megan,
Thanks so much for your valuable contribution to the discussion.
Of course, the Merlin Mustang was very much an aircraft that was 'right for its time'.
Some years back, I had the opportunity to buy a Merlin (as a toy) at what appeared to be a good price.
Of course, I found out the thing had suffered a catastrophic crankshaft failure.
Bummer.
With a little bit if thread-drift, I occasionally wonder why the Germans didn't develop the Fw190/BMW-801 combination
to the point where it could counter its very effective adversary, the Mustang.
The Ta-152 aside, too little too late?
.
Last edited by Stanwell; 9th Aug 2016 at 15:12.