Honouring History in Miniature: IPMS Winnipeg's “Lost” Mustang IV Scale Model

by Bill Zuk,
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 “Lost” IPMS Winnipeg Mustang Scale Mode
Credit: Bill Zuk
How many people does it take to build a Mustang? In the case of this 1/24 scale model from IPMS Winnipeg, it took 21.
 
As a model club project begun in the spring of 1998, a proposal was made to the members of the Winnipeg I.P.M.S. chapter to build a 1/24 scale model of a North American P-51 Mustang. The finished model was to represent a Mustang IV that served with 402 Reserve RCAF Squadron in Winnipeg between 1947 and 1957.
 
The concept of the project was that the model be built in "production line" fashion, with several subassemblies being constructed by different members of the club. The subsections were passed from one member to the next modeller down the line until the model was eventually completed. The kit was originally released in the late 60's and embodied relatively old "technology". Each club member's skill and patience was tested in modifying several incorrect or missing parts. 
 
After months of work, the completed model was displayed at public events and then “stored” until 2024, 26 years later when it was discovered in cleaning out a club member’s basement. The model was not quite pristine but was again shown to the public at the Red River Ex. The club executive then made the decision to find a new home for the Mustang. Since 402 Squadron was about to celebrate its 92nd Anniversary, contact was made with the CO, LCol Dussault. After some repair and obtaining a display case and stand, the IPMS Winnipeg model was revealed to the squadron at a public unveiling.
Credit: Scott Anderson, CTV Winnipeg.
According to CTV Winnipeg reporter Scott Andersson, "(the) celebration on October 4, 2024, at 17 Wing Winnipeg was a look back through time. 402 "City of Winnipeg" Squadron marked its 92nd anniversary where model aircraft to a fashion show - organizers displayed the squadron's rich history."
 
“They gave us a beautiful model of a P-51 Mustang that flew at 402 Squadron,” said Lt-Col. Genevieve Dussault, the commanding officer of the squadron, noting the squadron had up to 32 Mustangs between 1950 and 1957.
L-R IPMS Wpg Contest Director Alain Schmitt, President Jim Grant and Vice President Doug Roberts
Credit: Scott Anderson, CTV Winnipeg.
Credit: Scott Anderson, CTV Winnipeg.
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