P51b 'Princess Elizabeth' engine runs today at Duxford

[Barfman]

First post restoration engine runs today at Duxford brings the project one step closer to airworthyness. I just can't wait!!!!

[DaveM2]

Great stuff, how many years since the last flight... five or six ??

Dave

[airnutz]

Thanks Barfman!!! Is she a 2-holer?

[Robbo]

Lovely, isn't she?

I've been photographing the restoration over the past couple of years or so and it really is a fantastic job - all credit to those involved. It's nice to see the first post-restoration flight geting near.

Rob

[Chuck Gardner]

It would be great to see her at the Gathering of Mustangs in 2006

[bdk]

Thanks Barfman!!! Is she a 2-holer?

Used to be. Wonder if the rollover structure installed in the photos is removable.

[Barfman]

Hi Chaps,

You're going to have to help me out with this "2-holer" thing, I'm not sure I understand what that means!

[airnutz]

Sorry Barf....If I may be so personal, as to call you by your first name?
(sniggger)....As for the 2-holer... I noticed the "big hollow" behind the pilot
where as I may remember, was chocked full of radio equipment, etc. I
was asking if she had a 2cond seat?

[Barfman]

I was asking if she had a 2cond seat?

Hi Air.... or Mr Nuts, whichever you prefer!!!

I am not sure if she is a 2-Holer, i'm back at Dx tomorrow and will check it out for you.

Barf

[SPang]

Hello,

Very nice news.

This is my prefer version of the Mustang.

SPang

[JohnH]

I know it was already painted a long time ago....but it sure is great to see this airplane back in wartime markings. What Joe Kasperoff did when he painted that horrible red paint scheme and got rid of the incredible Shangri LA markings is one of the most despicable acts ever done to a warbird. Tasteless, ugly, just godawful! The guy that restored it in the 70s Pete Regina must have had a stroke when he first saw it.

John

[Barfman]

The noise in the background is the ground generator

http://www.brookes51.freeserve.co.uk/P51b.WMV

[airnutz]

Thanx Barfmeister..but is she a 2-holer?

Yes JohnH, Don Gentiles Shrangri La is one of my favorite alltime B/C
Mustang paint schemes. What miffed me more than seeing Regina's
work nullified..was the destruction of an ORIGINAL Allison A-36 in order
to create yet another "justa Merlin Mustang" conversion years back!!!
ARRRGGGHHHH !!!!!!!

[Barfman]

Hi Airnutz,

Just got back from DX, i flew out of DX in a Beagle Pup and spent an hour flying around Cambridgeshire, very pleasent!!!!

I checked out the P51b and there isn't a second seat fitted.

[RMAllnutt]

Thanx Barfmeister..but is she a 2-holer?

Yes JohnH, Don Gentiles Shrangri La is one of my favorite alltime B/C
Mustang paint schemes. What miffed me more than seeing Regina's
work nullified..was the destruction of an ORIGINAL Allison A-36 in order
to create yet another "justa Merlin Mustang" conversion years back!!!
ARRRGGGHHHH !!!!!!!

Hi Airnutz... I think you might be referring to the John Paul A-36, which he is restoring as a P-51A. IIRC "Princess Elizabeth" is comprised of a set of P-51B wings from a Kibutz in Israel, and the fuselage components of a P-51C and P-51D recovered elsewhere. I agree on the A-36 side of things though.... would love to see one fly with the original diver brakes attached!

Cheers,
Richard