Young Park’s completed 1/16 scale model P-51 Mustang. Like his first Corsair, this model is paneled on the right side, and cutaway on the left to show the internal workings.
Young C. Park dedicated 10 years to the making of three incredible model aircraft. This 1/16 scale cutaway P-51 Mustang model was his third and final aircraft. Like Mr. Park’s first Corsair, this model is paneled on the right side and cutaway on the left to show the internal workings. The model was completely hand fabricated from aluminum and brass, and is detailed down to the hydraulic lines and functional control cables to the rudder, elevator and ailerons. The P-51 even has .50 caliber ammunition fed from the ammo boxes into the three machine guns in the left wing. There are over 10,000 aluminum rivets used in this plane.
Three years in the making, the P-51 model represents the culmination of Mr. Park’s metalworking and modeling skills. The details, working parts, and panel fits must be seen to be truly appreciated. All of the cockpit controls are connected to the appropriate functions on the engine and control surfaces.
In 2006, Young Park graciously donated his 1/16 scale P-51 Mustang model to the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum in Carlsbad, CA. Visitors can get a close-up view of all of Mr. Park’s incredible model aircraft to understand the true level of detail in these magnificent works. Young C. Park also won the Joe Martin Foundation’s Craftsman of the Year Award for 2002.
Though the engine doesn’t run, it sure looks like it could. Young’s P-51 Mustang is fully plumbed, and like the Corsair, all of the cockpit controls are connected to the appropriate functions on the engine and control surfaces. The Mustang with gears up is one of the sleekest planes ever designed. Young’s 1/16 scale model reproduces every detail, inside and out, down to the rivets. Although all parts are machined from solid aluminum, or made from sheet aluminum, Mr. Park was able to make the cast parts look real. He used a fine dental burr to put tiny pockets in the surface, making it look like a non-machined casting. Inside of the spinner, the “cast” propeller hub can be seen. There is such a wealth of detail in the engine compartment and cockpit that you could stare at this model for hours, and still not catch everything. A close-up shows the ammunition belt threading into the open receiver of one of the machine guns. A look inside the cockpit reveals every detail that the real pilot would have seen. The right side of the cockpit its shown here, along with part of the bubble canopy. Mr. Park vacuum formed his own canopy for the model. Although the pictures won’t show this, when you slide the miniature canopy it moves perfectly straight and smooth. There is no wobbling, and the canopy meets the fixed windshield with virtually no gap. Young C. Park (left) accepts his award plaque and check from Craig Libuse, representing the Joe Martin Foundation. Mr. Park was the sixth winner of the Craftsman of the Year Award.
Exhibit added: June 1, 2005 - Last modified: August 11, 2023
