Mark L. Rossmann is back with another Iwo Jima VLR Mustang build. This time, a 1/48 Tamiya North American P-51D Mustang built with the markings for a 46th FS, 21st FG P-51D-20-NA, Serial No. 44-63451, 227 “Mary Alyce”/“My Miss Moe” flown by Lt. Robert J. Louwers and Lt. John E. Montgomery, III.

While the 1/48th scale Tamiya kit does not have the necessary parts to build an accurate Iwo Jima VLR Mustang, it still builds into a very nice and accurate representation of a D model Mustang. Mark relocated the dorsal antenna to the correct position below the front fuselage just in front of the main wheel well covers. Mark used toothpicks to create the dual Uncle Dog antennae. Nice touch in light of the fact that actual antennae were made of wood.

Mark used the AeroMaster Decal sheet 48-797, The Very Long Range Escorts, “The Iwo Jima Mustangs” Fancy Art Part 4. Unfortunately, this sheet does not provide the decal for My Miss Moe which appears on the right side of the nose, so Mark used the decal from the Eduard sheet contained in the limited edition Tales of Iwo Jima boxing.

Below is the only photograph I can find for 227 “Mary Alyce”/My Miss Moe”. This photo appears in Carl Moleworth’s book Very Long Range Mustangs Units of the Pacific War which can be purchased from Osprey Publishing in a traditional softbound book format or in an ebook format. This title and many other aviation titles can be purchased at Osprey.

A few items to note from the photograph for the modeler. First, please note how weathered 227 “Mary Alynce”/“My Miss Moe” appears. While the Mustangs on Iwo Jima were well maintained, the conditions on Iwo Jima were harsh on planes from an appearance prespective. Second, the airfield dust shows that this Mustang was equipped with tires with a block tread pattern. Third, please note the right main landing gear leg, and how dark it is. I have seen color photos of 21st Fighter Group Mustangs while on Saipan in which the landing gear legs look like they have been painted bronze green.

Mary Alyce was Lt. Louwers’ wife’s name. It is not known if the pin-up art that adorns the left side of the fuselage below canopy is an attempted depiction of the actual Mary Alyce Louwers.

Neither Lt. Louwers or Lt. Montgomery were credited with any aerial or ground victories. Lt. Louwers completed 9 VLR missions while on Iwo Jima.

Mark achieved a very nice natural metal finish, and I like the light weathering that is achieved with a simple panel line wash. Thanks to Mark for sharing his build with us, and kudos on a very nice result. More to come from Mark.

References: Very Long Range P-51 Units of the Pacific War, Carl Molesworth, Osprey Publishing, 2006.