Corgi Aviation Archive 1/72 North American P-51D Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’ – Capt. William T. ‘Bill’ Whisner Jr, 1945

The Corgi Aviation Archive AA27709 is a highly detailed 1/72 scale diecast model of the famous North American P-51D Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’, associated with American fighter ace Captain William T. ‘Bill’ Whisner Jr during the final stages of the Second World War.

Representing P-51D-10-NA serial number 44-14237, coded HO-W, the aircraft served with the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Forces. Operating from AAF Station Y-29 at Asch in Belgium, the distinctive blue-nosed Mustangs of the 352nd Fighter Group became some of the most recognisable American fighters operating over Europe.

The North American P-51 Mustang is widely regarded as one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the Second World War. Combining excellent high-altitude performance, impressive speed and exceptional range, the Mustang was able to escort Allied bombers deep into enemy territory while also proving highly effective in air-to-air combat and ground attack missions.

The P-51D became the definitive production version of the Mustang. Its distinctive bubble canopy provided improved visibility for the pilot, while its powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin-derived Packard engine gave the aircraft outstanding performance at altitude.

Armament consisted primarily of six wing-mounted .50 calibre machine guns, giving the Mustang considerable firepower against both enemy aircraft and ground targets.

‘Moonbeam McSWINE’ is particularly associated with William T. ‘Bill’ Whisner Jr, one of the most accomplished American fighter pilots of his generation. Whisner initially gained prominence while flying as wingman to renowned American ace George Preddy before establishing his own formidable combat record.

Whisner achieved ace status during the Second World War and later returned to combat during the Korean War, where he became a jet ace flying the North American F-86 Sabre. This made him one of the relatively small number of American pilots to achieve ace status in two different conflicts.

Corgi has recreated ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’ as part of its premium Aviation Archive collection, with authentic 1945 markings and high-quality diecast construction.

The model arrives fully assembled and professionally decorated, allowing it to be displayed straight from the box without painting or assembly.

The distinctive natural-metal finish is complemented by the famous blue nose associated with the 352nd Fighter Group, together with authentic USAAF insignia, aircraft codes and ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’ markings.

A rotating four-blade propeller adds another element of realism to the model, while detailed landing gear allows the Mustang's characteristic stance to be reproduced.

The model is supplied with a display stand and cradle, allowing the aircraft to be presented in an in-flight configuration. A Limited Edition Certificate is also included, making AA27709 particularly appealing to serious Corgi Aviation Archive collectors.

At 1/72 scale, the Mustang measures approximately 138mm long with a wingspan of 155mm, providing plenty of detail while remaining an ideal size for displaying alongside other Second World War aircraft from the Corgi Aviation Archive range.

With its famous pilot, distinctive blue-nosed colour scheme and association with one of the most celebrated fighter aircraft of the Second World War, the Corgi AA27709 ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’ is an excellent addition to any USAAF, Mustang or military aviation collection.

Features:

• Premium Corgi Aviation Archive diecast model
• North American P-51D Mustang
• Famous ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’ aircraft
• Represents P-51D-10-NA 44-14237 / HO-W
• Flown by Capt. William T. ‘Bill’ Whisner Jr
• 487th Fighter Squadron
• 352nd Fighter Group
• United States Army Air Forces
• Represents the aircraft during 1945
• Authentic 1/72 scale
• Premium diecast construction
• Fully assembled
• Factory painted and decorated
• Authentic ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’ markings
• Distinctive 352nd Fighter Group blue nose
• Detailed natural-metal finish
• Accurate USAAF insignia and aircraft codes
• Detailed cockpit and canopy
• Rotating four-blade propeller
• Detailed landing gear
• Realistic panel and surface detailing
• Display stand included
• Display cradle included
• Limited Edition Certificate included
• Ready to display with no assembly required

Specifications:

• Brand: Corgi
• Range: Aviation Archive
• Product Code: AA27709
• Aircraft: North American P-51D Mustang
• Aircraft Name: Moonbeam McSWINE
• Variant: P-51D-10-NA
• Serial Number: 44-14237
• Aircraft Code: HO-W
• Pilot: Capt. William T. ‘Bill’ Whisner Jr
• Operator: United States Army Air Forces
• Unit: 487th Fighter Squadron / 352nd Fighter Group
• Location: Asch, Belgium
• Period: 1945
• Scale: 1/72
• Construction: Diecast with additional components
• Finish: Factory Painted
• Length: 138mm
• Wingspan / Width: 155mm
• Height: 35mm
• Recommended Age: 14+

What's Included:

• 1 x Corgi AA27709 P-51D Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSWINE’
• 1 x Display Cradle
• 1 x Display Base
• 1 x Limited Edition Certificate

Please Note:

This is a highly detailed collector's diecast model, supplied fully assembled and decorated. It is intended for adult collectors and is not suitable for children under 14 years of age.