Palm Springs Air Museum P-51...

[eallen]

So I was out in Palm Springs this week with my family on spring break and made a trip over to the air museum with my son, his friend and nephew. We have been going the last 4 years for spring break and always make a trip over to the museum. I was very happy to find the museum's mustang torn down and looking like it was getting an annual. In talking with one of the museum staff mechanics I was told that it is the first one in 14 years. Now I am not a pilot or mustang expert so forgive me if i blow this deal! I was just happy to see it apart because that means they are planning on flying it. The mechanic told me that the fellas from Vintage V12s were coming today to look at the motor, the carb was going to be rebuilt, cooling system redone, radiator rebuilt, the 60s/70s tuck and roll interior removed, and a host of other items to get her back in the air. I got a few cell phone pix from behind the ropes...

Maybe there are others out there with better info?

[Fouga23]

Is that blue colour historically correct?

[Dan K]

Is that blue colour historically correct?

Thankfully the Europeans understand historical accuracy...

[seaknight15]

Had Many a fine flight in her when it was up at POF EAST at FCM. and the paint---- well I think it was one of Ponds ideas.
14 years puts it at when it left Minn.

[Randy Haskin]

Is that blue colour historically correct?

There was a time where a bunch of people thought so, based on some faded color photos from period.

[mlenoch]

The gear doors look fine. What's the concern?
VL

[CraigQ]

Is that blue colour historically correct?

NO

[Fouga23]

Is that blue colour historically correct?

Thankfully the Europeans understand historical accuracy...

]

I did quite like the Red Bull Sea Vixen though! And that Hunter looks very sharp in that paint

I was just wondering if that blue was actually used in theatre. Seems the answer is no. What color does it need to be? Olive drab?

[JohnTerrell]

On the topic of color , Olive Drab, or possibly more accurately RAF Dark Green, would be proper for a 361st FG scheme.

This is just one of those 'classic' 1980's era Mustang restorations/rebuilds, during a time in which there were a number of Mustangs restored in 361st FG-inspired schemes, all finished in the very similar baby-blue over silver (Obsession, Dazzling Donna, Lou IV, Paul I, American Beauty). Having seen this aircraft briefly when I was very young while it was with the Planes of Fame East museum in Minnesota before the collection went to California, it is great to hear that it may fly again in the near future, and as is the case, it is great to learn when any Mustang may be getting air beneath its wings again!

Thank you for the photos!

Last edited by JohnTerrell on Sun May 01, 2011 12:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Randy Haskin]

The gear doors look fine. What's the concern?
VL

Shack.

[Chris]

I don't care what color they are. Just as long as they stay in the air. Glad to see that the P-51 is getting some much needed attention. I hope the Corsair is next.

[T33driver]

The gear doors look fine. What's the concern?
VL

Excellent point but my concerns are the engine sounds too much like Big Daddy Don Garlits' "Swamp Rat 21" top fuel dragster , doesn't breathe fire and has too many moving parts.

[wwrw2007]

Is that blue colour historically correct?

Thankfully the Europeans understand historical accuracy

Sure looks better than one with an accurate paint job rotting away on a stick.

[Warbird Kid]

Sure looks better than one with an accurate paint job rotting away on a stick.

Well its a good thing then that this one isn't outside anymore. http://www.warbirdregistry.org/corsairregistry/fg1-92460.html

[wwrw2007]

Sure looks better than one with an accurate paint job rotting away on a stick.

Well its a good thing then that this one isn't outside anymore. http://www.warbirdregistry.org/corsairregistry/fg1-92460.html

I couldn't agree more! Not just limited to Corsairs, but too many warbirds in general are just rotting away on sticks. If it's flying or at least well cared for I really don't care how it's painted.