Honouring History in Miniature: IPMS Winnipeg's “Lost” Mustang IV Scale Model
by Bill Zuk,
CAHS National Membership Secretary
posted November 2024
CAHS National Membership Secretary
posted November 2024
The International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) Winnipeg chapter is renowned for bringing aviation legends to life through their intricately crafted scale models. Among their most significant recent projects is the Mustang IV (P-51D) scale model—a tribute to the 402 "City of Winnipeg" Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Squadron, a unit with a storied history. This project culminated in the donation of the finished model to the squadron on its 92nd birthday, honouring its service during the 1950s.
The Mustang IV: its RCAF Connection in the 1950s
The North American P-51 Mustang is one of the most iconic fighters of the Second World War, but its service continued long after the war ended. In the 1950s, the P-51D, designated as the Mustang IV in Canadian service, was flown by eight RCAF reserve squadrons, including 402 Squadron. Originally established as the No. 112 Army Cooperation auxiliary unit of the RCAF in 1932, 402 Squadron flew various aircraft types over the years. The postwar period saw the squadron as a reserve unit transitioning from its role as a fighter squadron flying the de Haviland Vampire Mk. 3 jet fighter to a fighter bomber squadron flying the Mustang IV, making the aircraft a symbol of their postwar legacy.
The Mustang IV: its RCAF Connection in the 1950s
The North American P-51 Mustang is one of the most iconic fighters of the Second World War, but its service continued long after the war ended. In the 1950s, the P-51D, designated as the Mustang IV in Canadian service, was flown by eight RCAF reserve squadrons, including 402 Squadron. Originally established as the No. 112 Army Cooperation auxiliary unit of the RCAF in 1932, 402 Squadron flew various aircraft types over the years. The postwar period saw the squadron as a reserve unit transitioning from its role as a fighter squadron flying the de Haviland Vampire Mk. 3 jet fighter to a fighter bomber squadron flying the Mustang IV, making the aircraft a symbol of their postwar legacy.