A final note on Dean's plane

[airnutz]

Martin, could the L5 and spinner be colored blue similar to the
blue color of the "rooster tail" of the 54th Fighter Group#1 Insignia,
which I linked to previously? Although, they wouldn't be the same shade of blue..the tail-art blue contrasts darker..

[N3Njeff]

I am sure its red also, for I believe that I have seen some color pics of the P-51's based there.
My father was working on a book in the early 90's on the training fields of Florida. I have been to all of them with him documenting what was there and what was left.......if I remember the Bartow field.........we found some pics of the flight line that were color.........I will send him a e mail today asking about it.

[Mike Schneider]

This thread does me good. It is great to see the positive effects WIXr's can create vs some of the back biting that can crop up time to time. Best of luck Karen, and thanks to all who are helping!

[Swiss Mustangs]

I am sure its red also, for I believe that I have seen some color pics of the P-51's based there.
My father was working on a book in the early 90's on the training fields of Florida. I have been to all of them with him documenting what was there and what was left.......if I remember the Bartow field.........we found some pics of the flight line that were color.........I will send him a e mail today asking about it.

I'd love to see those photos ! I have many P-51 training ship photographs in my collection for exchange.

BTW: The series of photographs (negs) of Hillsborough Field I have show many P-51A's and P-51B's - the latter being target tugs !

Martin

[Swiss Mustangs]

Here's the 56th FTS badge



Martin

[Dan Johnson II]

Fooling around with a profile of Dean's plane. Haven't shaded it or weathered it yet. Just wanted to get the basics down.

I think I'm getting there though

Dan

[Robbie Stuart]

I am just amazed at the talent shown on this site. Dan that is really nice.
Regards
Robbie

[KarenG]

Hi guys!

I am speechless! You guys are the greatest! You are all what this board is about, and the very best of it! I thank you all again, and I will continue to thank you!!

I do want to take the time to reiterate that while I hope you all know how much your actions mean to me, they mean even more because of the joy and happiness you are bringing my Dad! As most of you know, he is almost 79, has been successfully fighting pancreatic cancer for 26 months now. He was the last one to see Dean fly of back to Bartow, from a visit home to Pennsylvania just days before he died, on Novemeber 14, 1944. Daddy is also a WWII veteran.

The joy I have seen in his eyes is the very best gift of all. I can't until he comes for dinner tonight, so I can show him the patch and Dan's drawing! I floored him yesterday with Steve's painting and Martin's photo's. Wow! You all are spoiling us! You all really are the best! Thanks so very much!

Best wishes always,
Karen

[airnutz]

Ahhh..considering Martin's example of the 56thFTS badge. It appears they
combined elements of the old Group#1 and Group#2 badge to create
the Training Squadron badge. Anyone got an idea of what the 11 stars
represent?

[Dan Johnson II]

Tweaked the profile a little more. Click on it to get the better view

Dan

[Scott Rose]

Thats awesome Dan!

[turbo_NZ]

Great pic, Dan


TNZ

[Joe Scheil]

Martin and all,

You guys are the greatest. Finding that picture was awesome! Tweaking that drawing puts it into living color. Remember that paint schemes change, and then change again.

Joe

[airnutz]

Yes, Mr. Scheil, "paint schemes change, and then change again."
Unfortunately, 1st Lt Dean R. Gilmore's nephew John, was the last family
member to see Dean flying 43-12252. John is 79 and has been battling
pancreatic cancer for 26 months..I don't know how to put this delicately..
...John may not be around to see the next paint metamorphisis of Dean's
last ride. It would be the ultimate tribute to John for him to repeat his
experience of almost 60yrs ago..especially while we are celebrating
the 60th Anniversary of the end of WW2.

I don't see how Mr. Roush could not he touched by the details of this '51's
history. I can't see a major inconvience in Mr. Roush's plans for 43-12252
in order for John and family to see her in Dean's colors, for just a little
while. Mr Roush's sacrifice, would be a splendid tribute to 1st Lt Dean R.
Gilmore and his decendants ultimate sacrifices! As plain as she may
appear in her last markings, Gilmore's P-51B would certainly be one
of the most accurate examples of flying warbirds. And very well
remembered...the plane and it's owner Jack Roush!

I am not a religious man...but in reading Karens words and understanding
her excellent efforts at keeping her uncle Dean's memory alive..I get the
impression that Karen sees her uncles spirit still living in 43-12252...
and that's good enough for me!

If you have not had the good fortune to read Karen's history of her uncle
Dean, here's a history she wrote for us at WIX Jan 29,2005...

Short Bio, 1st Lt D. R. Gilmore, DFC actions/Cassino,91 combat missions..
http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... php?t=2653

[airnutz]

I really like Steve Tournays compromise suggestion..it would be
relatively easy for Mr Roush to share 43-12252 with the family in
temporary colors and then get on with his personal plans for his P-51.

John and family would have the best possible memories to last them...