In April 1942, the RAF announced that early Allison-powered Mustangs possessed unsatisfactory high-altitude performance, and invited Rolls-Royce to equip a Mustang I (P-51A) with the company's legendary Merlin engine.

The result showed great promise, and North American Aviation was set to work developing a new, Merlin powered production model. Equipped with under-wing drop tanks, these new P-51Bs (Mustang IIIs) could be used in the much needed bomber escort role. P-51Bs (and -51Cs) began arriving in England in August 1943. They eventually equipped the 8th and 9th Air Forces in England, the 12th and 15th Air Forces in Italy and groups in the China-Burma-India Theater (CBI)

The 354th Fighter Group became the first to receive their P-51Bs in November 1943 and use them in combat. Calling themselves the Pioneer Mustang Group, they flew bomber escort out of southern England. Lt. Col. James Howard was the group[s second Commanding Officer, and a former member of the American Volunteer Group, the Flying Tigers. Howard christened his plane "Ding Hao!" which translates into Chinese as "very good."

On January 11, 1944, Howard was escorting B-17s when his group was alerted to enemy fighters. His whole flight left to persue the enemy, leaving him alone with the bombers. 30 enemy fighters appeared and began attacking the formation, which Howard fiercely defended. In the end, he'd shot down three fighters and damaged several more before exhausting his ammunition. He then proceeded to chase the rest of the attackers off. For his action, Howard became the only fighter pilot in the ETO to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Although many models have featured Howard's markings, Peter supplied Mike Grant with detailed information, which allowed him to produce the most accurate set of decals to date.

The Model:

Naturally Peter wanted to dress up his Tamiya kit with Ultracast resin replacements for the spinner, propeller, exhaust stacks, seat and wheels. Paints included Gunze lacquer, Model Master, Alclad II, and Tamiya acrylic, which he used for the white identification stripes.