Which F-84 is this?

[Chris Brame]

I spotted this today on the "You Know You're from Paducah, KY When..." Facebook page, posted by Stephen P. Ward:

I can read the buzz number but not the tail number. So, can anyone tell whether this is YP-84A 45-59487, or P-84C s/n 47-1487? Per the Forgotten Jets list, the C-model crashed in Texas six months after this picture was taken, and the A-model supposedly still survives at Chino (anyone seen it?).
Over to the experts...

[JohnB]

I was hoping Baugher could help, perhaps with assignment dates and units, but he doesn't list either aircraft.
(If someone has info...even if it's the info mentioned above...you might send Joe an update, I'm sure he'd appreciate it).


A guess: since the clipping is from early 1948, I'd go with the YF, since the C has a FY 47 serial, it might not have been built by April '48.
Hardly conclusive but something to consider.

[quemerford]

Late to the party, but 45-59487 was assigned to Muroc as a YF-84A at this time (since August 5, 1947 when it was reassigned from Wright Patterson ARDC). As an EYF-84A it was Class 26'd from 127th FBS at Alexandria AFB on March 27, 1951, which brought its active service to an end.

47-1487 (an F-84C) wasn't available from Farmingdale production until June 6, 1948 so I think we have a winner.

[Chris Brame]

Great, thanks! Now, has anyone seen 45-59487 at Chino? Any photos?

[Andy Marden]

45-59487 is the same aircraft as the one marked 45-59529, it carries both identities on the airframe I believe.
I have never established beyond doubt which identity is correct.
Andy Marden

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