Per the POH, this is the best way to do a minimum take-off run in the P-51. I teach students to do this in the Cub, too. Will contribute more to the discussion later.
Quote:
To accomplish the minimum-run takeoff (figure 2-3), lower flaps 15 to 20 degrees. Keep airplane in three-point attitude and allow it to fly itself off ground in this position. As soon as air-borne, allow airspeed to build up and climb out at 100 mph. Retract landing gear when airspeed reaches a safe value. Raise flaps above 200 feet altitude.
(and yeah, someday I would really love to fly one. That's why I have the POH!)
Ryan
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Aerial Photographer with
Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites:
Texas Tailwheel Flight Training,
DoolittleRaid.com and
Lbirds.com.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31
- Train, Practice, Trust.
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Oh and the aircraft are nice too. 
That P-40C has me drooling.