Warbird Information Exchange

Okay, Warbird kid, on those shots, "you da man!"

Second, Regarding the light yellow on those postwar H' models, I found a Willy's Jeep, 1948 and 49 Fiesta Yellow that I painted some antique lawn furniture that's a dead ringer for that hue.

Third, I talked to MSGT. Coles today about the Tenn. Air Guard F-51H's and he didn't remember too much about them. Research reveals the D/H's in their inventory, 44-72727, 72961, 73214, 73429, 73668, 74921, 84536, 84537, 84557, then 45-11480 and 45-11487. There are also 10 RF-51D's listed. On those first serial numbers it doesn't tell if they are P-51Ds. H's or TF-51Ds. All of the color pics show the standard USAF markings with red trim.

Last, MSGT. Coles said the TF-51D was lost when it ran off the end of the runway into a ravine. It was listed as "CLass 26" and shipped to Davis Monthan AFB for storage.

Hi Ryan,
While searching for possible paint schemes, I did a fairly active online search for information on Ahm Available, but found very little background information on the plane or it's markings. IIRC, the plane was described online as a "hack" used by various staff pilots (hence the name). Although it was mentioned some of these were WWII veterans, I don't recall a connection between the markings and an individual pilot.
Once we found the Louisiana Heatwave 44-64195 and were able to document the victories attributed to the pilot, it was an easy choice, and we focused only on that A/C. A colorful plane, a bonafide Ace pilot, a history with the 82nd FG and use at Tyndall, all made getting the approval of the NMUSAF for the scheme a breeze. And, having been virtually undocumented by other sources, it would stand out.
My own version of a "cool" scheme has a lot more to do with minute details, markings and stencils, but then I'm working at 1 to 1 scale.

_________________
Norm
aka Mustanger
Chanute Air Museum
WWW.AEROMUSEUM.ORG
To Restore And Preserve Our National Aviation Heritage

Do y'all have documentation on the "little" details like stencils and markings on the H?

_________________
Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

In Bud Anderson's book "To Fly and Fight" he said they had a squadron of P-51H's at Wright field (page 196) This was the "Fighter Flight Test Section" They had two dozen H's assigned sometime after WW II. No pictures in book unfortunately.