly done plans in both 1/48 and 1/72
scale. This includes fuselage cross sections that are often missing from other
plans. The book includes a goodly number of photos showing both the entire aircraft
and some details. A real plus to this are a number of
illustrations from the airframe manuals. The book finishes up with large, full page color
views of an in-service example along with a detailed page covering the
instrument panel.
It is another great addition to the MMP family of books that
offers all that both the modeler and the enthusiast are seeking in a
plans/detail book on a
specific aircraft without going into a ton of detail. I found it be
well done and one that I
can highly recommend to you.
December 2020
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