Toulouse Nuts TF-51D

JimH · **Posted:** Mon Jan 18, 2016 4:52 pm

The Collings Foundation is about to launch it's rebuilt TF-51D. The project is taking on the identity of TF-51D Toulouse Nuts. We have the original cowling featuring the name. What we don't have is the art work on the accessory cowling. It features two nuts...seems simple. BUT there is no clear photo. We are doing our best to keep it as accurate as possible. We are offering dual in Toulouse Nuts, once it joins the Wings of Freedom tour on a between city flight. The conditions...we need a clear photo of the artwork. We have 3 books published by Jack Smith on the 167th ANG...and 3 photos of 655...but no clear shots of the noseart. I have attached the best photo we have. Please email me at jharley@collingsfoundation.org

Best,

Jim Harley

Snake45 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 05, 2014 5:49 pm **Posts:** 864

I could have sworn there was a clear pic of the art in one of the Smith books. I recognized the name in the thread title immediately. (I'm the second of three generations of service in the 167th--my son is flying C-17s with them even as we speak.)

Randy Haskin · **Posted:** Mon Jan 18, 2016 7:14 pm

I wish I could help on this one, but I've got nothin'.

Great pic of the cowling! Thanks for posting it, Jim.

Lynn Allen · **Posted:** Tue Jan 19, 2016 11:16 pm

Dick Phillips??

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7817

If you haven't already done so, you may want to put out 'a feeler' with the folks over on the WV Air National Guard facebook site. I'm seeing a bit of 'stuff' over there.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/284367113671/photos/

167th Fighter Squadron Mustangs

"Sgt. Critt Guthrie with "ONE HOP", a P-51D that served in WWII before coming to West Virginia as part of the 167th Fighter Squadron at Kanawha Airport, Charleston, West Virginia. MSgt Guthrie was a member of the unit early on and served many outstanding years as a dedicated crew chief on many different aircraft. This photo was taken about 1951 at Godman AFB, Kentucky."

"Lt. Jesse L. Birchett crashed at Charleston while serving in the WVANG in 1954." Non-fatal and Lt Birchett survived just fine to serve with the WVANG until 1961

No Caption listed.

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7817

Interestingly! ... and sorry for going a little off track, but as far as the 'familiar' WV ANG Mustang photo below ...

"The last USAF F-51, in the types retirement ceremony. The last North American Aviation P-51 Mustangs in squadron service with the United States Air Force were retired from the 167th Fighter Squadron, West Virginia Air National Guard, 27 January 1957 at Wright Patterson AFB. This airplane, F-51D-25-NA 44-72948, is on display at the WV ANG headquarters, Yeager Regional Airport, Charleston, WV. (U.S. Air Force)"

... and a bit more ...

... and where it ended up ...

Jim We'll find you a good shot of "Toulouse Nuts" .... there's one out there somewhere i'm sure.
BTW a good photoshot guy or photo enhancer type guy could probably clean and clear that originally posted photo of yours to a real nice quality.

Vagabond · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 2:38 pm

Here's a photo of that bird from 2010. Had no idea when we saw it that it had been the final Mustang in service with the USAF.

more photos here:
http://www.vgbimages.com/AirMuseums/WVA ... n-WV-P-51D

JimH · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 2:50 pm

Thank you guys! especially Mark...this has been quite the adventure. Everyone that looks at the photo sees something different. I'm guessing a lot of people in Charleston flew in 655, there has to be a photo out there somewhere. Fingers are crossed! If all goes well the airplane will meet us in California in April. We are not giving up on finding a photo!

Jim

Warbirdnerd · **Joined:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:34 pm **Posts:** 2923

Jim,
Have you reached out to the Charleston area News Media? An Newspaper article or segment on the local TV news might yield the photo you need...

JimH · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 4:18 pm

@Warbirdnerd...yes Joe Schiel has been scouring newspapers and archives for anything and everything. We have not been able to successfully contact Jack Smith. He is/was the historian for the 167th. He may have what we need but is very elusive. Offering a flight in her in exchange for a photo seems like a natural step in the search. I'm hoping this pans out and will benefit everyone!

Jim

Warbirdnerd · **Joined:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:34 pm **Posts:** 2923

Jim,
I meant having the newspaper or local station run a story on the restoration and your quest for a clear picture of the nose art.

Snake45 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 05, 2014 5:49 pm **Posts:** 864

Wham Bam was the personal art of Marty Bambrich. My Dad flew with him often, and he was in our home many times, though I was so young at the time I wouldn't recognize him. But I sure recognize the name. This would have been in the F-86 and C-119 days, possibly on into 121s.

I think the Touloose Nuts dates from the Martinsburg days, not the Charleston days. But I could be wrong about that.

Pogo · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:18 pm

JimH wrote:

Everyone that looks at the photo sees something different.

And that's one of the most wonderful things about photos getting posted on WIX right there!

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7817

Jim I had one of my techy guys enhance the photo you posted of "Toulouse Nuts". He came up with this below.

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7817

I also noticed the "shark mouth" on the original cowling from your posted photos. Makes sense now.
Hope some of this helps with your research. All the best.

M

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