"Cripes A' Mighty, Then and Now": The P-51D Mustang Cadillac of the Skies Series for FSX

This downloadable model features an extremely detailed cockpit and exterior, as well as accurately replicates the P-51D's quirky flight mechanics; for example, just like a real P-51D, stalling on a tight turn will cause the aircraft to spin out, just like the actual P-51D manual warns.

Crafted from the original blueprints so that every rivet and screw is accurately recreated and accounted for, this model features special rendering and lighting effects, as well as carefully recorded and edited sound mixing so as to ensure the authenticity and immersion of the pilot's flight experience.

This model is also equipped with a working 2-Stage Supercharger, a clam-shell door release, K-14A gun sights, and drop tanks, all of which can be modified or uninstalled by the user to best accommodate his or her flight conditions.

The cockpit itself is a restored masterpiece, featuring over eighty different instruments ranging from radiator switches to payload arming switches. All original logos, placards, and stencils are faithfully modeled using original engineering drawings, such as those of the gear doors and the Bendix/Menasco gear legs.

All animations are also realistic, such as the angling and speed of the gear retraction/extension system and hydraulic flap system. The classic Merlin engine is painstakingly replicated in its mechanics (such as its capability of over-boosting, which results in engine failure after prolonged flights.)

Combined with realistic engine noises that illustrate the Merlin V1650 engine's characteristic growl, it's no wonder why this version of the P-51D is called "the most accurate version of the P51 flying in any simulation today" by museums and Mustang pilots.

Manufacturers Description

North American's Classic Iconic the P-51D takes to the skies with Part 5 of our unique series of sets specially designed for FSX featuring THE most accurate modeling and performance of this iconic aircraft ever made for simulation bar none! 

CALLING ALL PROFESSIONAL AIRMEN: Take a look at the long list of details below and (following recent testing) see why our versions are already being hailed by REAL Mustang pilots and Museums as "the most accurate version of the P51 flying in any simulation today".

"Inspired by World War II's greatest Mustang ace, and a benchmark-setting restoration, Warbirdsim is proud to introduce Major George E. Preddy Jr.'s P-51D "Cripes A' Mighty", Then and Now. From the wear and tear of combat, to the polish and perfection of an award winning restoration, this product features fully authentic reproductions of Preddy's last wartime mount as it would have been seen in late 1944, as well as the modern example restored in his honor, depicted as it was fresh out of restoration. From the dual-mounted Spitfire mirrors, to the fully reproduced red & white barbershop pole markings, this product provides for a level of accuracy in reproducing these particular aircraft that has never been made possible before. Whether you are interested in re-living the past, or recreating the present, available now is both the chance to fly the P-51D as Preddy would have known it in the last months of 1944, or as current pilots will find it in the meticulous restoration of today."

Using ORIGINAL North American plans and blueprints and working from literally thousands of photographs and sketches incorporating three years of extensive research and development. This is THE enthusiasts definitive version that many have long been waiting for brought to life with all the loving care and stunning attention to detail our studios are becoming renowned for.Cripes A' Mighty, in Wartime

P-51D-15-NA 44-14906 (C/N 109-28539) was produced at North American's Inglewood, California plant, arriving in England for the 8th Air Force in early fall of 1944. Assigned to the 352nd FG, "The Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney", the aircraft would become the personal mount of the highest-scoring Mustang ace of the war, Major George E. "Ratsy" Preddy. Preddy had originally come to England as part of the then newly-formed 352nd FG, assigned to the 487th FS, as early as 1943, first flying P-47's, then the P-51B, and finally the P-51D. Preddy would first use the name "Cripes A' Mighty" on a P-47, then use it again on his P-51B. Preddy's first P-51D, an early D-5-NA variant, became "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd", seeing action all throughout the summer of 1944. This action culminated with the August 6th mission, in which Preddy would down 6 enemy aicraft all within just five minutes of action. After this mission, Preddy went back to the States for some much needed R&R and to conduct speeches and interviews with the press, as he was now something of a national hero. Preddy returned to the 352nd FG in late October of '44, and was nominated as Commanding Officer of the 328th FS. Preddy was also assigned a new P-51D, this being 44-14906, which would once again be named "Cripes A' Mighty" (although this was Preddy's 4th "Cripes", it was not reflected in the name). On November 2nd, leading his squadron, Preddy would help the 328th set a new single sortie record for an 8th AF squadron, when they downed 25 enemy aircraft within 15 minutes. In December of '44, coming on the heel of the Allied advances, the 352nd was transferred to the Y29 forward airfield at Asch, Belgium. On Christmas Day, Major Preddy was flying 44-14906 in support of ground troops as part of the Battle of the Bulge, when he spotted a German fighter and chased it down low over the tree tops, in an area guarded by U.S. Anti-Aircraft guns. Tragically, Major Preddy was killed when he and his aircraft were hit by 'friendly' fire intended for the enemy aircraft he was chasing. For his actions in both the Pacific and European Theatres of combat, Major George E. Preddy was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star w/1 oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross w/8 oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal w/7 oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Croix de Guerre, and several other medals.

Cripes A' Mighty, an Award-Winning Restoration 

P-51D-30-NA 44-74813 (C/N 122-41353) was manufactured too late in the war to see any action and was instead placed into storage. In the post-war years, Canada purchased a number of Mustangs from the USAF, totaling 130 in-all, between 1947 and 1951. 44-74813 was amongst one of the last of this bunch, purchased on January 10, 1951 for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft served at RCAF Station Chatham as 9261. With the entry of jets into active service as early as 1948 and ?49, it is thought that 9261 was likely used in a training role. By 1956 the Canadian Mustangs began to be phased out, with the last being stricken from service 1960, with most of the Mustangs already in storage by this point. 44-74813 was first civilian-registered in the summer of 1958, as N6301T. It then passed through a number of owners from the 1960's through to the 1990's. During the mid-90's the aircraft was painted as "Cripes A' Mighty IV", a less-than-accurate depiction of 44-14906, and had succumb to many civilian modifications 
since its original manufacture. With the level of authentic warbird restorations ever increasing, when the aircraft was purchased by Ken Wagnon in 1996, he enlisted Midwest Aero Restorations (already then well known for their quality and authentic restoration work) to rebuild the aircraft into completely stock form, the aim being to make it a clone of the 44-14906 that Preddy flew in late 1944. Through nearly 6-years of research and hard work, the aircraft was taken completely apart, down to minimal components, and re-finished, part by part, to match the original factory specifications. All original wartime hardware and systems were re-installed and made to work, including items that had not yet to be seen in most Mustang restorations to that point, including the fuselage fuel tank, period radios, armor plating and a working gun sight. The same level of care was given to the markings, which were extensively researched through the use of period photos, with the blue paint of the nose even matched to a paint chip made from the remnants of the original "late-blue" paint used at the time 44-14906 was in-action (which happened to have been found applied to the walls of a bathroom that was still standing at the former 352nd FG base at Bodney, England - this paint was confirmed to be that of RAF Deep Sky Blue, the same paint used on Photo-Recon Mosquito?s). Even the installation of the dual Spitfire mirrors was handled with great attention to accuracy and authenticity. Without any documentation on how they were originally fitted, period photographs were studied to find the answers. When out-fitting the gun bays, 352nd FG armorers were consulted with, so as to configure the gun bays to exactly the way they would have been seen on Preddy's aircraft in December 1944. The aircraft was rolled out for the first time in late 2001, with the last of the restoration work completed in early 2002, setting a new bench-mark in authentic Mustang restorations. At the 2002 Oshkosh Air Show, the restored "Cripes A' Mighty" was awarded the highly coveted Warbird Grand Champion award, and would go on to win another highly coveted award, the Rolls Royce Heritage Trophy, at the 2007 National Aviation Heritage Invitational event in Reno, NV.

Barber Shop Poles

The markings applied to P-51D 44-14906 "Cripes A' Mighty" tell a story in itself. When Major Preddy came back to the 352nd FG in October of '44, he not only was assigned a new Mustang and a new squadron to lead, but also a new crew chief, S/Sgt. Art "Snoot" Snyder. While in the service, Art decided he would make a little extra spending cash on the side, by running a barber shop on the base. On the three Mustangs he crewed, Art would use them as promotional tools for his business, detailing them with accents of red and white wherever possible, and applying a barber shop pole emblem to the right-side of the nose on each, complete with "1/3 pence" stenciled nearby (the cost of a haircut in 1944!). At a special event in late 2001, Art Snyder was invited to the rollout ceremony of the then nearly completed restoration of P-51D 44-74813, authentically finished in the exact markings of Preddy's last "Cripes A' Mighty". As one of the finishing touches of the restoration, Art applied the "1/3 pence" artwork to the nose of the Mustang, and also signed the rudder. During the war, Preddy had promised to give Art a P-51 ride, using the squadron's two-seat converted war-weary Mustang, but unfortunately Preddy was killed before this could ever happen. This was set right, however, when at the same 2001 rollout-ceremony, Art was given the P-51 flight he had never gotten, in one of the other "Blue Noser" Mustangs that attended the event. P-51D-15-NA vs. P-51D-30-NA Throughout P-51D production there were numerous production blocks, with hundreds of changes introduced into the P-51D, from the earliest P-51D-5-NA, to the last P-51D-30-NA?s and D-30-NT?s. While Preddy?s original wartime 44-14906 ?Cripes A? Mighty? was a D-15-NA model, the restored ?Cripes A? Mighty? is a P-51D-30-NA, so as a result there are some noticeable differences between them, even though the restored example is very authentic to a WWII-era Mustang. The culprit for the most difference between the two is the introduction of support for the zero-rail rocket launchers, which was introduced mid-way through P-51D-20-NA production. When this happened, the lower-surfaces and structure of the wing was re-designed to support the installation of ten sets of rocket launchers, five sets underneath each wing. The center electrical/switch panel also had to be re-designed, in order to house the controls for the rocket launcher system. While Preddy?s aircraft wouldn?t have had this, the restored ?Cripes A? Mighty? does. Externally one can see all of the miniature mounting and connection holes in the lower surfaces of the wings on the restored/later example, and associated stencils, which cannot be seen on the lower surfaces of the wings on the original wartime example. The result too is that the wartime ?Cripes? has all of the engine electrical switches on the center panel, and the bomb/payload switches on the lower left side of the instrument panel, while the restored ?Cripes? has the later configuration, with all of the bomb/payload and rocket switches on the center panel, and most of the engine electrical switches are on the instrument panel. With the K-14 gyro gun sight not introduced into P-51D manufacture until mid-way through P-51D-20-NA production, Preddy?s 44-14906 would have originally been manufactured with an N-9 reflector gun sight, but through period photos, the aircraft was clearly upgraded in the field, with the replacement of the N-9 for the K-14. This in-field mod was carried out using the same locations for the K-14 control box and spare bulbs bracket as that of the later models like the D-25-NA and D-30-NA, so this is something that both the earlier wartime and later restored variants actually share in common. Produced as a P-51D-30-NA, the restored 44-74813 would have originally been manufactured with the tail warning radar set installed, but through restoring the aircraft and making it appear as close to the original, which did not have the tail warning radar, this was purposely not installed on the restored aircraft. The external drop tank fuel and pressure line connections were also changed and made simpler with later models, thus although the drop tanks are the same, as displayed on the wartime ?Cripes? and the restored example, the plumbing is different. With a keen eye to detail, other differences between the aircraft should present themselves to you.

Engine Damage (Acceleration Users Only)

The Merlin engine in the P-51 was capable of over-boosting, at up to 67-in of manifold pressure. The max design manifold pressure limitation for the Merlin engine, however, was 61-inches, as indicated by a red line on the manifold pressure gauge. If running the engine for a prolonged period of time above 61-in MP, you should expect that the engine will progressively fail. The first signs of a failing engine will be a noticeable decrease in engine noise, declining airspeed/power, and eventually even potentially a smoke trail, if the situation is not taken care of in time. If any of these signs become noticeable, it is urgent to get the aircraft on the ground quickly at the nearest airport, to prevent further damage.

Supercharger (Acceleration Users Only)

The Merlin V-1650-7 engine in the P-51D is fitted with a fully automatic, two-speed, two-stage supercharger. At between 14,500 and 19,500 feet (17,500 feet in our case), the supercharger will shift from low blower into high blower automatically. Low blower will allow the pilot to climb at 46-in MP, 2700-RPM, though continued throttle adjustments will be needed to maintain this setting as you continue to climb to higher altitudes. At 17,500 ft indicated, just about the point at which 46-in MP can no longer be maintained with the throttle full-forward, the supercharger will shift into high blower. When high blower is activated, immediate throttle input is required to reestablish a proper Manifold Pressure of 46-in, to continue the climb and prevent the engine from over-boosting for a prolonged period of time. The engine is most prone to over-boosting at low altitude, and at or just above the point at which high blower is activated. When the supercharger shifts into high blower, the supercharger indicator lamp will turn on.

Represented in this definitive work of rare and unique models of the thoroughbread fighter are a host of details from the small but significant to the spectacular. This is as close as you will get to flying the real P-51D in FSX! 

SPECIAL RENDERING & LIGHTING FX

Making use of the additional features in FSX such as unique, bump texturing and specular lighting add even additional authenticity to an already-wonderfully-detailed, 3d model (and special, reflective textures make the bare metal aircraft almost translucent as the original)!

The following aircraft are included in this unique and highly-detailed package:

• TWO UNIQUE AIRCRAFT AS THEY FLEW IN WORLD WAR II and TODAY
• Packard Merlin Sound Set as recorded in the real cockpit on the day with (over 84 hours of editing and mixing and cross-checking to get the right balances)!
• Complete Livery Package (see details below) for every version inc. subtle changes!"

SOUND FEATURES

An Authentic and Accurate Sound Pack of the Unique Packard Merlin Engine.
84 hours of recordings and mixing of real sounds from the real Packard Merlin have been mixed from two separate sources. Carefully recorded to gain the accuracy of the exhaust sound of the unique Merlin V1650 Engine with its characteristic growl. 
Two flights were made in a restored P-51D to accurately record this wonderful sound. 

At high throttle the engine attains peak torque. At full power the familiar 'growl' of the Merlin can be heard as different phases of engine power increase. Perfect for those with 5:1 surround systems; the sound of the engines peak torque tone curves can clearly be heard above its clean characteristic sound as it flies by on high speed passes. 

• Authentic Engine Firing sounds
• Accurate start and shut down
• Sounds from outside taken using carefully positioned microphones in flight
• Additional famous Gunport Whine 

Sounds inside the cockpit have been recorded both on the ground, during and up to take off and in flight with many sound characteristics also recorded as they were heard including buffetting, wind noises, creaks and the clank of metal against ground.

3D MODELING OUTSIDE

• The most accurate exterior model of a P-51D ever seen in computer form, created using original engineering drawings, dimensions, & cross-reference photos.
• Distinctive areas such as the nose, tail, wing, radiator scoop, and spine are modeled to a degree of accuracy never before seen.
• Working 2 Stage Supercharger, if not handled correctly, the engine will blow!
• Very Accurately depicted Gun Bay detail never before seen modelled to such a high level of detail
• All fasteners, screws, spot-welds, bolts, rivets, & seams are accounted for, & accurately recreated.
• The characteristic and distinct laminar wing airfoil is accurately modeled.
• Plastic canopies, of both Inglewood & Dallas forms, are accurately modeled to the Nth degree, using original engineering drawings of the Inglewood type, and profile photos of the Dallas type.
• Landing gear & landing gear doors are faithfully modeled, including proper strake-angle and accurate oleo compression with weight, & feature all original markings, stencils, and placards, using original engineering drawings of the gear doors and profile photos of the Bendix/Menasco gear legs.
• All wheels and tires are modeled using a complete set of actual dimensions, along with profile photos of the real articles.
• Landing gear retraction/extension animations feature accurate phased delay to exact timing.
• Inner "clam-shell" landing gear doors drop when the hydraulic pressure T-handle is pulled. This, a practice to prevent wear to the hydraulic system. As properly kept-up aircraft, the flaps will not droop after shutdown (Just as in the real aircraft, you cannot lower the flaps simply by activating the emergency hydraulic release. If Mustang's hydraulic system is not in top form, the flaps will droop down over time, after shut down, but may take hours before it is noticeable).
• Flaps will accurately deploy/retract with available hydraulic pressure.
• 50 cal. machine guns are accurately textured and properly staggered along the wing leading edges.
• Per restoration, both cuffed and square-tip Hamilton Standard propellers are accurately modeled.
• An accurately modeled set of Aeroproducts prop blades and unique spinner are featured in the P-51K.
• Wing hard points are modeled in detail, including sway braces mounted to the shackles.
• Individual exhaust stack are fully modeled using profile photos of the real stacks.
• The pilot relief tube exit is accurately modeled at the lower end of the tail, on those restorations which feature this detail.
• The static ground wire is accurately modeled at the lower end of the tail on stock-restored examples, which is effected by speed and ground contact.
• Both coolant and oil cooler doors, all trim tabs, gear doors, and gear legs, feature animated push-rods, and in proper cases, animated hydraulic cylinders.
• The structure of the gear wells is accurately modeled and textured unlike ever seen before, with all proper ribs and stringers, rivets and bolts, and individual finishes according each aircraft.
• The pilot model features updated period head-gear, extensively researche dfor accuracy
• Examples with tail warning radar installed feature an accurately modeled radar antenna array on the vertical tail.
• A full compliment of effects includes lighting, start-up, dirt taxi, and landing.

3D MODELING INSIDE

(COCKPIT LOOK AROUND FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)

• Map & Data Case
• Flare Cartridge Bag
• Flare Pistol Port
• Flap Handle
• Carburetor Air Controls
• Rudder Trim
• Aileron Trim
• Elevator Trim
• Gear Handle
• LH Cockpit Light
• Arm Rest
• Coolant Radiator Air Control Switch
• Oil Radiator Air Control Switch
• Landing Light Switch
• LH Cockpit Light Switch
• Throttle Lever
• Microphone Button
• Throttle & Prop Friction Controls
• Prop Lever
• Mixture Lever
• Left & Right Manual Payload Release Levers
• Supercharger Warning Light
• Fuel Booster Pump
• Oil Primer
• Starter Switch
• Fuel Primer
• Magneto Switch
• Payload Arming Switches
• Instrument Panel Light Switch
• Gear Position Indicator
• LH Instrument Panel Light
• Gunsight Power Switch
• Gunsight Reticle Fixed/Gyro Switch
• Directional Indicator Gauge
• Clock
• Suction Gauge
• Manifold Pressure Gauge
• Tachometer
• Coolant Temperature Gauge
• Carburetor Temperature Gauge
• Gyro Horizon
• Gyro Compass
• Airspeed Indicator
• Altimeter
• Turn and Bank Indicator
• Vertical Speed Indicator
• Oil & Fuel Gauge
• Oxygen Flow Blinker
• Oxygen Pressure Gauge
• Aircraft Restriction Placard
• Fuel Cutoff Lever
• Fuel Tank Selector
• Hydraulic Release T-Handle
• Hydraulic Pressure Gauge
• Spare Bulbs Bracket
• Oxygen Regulator
• Canopy Emergency Release Handle
• Canopy Crank
• Recognition Light Key
• RH Instrument Panel Light
• RH Cockpit Light Switch
• Generator & Battery Switches
• Gun Heat Switch
• Pitot Heat Switch
• Position Lights Switches
• Recognition Lights Switches
• Tail Warning Radar Power
• Tail Warning Radar Test
• SCR-522 Radio Control Box
• RH Cockpit Light
• IFF Power Switch
• Detonator Switches
• F-Band Switch
• G-Band Switch
• Radio Circuit Breaker Switches
• Emergency Coolant Door Release Handle
• Signal Light Power Receptacle
• Cold Air Control
• Hot Air Control
• Defroster Control
• LH Fuel Gauge
• RH Fuel Gauge
• K-14A Gun Sight
• Gun Sight Range Dial 

(COCKPIT FACING AFT)

• Armor Back Plate
• Fuselage Fuel Gauge
• SCR-522 Radio Set
• Battery
• Fuel Plumbing
• Fuel Tank

FLIGHT MODEL - WARNING: Highly sensitive flight model. (Stall it on a tight turn and you will spin like the P-51D manual warns) 

"Snap Roll" also included into air model where pilot force a snap roll due to excessive speed, AOA, wrong weighting and COG pushing. 

FORCE FX USERS NOTE

For those using Force FX Hardware. The buffet due to applying too much back-pressure on the control column will be felt throughout the different speed ranges.

SPECIAL FEATURES

DROP TANKS
Install tanks if needed for long flights or display. If need be, they may be ARMED and RELEASED, or simply uninstalled. 

GUN BAY
By simply assigning the wing fold mechanism, this will open the Gunbay to reveal incredible detail. 

CLAM-SHELL DOOR RELEASE
As procedures followed by the real pilots, following shut down, the hydraulic t-handle may be pulled, allowing the landing gear clam-shell doors to deploy within seconds. 

K-14A GUN SIGHT
As per given flight conditions, the gun sight if installed, may be removed or added back into the cockpit by the user.