Strawberry B!tch Marking Accuracy

[Ken]

It's been many years, but I seem to remember Steve Birdsall writing that, as Strawberry B!tch had been cleaned and painted over the years that the original markings were either changed or incorrectly reproduced. The reason I remember was not political correctness as it was a lack of attention to detail at the time - granted, I think the level of restorations and preservation has gone much higher just in the past 10 years.

Does anyone have any good quality photos of the original SB and/or how her markings today might differ?

If distinct differences are noted, maybe mustangdriver would forward them to the NMUSAF for addition to their eventual "to do" list?

Ken

[mustangdriver]

Someone once said that SB used to have a nude girl on the side, but we have never found any photos of that. Even in combat photos we have, she had a bathing suit on. When the plane was stripped and restored in the late 50's early 60's there were some problems with the markings applied. Remember that a great restoration then, is not one now. She was gone over again while in Dayton and more accurate markings were applied. There is still some work to be done, and the real ball turret is going back in the airplane.

[Steve Nelson]

AFIAK, the markings that are on her now are fairly accurate. I've also heard the story of the girl being nekkid when she was in combat, but like Stangdriver said, it's only anecdotal evidence, with no photos to back it up.

Here's the best pic I've ever found of SB in her original markings (unfortunately, it doesn't show the nose art.) The NMUSAF has duplicated the markings pretty faithfully.




Here's the only wartime shot I've ever seen of the actual artwork. It's actually much more profesionaly done than the current nose art..which is rather crude and cartoony.

SN