Training FM-2 Wildcats - 1944/45 info request

[jamesintucson]

The Navy used the yellow surround on the National Insignia for aircraft that were participating in Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa on 8 Nov 42. Not sure of the exact date that it was removed.

Mac

Sorry, it was used on all of the American A/C participating in Torch.

Mac

From what I have read, then the yellow surround would have never been seen here in the states?

With the red center on the original insignia and bare metal underneath you have an interesting situation there.

That is what we are trying to figure out. The yellow band seems to be on the last layer (above the sea blue) and that is what has us confused.

Except for the paint that was under the wing on the fuselage I wouldn't worry too much about what was on there. It all looks like poorly researched repaints to me. There were no FM-2s in Torch, they hadn't been built yet. The red circle in the star had been removed months before Torch. No FM-2 ever carried the pre-war insignia as far as I know. The first ones weren't built until 1943. All the FM-2s came out of the factory in either tri-color or overall dark blue. Based on the photos the paint that was on the fuselage after you took the wing off was probably World War II original but none of the rest of it was.
James

[Chappie]

Good day! I'm researching this FM-2 for a magazine article and looking for a little info about a former owner. I know this is a loooooong shot but......from February 1952 to December 1962 the Wildcat was owned by Richard Spano of Hagerstown, Maryland.

Does anyone have info or photos of the aircraft or know who this gentlemen is? He owned the aircraft for over 10 years but may not have flown that often for an FAA document dated 24 June 1965 lists the airframe hours at 665.


Chappie