A couple of "Kid Friendly" P-51 schemes ...

[Mark Allen M]

... not a bad idea for a current Mustang to prance around at some airshows wearing either of the first two schemes. Kid friendly and accurate.

here's a few nice 382nd FS, 363rd FG P-51's from an ebay sale. Very nice collection but a little pricy.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/322040220626?rmvSB=true


"The Mighty Midget" C3-G John Clark pilot


"Big Mac Junior" C3-D 42-106647 John R. Brown pilot


"Virginia" C3-A 42-106486 Robert McGee pilot

[Mark Allen M]

A couple items of note:

The second Mustang photo "Big Mac Jr." shows fake guns inboard and outboard of the two real guns. Interesting yet not too uncommon as it's been seen on Corsairs and Avengers as well.

The ground matting is called "Sommerfeld Tracking. "It was a system of wire mesh and rods invented by a German interestingly enough. It was lightweight and strong."

[Richard W.]

Won't work, Mark

The first one perpetuates a hurtful word for people of small stature.

Second one promotes unhealthy eating habits.

Third one would be acceptable as long as it refers to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and not a female.

[Mark Allen M]

Well you're no fun! ... lol

[Richard W.]

Sorry. I was feeling silly.

Super posts, as usual. Especially like to see ground crew get into the pictures.

[Robbie Stuart]

Thanks Mark, I always like seeing aircraft from the 363rd!
Robbie

[Mark Allen M]

I contacted the seller and made him an offer on the whole darn lot. See what happens. If he agrees you'll all see them eventually. (if you like)

[Robbie Stuart]

Looks like a lot of photos. I wish someone had a collection for sale of the 381st Squadron.
Robbie

[k5083]

It's interesting to speculate what inspired the name "Big Mac Junior," since the burger didn't appear until 1967. A quick wiki search does not turn up any likely possibilities.

August

[JohnTerrell]

It's interesting to speculate what inspired the name "Big Mac Junior," since the burger didn't appear until 1967. A quick wiki search does not turn up any likely possibilities.

August

It could have very well been a nickname - when you think of the time period, it was quite common for someone to be referred to as "Mac", and the pilot was John Brown Jr.

[WWIIABN]

The Mighty Midget was being flown by LT Chester Hugh Rice on Aug 13, 1944 when it collided with another unit P-51 while strafing a German convoy. Both pilots were killed. Rice's remains were buried by the Germans and later recover by US Graves Registration and buried. In 1947, his remains were returned to his hometown of Frederick, Oklahoma along with those of his older brother, MAJ Lewis D. Rice killed in the crash of his B-25 in India.

[b29flteng]

Big Mac Junior appears to have two extra .50 machine guns painted on the wing leading edge. I've never seen that done before.

[JohnTerrell]

Big Mac Junior appears to have two extra .50 machine guns painted on the wing leading edge. I've never seen that done before.

A practice done on various fighters in different Theatres as well - there are some photos of Pacific-based Corsairs with extra machine gun ports painted on the leading edges, as just an example.

The 352nd FG P-51B "Patty Ann II" had an extra gun port painted on each wing as well - there was talk some years ago that Brent Hisey might have his P-51C restoration painted in the markings of "Patty Ann II" when completed, complete with the faux gun ports painted on, but I don't know if anything has been absolutely decided yet.

[Lon Moer]

The Mighty Midget was being flown by LT Chester Hugh Rice on Aug 13, 1944 when it collided with another unit P-51 while strafing a German convoy. Both pilots were killed. Rice's remains were buried by the Germans and later recover by US Graves Registration and buried. In 1947, his remains were returned to his hometown of Frederick, Oklahoma along with those of his older brother, MAJ Lewis D. Rice killed in the crash of his B-25 in India.

So, were these men related to you?