F4U-4 Corsair BuNo.97264 debuts new paint

[Rob Mears]

Here are a few shots of Alan Woodson’s handiwork in the paint shop, lavished over the Ezell Aviation team’s superb craftsmanship. This is of course F4U-4 BuNo.97264 that was previously owned and flown in France. The Friedkin family took delivery of the plane a couple weeks back, and as far as I know it went directly to their hangar in Eagle Pass, TX. The markings on the tail are sure to wreak havoc with bean counters like me, but it’s interesting to see a 100% authentic paint scheme from an F4U-4B. John Dibbs created the reference profile art for this scheme using a vintage photo of an F4U-4B that had bellied in. I hope we get more than a few chances to see this one on the air show circuit.

[warbird1]

Wow, that's beautiful! Now that's something you don't see very often - Korean war era Blacksheep markings!

[gary1954]

Wow, that's beautiful! Now that's something you don't see very often - Korean war era Blacksheep markings!

She is beautiful

[jaybird]

I like it. Thumbs up.

[sdennison]

Howey kwap! That's friggin beautiful!

[TimAPNY]

That is sweet! Good to know about the historic Buno number on it! That would (might) throw me off when/if I get to see it.

Tim

[Rob Mears]

I've seen "VMF-214" plastered on just about every kind of Corsair, but this is the first time I believe I've seen a -4 model correctly executed in Black Sheep garb. It's an absolute dead ringer up close.

Can anyone decipher all the various insigna on the side of the forward fuselage?

[warbird1]

I've seen "VMF-214" plastered on just about every kind of Corsair, but this is the first time I believe I've seen a -4 model correctly executed in Black Sheep garb. It's an absolute dead ringer up close.

Can anyone decipher all the various insigna on the side of the forward fuselage?

The only two I recognize are the Black Sheep emblem or crest and the Navy "E" for Excellence award. The other two look like Navy flags, but I'm not sure what they stand for.

[clangjr]

It's amazing that something that is that old, and has presumably been through so much, looks so perfect. Nice work to all involved!

[Django]

I am so in love with gloss dark sea blue!

Looks great!!

[mustangdriver]

That is sweet. What were the old markings?

[steve dickey]

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/corsairr ... 97264.html

[mazdaP5]

Loverly, just loverly.

[Django]

I sent an email to Chad Ezell, but got no reply.

Anyone know what concoction of Glossy Sea Blue, Fed. Spec. #15042 they used?

[the330thbg]

Wow.., i seriously just p'd my pants.., that is such a beautiful bird I just lost all control of bodily function!!!