P-51B/C units entered combat in Europe in December 1943. Their range gave American heavy bombers fighter protection much farther into Germany, helping close a dangerous gap in the bombing offensive. The B retained the raised rear fuselage, framed cockpit canopy and four .50-calibre wing guns of the early Merlin-powered Mustangs. It therefore represents a distinct stage before the later six-gun, bubble-canopy P-51D.

A model of a P-51B can also show a turning point in aircraft finishes. Tamiya’s options include Don Gentile’s camouflaged aircraft and William Hovde’s Olive II, using Olive Drab above Neutral Gray. A third included option uses a silver exterior with an Olive Drab anti-glare area. The choice changes the model’s whole character, so follow one complete marking diagram rather than combining details from different aircraft.