Gary ~ What's The Plan For Diamond Lil ? 2006 and Beyond!

[retroaviation]

Very Cool Gary!!

What was the issue with the black underbelly?

I know in pictures of other Liberators in this same scheme you see the black carried up a little bigher on the fuselage. But I think you mentioned that there was some opposition to this. Can you elaborate on this Gary?

There was indeed some opposition to the black going all the way up the sides on the airplane. The concern was that it would make the already hot interior even hotter for the tourists going through the airplane during the summer months (particularly the elderly).

We found some photos of B-24A's with the black only on the belly, just like I have on Ol' 927 now. This is the scheme that was ultimately voted in by the elected staff of our Squadron. It's not as common as the black all the way up the sides, as seen on most B-24A's, but it is authentic.

There has already been talk that the airplane will be repainted next winter anyway, so the paint that everyone will see this year will more than likely be only temporary. And frankly, I'd be surprised if it even sticks to the airplane the entire season. I've done a pitiful job on the paint application overall, even though it might look good at a distance. It's your typical "thirty-footer" paint job.

Gary

[TAdan]

Thanks so much for the picture Gary. Ol' 927 is looking great.

Dont worry about the durability of the paint job...if the paint falls off she will look authentic and weathered

Thanks again! These updates really make my day.

[Connery]

Sweet!!!!

Shay, the only pictures I've seen of this scheme where the black doesn't come all the way up the sides is the RAF scheme that 927 would have had once she reached the UK.

[mustangdriver]

Very nice man, I love it.

[Bear]

She's looking good, Gary!

[Junkyard36]

It's great to see one of the older CAF birds getting some TLC! I remember seeing Diamond Lil when I was a kid over 20+ years ago, and how much I wanted to take a peek inside. Keep up the great work - I look forward to seeing her finished and being able to share her with my daughter.

[John Cotter]

Looking good Gary.

[FlyingFortB17]

It's refreshing to see a warbird NOT covered in 3 stages of clearcoat. Looks very authentic! I can't wait to see the old Army Air Corps meatball/star insignia on her!

[retroaviation]

It's refreshing to see a warbird NOT covered in 3 stages of clearcoat. Looks very authentic!

Please, please make sure you say that loud and clear to the members of our Squadron when you see the airplane on tour. The discussion of them putting clear over the top of the flat paint I've been putting on has been brought up by some of them on several occasions (and very much opposed by yours truly). It hasn't been a major issue yet, but it's certainly been a small battle for me to convince a few of them that the flat paint will attract more folks to the airplane due to it's authenticity.

Gary

[Warbird Kid]

Maybe we could have a vote? and show that the majority of people are in favor of the flat, original scheme?

[peter]

Gary what a difference! She looks like a completely different bird now for sure! I just read your article on the sea fury in warbirds international!

[retroaviation]

Well, it's going to be flat for now, but the word from the public to our Squadron members might persuade them to leave it that way in the future.

Gary

[Second Air Force]

I definitely agree that the paint should remain flat, and it looks better than Gary thinks.

But gee--now that I am home you open a bed and breakfast??? I was only looking for a place to fold out my army cot! (Just kidding).

Scott

[Alan Brooks]

Looking good! Can't wait to get back out and work on her... Kudos to Gary and everyone who has taken time to come out and work on her!!! Alan

[tulsaboy]

My two cents, for the lilttle that they are worth... keep the paint flat, no clear coat. It looks so much better and more authentic without the clear.

Keep up the great work, Gary!

kevin