Eduard – 2152 – Tales of Iwojima DUAL COMBO

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kits in 1/72 scale of the U.S. WWII P-51D Mustang fighter aircraft.

The P-51D Mustang played a critical role in the Pacific Theater during the final year of World War II, especially in long-range escort missions that supported the strategic bombing campaign against Japan. While the Mustang was originally developed and made famous in the European Theater, its deployment in the Pacific became vital once the U.S. began using Iwo Jima as a forward base for operations over the Japanese home islands. From this island, P-51Ds could finally reach targets on Honshu and escort B-29 Superfortress bombers on their long missions from the Marianas, helping reduce bomber losses dramatically.

Several key Very Long Range (VLR) fighter groups flew the P-51D from Iwo Jima, including the 15th Fighter Group, 21st Fighter Group, and 506th Fighter Group. These units were equipped with Mustangs specifically modified or prepared for long-endurance flights, often with drop tanks and additional navigation equipment. Pilots flew grueling missions of 7 to 8 hours over open ocean and enemy territory, pushing both men and machines to the limits.

The 15th FG, originally based in Hawaii, was among the first to operate from Iwo Jima, flying escort and fighter sweep missions over Tokyo and other strategic targets. The 21st FG, similarly experienced, became renowned for its disciplined escort work and aggressive air-to-air engagements. The 506th FG, arriving slightly later, also contributed to the VLR effort with a strong focus on maintaining air superiority and attacking Japanese airfields to suppress fighter opposition.

P-51Ds from these groups bore distinctive squadron markings and often personalized nose art, with bare metal finishes glinting in the Pacific sun. They not only protected the B-29s but also conducted low-level attacks, fighter sweeps, and reconnaissance. Their presence over Japan was a morale blow to the Japanese and a visible sign that the war was reaching its final phase. The Mustang’s range, speed, and high-altitude performance made it uniquely suited for this role, and the pilots of the 15th, 21st, and 506th Fighter Groups ensured it became a symbol of persistence and precision in the vast Pacific air war.

Box contains parts to build two full kits, including two sets of PE parts. Decal sheet focus on the Fighter Groups mentioned, 15th Fighter Group, 21st Fighter Group, and 506th Fighter Group, operated from Iwojima, with 12 different markings to choose from. The kit also updates the PE (photo-etched) sheet, slightly different of the one you can find at Eduard – 70173 – P-51D Mustang (ProfiPACK). Kit also include paint mask.

Markings detail:

•  P-51D-25, 44-73382, Lt. Col. John W. Mitchell, CO of 15th FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, Summer 1945
•  P-51D-20 s/n 44-63483, Maj. Gilmer L. Snipes, CO of 45th FS, 15th FG, 7th AF, Saipan, February 1945
•  P-51D-20, 44-63483, Maj. Robert W. Moore, CO of 45th FS, 15th FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, August 1945
• P-51D-20, 44-63420, Capt. Eurich L. Bright, 47th FS, 15th FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, Summer 1945
• P-51D-20, 44-63984, Maj. James B. Tapp, CO of 78th FS, 15th FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, May 1945
• P-51D-25, 44-73407, Maj. James B. Tapp, CO of 78th FS, 15th FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, Summer 1945
• P-51D-20, 44-63451, Lt. Robert J. Louwers/Lt. John E. Montgomery III, 46th FS, 21th FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, July 1945
• P-51D-20, 44-63733, Maj. Paul W. Imig, CO of 72nd FS, 21st FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, March 1945
•  P-51D-25, 44-73623, Maj. Harry C. Crim (later Flt.Off. Theo Gruici), CO of 531st FS, 21st FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, July/August 1945
• P-51D-25, 44-73379, 2nd Lt. William G. Hetland/ Lt. Hinkle, 457th FS, 506th FG, 7th AF, Iwojima, June 1945
• P-51D-20, 44-72579, Capt. J. B. Baker Jr., 458th FS, 506th FG, 20th AF, Iwojima, July 1945
• P-51D-20, 44-72587, 2nd Lt. William G. Ebersole/2nd Lt. James R. Bercaw, 462nd FS, 506th FG, 20th AF, Iwojima, July 1945