Wood Cutaway Model of P-51D Mustang "Glamorous Glen III"

Wood Cutaway Model of North American P-51D Mustang "Glamorous Glen III" Flown by Chuck Yeager, 357th Fighter group 1944

Overall Size: 20½" x 8½"

Made in the U.S.A., each cutaway is an accurate, three dimensional, architectural model. The pieces are multi-layer, micro-cut, wood cutaway constructions, reflecting the utmost in detail and attention to accuracy.

Original blueprints and period photographs along with hand measurements, if possible, are used for the creation of each design. Approximately two months is then devoted to drawing the original multi-layer template for each item.

Original construction blueprints, photographs, deck plans, books and even advertising brochures are used to guarantee the accuracy of each cutaway. Approximately two months is then devoted to drawing the original multi-layer template for each item. Once the design work is complete, a computer-controlled laser is then used to cut and mark specially selected layers of basswood. After a layer has been cut, it is cleaned and carefully mounted to a baltic blue matte board. A total of six layers of basswood are hand assembled for each cutaway. When the cutaway is complete, it is then sealed behind glass in a cherry finish hardwood frame.

The highest level of quality in both work and materials is maintained to ensure museum quality cutaways. This integrity in both design and modeling skill has brought endorsements by many of the nation's museums, historical societies and memorial associations.

The P-51 Mustang is regarded by many to be the premier long-range fighter of World War II. When paired with Rolls-Royce's Merlin engine, the P-51 Mustang had an outstanding speed and service ceiling. The Mustang was designed by North American Aviation's, Edgar Schmued, a self-taught German Immigrant. Between 1941-45, the AAF ordered 14,855 Mustangs (including A-36 dive bomber and F-6 photo recon versions), of which 7,956 were P-51Ds.

The interior view of the Mustang reveals the engineering that helped win the air war in Europe. The topmost layer is a cross section of the laminar-flow, low-drag airfoil whose curves made the wings the most efficient of the war. The next layer contains the landing gear whose design minimized the landing accidents that the ME 109 and Spitfire were so prone to. The Mustang's landing gear opened out rather than opening in, giving the Mustang a much wider wheel base for landing by tired pilots. The simplicity of the fuselage frame allowed the Mustang to be mass produced in large numbers. The integrated design of the water cooler and oil cooler minimized parasitic drag and actually produced forward thrust at high speeds due to the Meredith effect . The large fuselage fuel tank behind the pilot gave the Mustang the range to reach Berlin. The Rolls-Royce Merlin minimizes the frontal area of the Mustang while generating high horsepower at altitude by placing the intercooler and supercharger behind the engine.

The exterior view depicts Chuck Yeager's "Glamorous Glenn III", a P-51D Mustang, as it was in 1944. Chuck Yeager was assigned to the 357th Fighter Group in which he flew combat missions over Europe from February of 1944 until the end of WWII. On his eighth mission he was shot down over German-occupied France. He was able to escape capture and made his way back home through Spain. While in combat Chuck downed thirteen enemy aircraft including five ME-109's on a single day and one of Germany's first jet fighters. After the war, Yeager became an experimental test pilot and was the first man to break the sound barrier.