Fragile but agile

[Fouga23]

Anyone here know why Fragile but agile's serial is listed as 44-12016, but on the rudder it's painted as 44-12018? I thought it was just painted as 44-12018 as I've seen a picture of the real one that Jack posted, but I read somewhere that the current FBA IS the real one? So why the other serial?

[Jack Cook]

Am I allowed to post here ?????

[Fouga23]

HeII yeah!

[JohnTerrell]

Jack, I know from a previous thread, you were looking for evidence of the scratched-in name of Lt. Bert Lee on the airframe, that others close to the aircraft have talked about. Look closely at this photo, just below the canopy rail: http://ww8.asb.tv/files/photo/gallery/p ... _b2308.jpg

I won't delve into the discussion pertaining to the two different tail numbers - it has been discussed already here in the past. What's the real difference anyway, no matter how you feel on the subject? It is one of the best and most authentic looking Mustangs flying today, and I hope I get the chance to see it in person some day - the only surviving P-51 flying in K-model configuration besides.

[Jack Cook]

It is one of the best and most authentic looking Mustangs flying today

Without a doubt you're spot on here!! I've said that many times before!!
You can't base an ID upon some scratches on the a/c. Taken with the the enitire ''fascinating''
history of the airframe it seems odd. My grandpa liked to say that if it sounds to good to be
true it usually is. Some kid actually scratched the word f*ck on the side of EVG's Curtiss A-22 Falcon
That didn't mean Lt F*ck flew it . Who would do that anyway (except for
the obvious reasons). SOP was paint and a brush and (decals for Kills later in the war).
It is beautiful though!!!

[ZRX61]

Some kid actually scratched the word f*ck on the side of EVG's Curtiss A-22 Falcon

Clay Lacy's DC3 has some idiots name carved into a wing root fairing..

[JohnTerrell]

Jack, I completely understand. I simply figured that I couldn't stand by the way-side, having seen the evidence that was talked about, in the photo, without posting it. It, at least to me, is intriguing.

[Tyred]

When the paint was stripped not only was the pilots name revealed but also the two kill marks incised into the metal possibly when a stencil was cut in place. Also revealed was the full data for the aircraft where the black paint had prevented oxidation of the metal. I am sure there has been a previous post where Rich Palmer stated he had seen the markings when the aircraft was being assembled in his hangar for "Gathering of Mustangs".
Anybody got a good quality photo of the aircraft at the gathering that could be enlarged?

[iflyinanh]

Some kid actually scratched the word f*ck on the side of EVG's Curtiss A-22 Falcon

Clay Lacy's DC3 has some idiots name carved into a wing root fairing..

Our "H" has a game of tic tak toe scratched into the engine mount

[51fixer]

When the paint was stripped not only was the pilots name revealed but also the two kill marks incised into the metal possibly when a stencil was cut in place. Also revealed was the full data for the aircraft where the black paint had prevented oxidation of the metal. I am sure there has been a previous post where Rich Palmer stated he had seen the markings when the aircraft was being assembled in his hangar for "Gathering of Mustangs".
Anybody got a good quality photo of the aircraft at the gathering that could be enlarged?

`
As far as the markings in question being scratched in recent times to make this ID issue convenient, I entirely doubt it.
Cutting stencils in place was something that happened in the 40's and even 30's.
I worked on a Spartan Executive, S/N 34, which I believe was the last of the tail wheel Executives produced. When new It went to Texaco as a part of their evil Corporate Aircraft Fleet in the late 1930's. Scratched in the vertical skins on both sides I could make out the outline of the word Texaco where period photos show the Texaco name was on the tail.

Some high points to consider (I'm making many assumptions here, I'm not privy to all that has happened here, but I'm connecting the dots)-
Some guy in Israel collects P-51 parts from all over Israel and even the world and then needs an acceptable ID plate for the authorities to license his aircraft.
ID plate is acquired that meets the Israeli Aviation feds approval.
Swedish group wants to buy a P-51 that had Swedish service. This ID meets that point.
They acquire it and this ID now is later traced to a service in the 78th FG at Duxford.
It is now acquired by a collection based at Duxford. The past service meets their needs and keeping that apparent ID would be important to them. WWII Duxford based fighter now flying out of Duxford.
Aircraft comes to US for a rebuild/restoration under the UK registration.
Aircraft is sold to a US based collector and that is done still based on its assumed ID. Keeping the ID was probably important to the value of this transaction as a WWII Duxford vet.
Battle ensues of which A/C has really has this ID.
Facts about FBA is now brought out as its previous ID is now obviously untrue but there is a great story found out and its ID can be given back to it.
Gotta love a win/win situation.