Conversion to P-82B Twin Mustang

Phil Marchese
The cowls were H/M type. not B C D K type.

Ned Barnett
I just learned something new - if you start a comment, then go to another screen to check something, the message goes away. Anyway, my source on this was the new Pen & Sword book on the P/F-82 Twin Mustang, and between the text and the photos, it seemed pretty clear that the few Merlin-powered B-model P-82s were based on the in-production Mustang at that time, the P-51D.

The later P/F-82s, with the Allison engines, had cowls based on the P-51 H, which I think also had that godforsaken bug-ridden Allison engine (all to save $2,500 per engine in royalties, they saddled a potentially great plane with the worst version of the Allison to be produced).

However, research is only as good as sources, and if you've got better (or contradictory) sources, I'm always ready to learn something new - and there are 1/72 H model P-51 kits out there now, so if you're right, I can still do the conversion.

But until I see a source that's got more accurate information, I'll stay with the Pen & Sword book as my primary source. Thanks for sharing your information.

Ned in Vegas

Phil Marchese
absolutely not right on both counts. The Allison E/F/G had a new cowl much squarer than the P-51H. The X and B/C/D did not use the B/C/D/K Mustang cowl. Take a look at the paneling and shape. But it is your build, have it your way. There is an album on mine that has been up for a while. Yes there are injection 1:72 H kits.

Ned Barnett
Phil - what are your sources for this? As I said, I'm always open to learning, but the Pen & Sword book by Alan C. Carey, released earlier this year, was pretty specific on the P-82B engine and cowling. Do you have another source?

I may be wrong about the later-model P/F-82s, but since I'm not building one of them, it doesn't matter - I'll assume you're right. But on the B, if you've got sources that differ from Alan Carey's Pen & Sword book, please share them.

FWIW, I've also written to Alan directly, to make sure I understood him correctly.

Again, thanks for your interest

Phil Marchese
nationalmuseum.af.mi..factsheet.asp?id=284

See for yourself. look at the inboard starboard cowl where the name does not interfere with the view. note the peaked angle like on the H series. The B/C/D/K '51 are longitudinal panels. All four sides follow this peaked pattern. There is also a site for the ongoing XP-82 restoration which is easily found. Norm Avery, a former wartime NAA employee also has a superb book on NAA aircraft. All are vastly more relieable first hand references , my 50+ years research on the AAF notwithstandind, nor my post showing the basic convernsion component completed.

Ned Barnett
Thanks, Phil - the up-close photos of the Betty Jo are very helpful. I'm going to have to rethink this conversion - but I'd rather be right than "do it my way," and I appreciate your taking the time to engage with me, and to dig up those USAF museum photos.

Ned Barnett
May be back to the drawing boards on this one ... (sigh).

Phil Marchese
There is a nice H boxart by RS ( I think) , if the kit is as well done it might perhaps play into your plans. it is in database here. it very correctly shows the paneling and the different chin scoop. The XP-82D is a gloss night B conversion with the " pickle" radar pod. The C series has a small pod like the P-38M. I wish Airfix would take advantage of the restoration to market an X/B/C/D kit (s).

Ned Barnett
Thanks for this, Phil.

Phil Marchese
Best wishes. hope to see this one come to be.