[BAD PIC QUIZ] Curtiss Kittyhawk

[k5083]

This is pursuant to the great idea to share "bad" older warbird pics on this forum and quiz each other about the details.





The identity of this Kittyhawk is no mystery because you can make out the N number on the tail, but many of you will not have seen a pic of it in this configuration. The quiz is when and where it was taken, and by way of full disclosure, I don't know the answer! So I will greatly appreciate any info or guesswork you can provide. I have not cropped the pics as closely as I normally would, in case the context helps you identify the location. If it helps, the Bearcat in the background is BuNo 121787, the ill-fated N148F. I haven't ID'd the Mustang behind it.

Also, these pics are just a little too unsharp to make out the script written below the cockpit; the second word looks like "King". Anyone know what it says?

These pictures are from the Richard T Kamm Collection, of which I am custodian. Dick Kamm (1928-2006) was a master mechanic, aerospace technology professor, and great friend who photographed antique, classic, warbird, homebuilt, and military aircraft from the beginning of his USAF service (1947) until his death. I hold the copyright in his images and reserve all rights, but anyone may contact me regarding reproduction.

August

[Chad Veich]

Can't help with location but the Mustang looks like it could be this one:
http://www.mustangsmustangs.net/p-51/su ... 2145.shtml

[k5083]

You may have solved the location there too, Chad. The surroundings of these pics look a lot like the one labeled "EAA Rockford 1968" at that link, and Dick was a long-time EAAer. Could be the same year or different, who knows.

August

[Nathan]

I find it interesting that the P-40 has a four blade prop.

[CWBuff]

This P-40 is former RCAF #1064. (RAF AK979) She was used in the films 'Tora! Tora! Tora!' and '1941'.

Registry entry for AK979: P-40E/AK979

I dunno when exactly these photos were taken, but it was sometime in the mid to late-ish 60s while AK979 was owned by Gilbert Macy. The script below the cockpit says, 'Gil Macy'.

I have no clue as to the location.


Here's some shots of this Hawk from the 50s and early 60s...


From Famous Aircraft - The P-40 Kittyhawk by Ernest McDowell, published by Arco


From Famous Aircraft - The P-40 Kittyhawk by Ernest McDowell, published by Arco


This photo was taken at the Lambert Field Open House in 1963...


Web photo - unknown source


The installation of the four-blader (from a P-51H if I recall) was as result of an accident which pranged the original. John Paul knows the story, although I believe he said that his info came from rumors and 'what he heard'.

This prop was then replaced with a three-blader after Gil Macy bellied her in during filming for 'Tora!'. Thanks to John Paul for that info as well.


Fade to Black...

Last edited by CWBuff on Wed Aug 16, 2006 3:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[CWBuff]

Some more images of this Hawk...


From Famous Aircraft - The P-40 Kittyhawk by Ernest McDowell, published by Arco


This next shot was taken at Oshkosh in 1970...


Steve Williams photo


This next photo was taken at AirWar '74...


Peter Arnold photo


Fade to Black...

[tom d. friedman]

the pics are proof that plastic surgery doesn't always restore beauty!!! look at joan rivers & elizabeth taylor!!

[Django]

What is with the canopy?

[cluvara]

Here's a shot of the P-40 in 1974 near Fresno, CA when it was owned by Tom Camp.



Chris

[k5083]

Nice work, guys. I have more of this bird in its different guises as well, but you've covered most of them before I can get mine scanned! I love how these threads bring these great old pictures out of the woodwork.

August

[Mike]

I remember seeing pictures of this one flying in the 1980s. If I'm interpreting the Registry entry correctly, it hasn't flown since around 1987.

[PeterA]

Standing on the runway with a 50mm lens.

Airwar 1974 , Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

PeterA

[T J Johansen]

Great thread, and wonderful photos. Would anyone have a color photo of F8F N148F shown here in b/w? I love that scheme but have never seen any of it in color! I think Chuck Lyford displayed it in the late 60s.

T J

[AIRIC]

Here's a shot of the P-40 in 1974 near Fresno, CA when it was owned by Tom Camp.



Chris

Wow! I have never seen an A2A image of it before. Very cool.

Eric

[bdk]

I remember seeing pictures of this one flying in the 1980s. If I'm interpreting the Registry entry correctly, it hasn't flown since around 1987.

That would probably be about right. It was flown occasionally (I forget the pilot's name, but he always wore an orange flight suit) and was based at Planes of Fame in Chino. It went to San Diego when Flying tigers folded up.