A final note on Dean's plane

[KarenG]

Hi again all,

I learned a few weeks ago that when Dean's Mustang, 43-12252, is finished being rebuilt it is going to be painted to match the other two Mustang's Mr. Roush already owns. To say I have been heartbroken is truly an understatement. I fully understand, acknowledge, and freely admit that Mr. Roush is free to paint HIS property anyway he chooses.

To my family this Mustang is not a "Thing" it had the chance to be a tangible tribute not only to a brave young pilot who sacrificed his life for the rest of us, but as a tribute to ALL who gave up their young lives so long ago. She is not some twisted piece of metal that was scrapped after the war ended. She was the last thing my Uncle touched before he left this world. I am a little less enthusiastic about today's warbird world then I was before, or maybe a better way of putting it is I'm a little less naive.

Steve's incredible painting reminded me that there truly are A LOT of decent caring people out there! I am grateful to each and every one of you.

Karen

Last edited by KarenG on Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:57 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[Swiss Mustangs]

Dear Karen -

I finally managed to have my 4x5 inch negatives turned into beautiful prints, and 43-12252 is among them - an absolutely great ramp shot and what is even more fantastic: it yielded incredible detail on the artwork on the tail of this particular aircraft......

I will send this photo to you shortly, and I will post a scan here asap.

Cordially
Martin / Swiss Mustangs

[KarenG]

Dear Martin!

Thank you so very much! It is truly appreciated, and I can't wait to see the picture! Bless you!!

Best wishes,
Karen

[mjanovec]

It's unfortunate he chose to go with another paint scheme. He had a real opportunity to not only have a warbird in it's original (and authentic) paint scheme...but it would have also been an ideal opportunity to show the sacrifices made by your uncle's generation. Instead of just being another pretty warbird, it would've served as a real tribute to not just one specific person, but to many like him.

I certainly don't speak for the warbird community, but I think many warbird enthusiasts and owners like to see aircraft in as authentic of a paint scheme as possible...ESPECIALLY when the aircraft has a documented past of historical interest. If the aircraft doesn't have a notable history, we can all agree that the paint scheme is less important.

As you said, it is his choice, as he does now own the plane. But you are not alone in your disappointment over this lost opportunity to tell the story of a man who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Best wishes to you and your family,
Mark

[Swiss Mustangs]

Okay Karen & all

here's the promised photograph from my negative collection with a closeup of the tail artwork.

In memory of Dean Gilmore, who perished in this very aircraft.





Blue skies
Martin / Swiss Mustangs

[Robbie Stuart]

Great picture Martin. Can you tell me when & where it was taken. My Dad was an instructor in 51's in Venice FL after he came back from Europe.
Regards
Robbie

[KarenG]

Oh My!!!!

What an incredible day this has been!!! Oh Martin! That picture is amazing!!!! That is the single best shot I have EVER seen of her!!! Can anyone tell me what the art is? Is it personal? Does it signify a certain squadron? This is totally new, and very exciting to me!! Again, saying thank you, seems horribly inaccurate to describe how much I appreciate this!! Thank you so very much!!!

Karen

[Swiss Mustangs]

That was Hillsborough AAF, FL - date of photo is 17 April 1944
- The "L5" code, however, identifies this aircraft as assigned to Bartow AAF, FL - the Hillsborough ships had "E##" codes - So it was on detachment or visit that day.


Martin

[KarenG]

Hi Martin,

Wow! Isn't technology amazing. I just started a private message to you when my notifier popped up that there was a new post. You are right about it being assigned to Bartow, because the photo's I have were dated to: January 1944, and were taken at Bartow. Dean arrived at Bartow that summer. Not to sound like a complete idiot.....your post didn't have anything to do with my question about the art, correct? It was an answer to the earlier post. Thanks again so much!

Karen

[Swiss Mustangs]

Karen

yup - my answer was to Robbie's inquiry.

To answer yours: the art seems to be Disney inspired and shows a Cock as Sheriff within a circle of stars. I will have to do some research here to find out more about the significance of this artwork (I only received the prints today). It could be an aircraft used by instructors only....

Cordially
Martin

[Robbie Stuart]

Martin when it comes to P-51 stuff "You The Man". Thanks for the info. I am happy for you Karen. I only have one picture of my Dad & his plane. This is great. I am sorry Jack decided not to paint the airplane as it was when your Uncle flew it. Mabey he didn't think it mattered to anyone. At least it is returned to the sky.
Regards As Always
Robbie

[KarenG]

Hi Robbie,

Thank youfor the kind words. It is much appreciated!

Karen

Last edited by KarenG on Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Dan K]

Don't know if a link exists or not, but the Disney character painted on the tail bears an identical pose to that used by the 56th Fighter Squadron of the 54th FG. Perhaps the training squadron commander was a former vet of that unit?

Last edited by Dan K on Thu Apr 07, 2005 2:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[dj51d]

That is a very nice photo, it's not too often you see a Mustang shutdown with the clamshell doors still closed.

Sorry to hear about Roush's decision, maybe he'll change his mind in the future.

[mrhenniger]

Mr Roush has brought P-51s to Thunder of Michigan before. Do you suppose there is any chance?

Mike