Gemini Aces 1/72 GALFT2007 'Wanderzirkus' P-51B Mustang, Captured USAAF North American P-51B T9-CK, 2/Versuchsverband OKL Wunstorf Airfield, Summer 1944

Model is in excellent condition, complete with all parts and limited edition card

Limited Edition No. 320 of only 750 models worldwide

The P-51 Mustang has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever produced. It was developed following a British request for a New Fighter in 1940, made to the newly formed North American Aviation Company. Initial engine problems plagued the design, but the combination of the Mustang and a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine proved a revelation. The aircraft was transformed into the Worlds most potent fighting machine, possessing speed, endurance, and firepower.

The USAAF now had the ability to escort its Bombers deep into Germany, and the Mustang ensured the Allies gained Air Superiority. It also accounted for more Enemy aircraft 'kills' in Europe than any other type, as overwhelming numbers systematically destroyed the Luftwaffe's ability to fight!

During the Second World War, both the Allied and Axis air forces had huge interest in the aircraft operated by their adversaries. Downed enemy aircraft that could be repaired and returned to the air, then evaluated against their own aircraft, were highly prized by both sides. In Germany, the Luftwaffe high command had a dedicated trials and research unit (Versuchsverband), which was formed to assess and demonstrate the capabilities of captured Allied aircraft. Aircrafts operated by the unit included P-51 Mustangs, a P-38 Lightning, P-47 Thunderbolts, Spitfires, Mosquitos, and a Hawker Typhoon. These machines were extremely distinctive - they had to clearly display their new ownership to other German Units!

The unit was under the command of Theodor "Ted" Rosarius, who was charged with establishing his Enemy Aircraft Evaluation Flight in 1934. These fabulously presented and highly prized aircraft toured front line Luftwaffe fighter stations, allowing pilots an opportunity to see their adversaries close up, and to discuss the flight characteristics with their comrades. Known affectionately as the "Wanderzirkus Rosarius", a vist from the zirkus and its latest acquisition was cause for great excitement!

The Zirkus Rosarius operated this beautiful P-51B Mustang throughout the spring and summer of 1944, although no specific information exists regarding its original USAAF identity, or its eventual fate. There is, however, clear evidence of the machine and its time with the Wandersirkus, and it makes a fantastic subject for this latest Gemini Aces release!