Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series Diecast Model

North American P-51B Mustang – “Shangri La”, Capt. Dominic "Don" Gentile, 336th FS, 4th FG, USAAF, RAF Debden, England, 1944

1:48 scale.  Length: 8".  Wingspan: 9.25"

Dominic "Don" Gentile was an ace fighter pilot during World War II. In 1941 he was rejected by the USAAF, for not having the required two years of college, and instead joined the Royal Air Force in Canada. After pilot training, Gentile was sent to England and eventually joined No. 133 'Eagle' Squadron flying the Spitfire. On August 1, 1942 he claimed his first two victories against a Ju 88 and Fw 190. In September, Gentile, along with the American piloted 'Eagle' squadrons, transferred to the USAAF, becoming the 4th Fighter Group. Gentile became a flight commander in September 1943, now flying the P-47 Thunderbolt. In February 1944, the 4th FG converted to the P-51 Mustang and, from March 3 to April 8, 1944, Gentile added 15.5 aerial victories.

On April 13, 1944, Gentile crashed his P-51 "Shangri La" while performing a stunt over the 4th FG's airfield at Debden for a group of newspaper reporters and photographers who were there to meet him. He later returned to the U.S. and briefly participated in a tour to promote war bonds before being assigned to other duties.

Gentile ended the war with a total of 19.83 aerial victories, 3 damaged and 6 ground victories in 350 combat hours. He also claimed two victories with the RAF. After the war, Gentile stayed in the Air Force, as a test pilot at Wright Field, a Training Officer in the Fighter Gunnery Program and as a student officer at the Air Tactical School. On January 28, 1951, he was killed when he crashed in a T-33 trainer near Forestville, Maryland shortly after taking off from Andrews AFB.

The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was a single-seat World War II fighter aircraft. First flown on October 26, 1940, the P-51 was designed and built in just 117 days. It flew most of its missions as a bomber escort in raids over Germany, helping ensure Allied air superiority from 1944. As well as being economical to produce, the P-51 was a fast and durable aircraft.


Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a P-51 Mustang features: