Warbird Information Exchange

The Flying Heritage Collection just posted a picture on their Facebook page of the P-40C getting new paint. According to the message with it they will be doing an A.V.G. paintscheme.

I love the A.V.G. Scheme but it would have been cool to see it in it's original Russian Markings. Either way it is going to look great and it is nice to see it out of that brightly colored temporary paint.

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Wow, a P-40 with a sharkmouth, something that has been rarely seen

So much for FHC's 'accuracy' program regarding markings, the airplane was already in British tiger mouth markings. In the sake of accuracy it should be done in Russian markings as it was a lend lease aircraft and was recovered still in those markings, from Russia.

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

I remember being at Duxford (accidentally) when this aircraft arrived on a truck (1992?). I was dumbstruck at the time, as I clearly recognized it as a small-mouth variant... none of which were known to exist at the time (as far as I knew). It was in incredible condition, and very complete. You could see the US markings clearly beneath the Russian paint. Somewhere I have some photos from that day... and even video, but before you ask... it will be a bugger to find them! I don't mind seeing it in AVG markings, personally, as it is one of the very few that could really represent the unit accurately. But that being said, I'd love to see her in her original Soviet markings too... it would make for a change!

Cheers,
Richard

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Richard Mallory Allnutt - Photography - http://www.rmallnutt.com

Wow...a thread complaining about paint jobs on other peoples airplanes. I predict the next post will be someone threatening to leave WIX. This could really get interesting...

I'm off now to paint invasion stripes on my L-2. I'll be sure to post some pics when I'm done.

Matt

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Don't you do it. If you do I am leaving WIX forever. HAHA

I personally like the AVG scheme. Just so it is accurate. The P-40 seems to be just made to wear that scheme. Also I am not a fan of Russian markings. I think they are ugly. But once again just my opinion. The AVG scheme is Paul's opinion. The difference being he owns it.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Matt...just make sure you paint the inside of the clamshell doors green for authenticity sake....

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Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives, and I decline......

For the record, complaining about complaining is still complaining. But what I saw here was an honest discussion about warbirds.

I agree with Richard. First, the chance to preserve something truly unique, a real time capsule (like that P-39 they took out of the Russian lake with the pilot still in it) is completely gone with this airframe. Would it have been pretty darn cool to see this unique aircraft in its unique original markings? Yes, but that's spilled milk. It would also have been cool to see this aircraft restored to the markings it was found in. That can still happen. But like Richard, a representative AVG scheme doesn't strike me as too terribly bad considering this is the same type (more or less) that the AVG used. Plus they can sell more snazzy t-shirts based on this scheme. I know I have one.

Oh you know I will . I'm also going to put Pappy's name on the door and a shark mouth on the nose bowl for Zane.

Matt

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Perhaps they have decided on the AVG scheme to mark the upcoming 70th Anniversary of the USA entering the war? The AVG was the first US air combat unit in WWII wasn't it?

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I'm not sure I understand the question, but if the Pacific
War began with an air attack on Pearl Harbor, wouldn't
that be the first?

Look on the bright side, at least they haven't painted it pink!

The AVG was part of the Chinese Air Force...

Personally, I don't care what markings they put on this ship, so long as they are well done and look authentic... and looking at many of the other birds in FHC's collection, I don't think that'll be an issue.

I'm simply happy to see this Hawk re-painted... 'tis about time! *big grin*


Fade to Black...

I'd like to add, that personally I like the approach they are taking with the application of the markings (despite having hoped to have seen this aircraft eventually finished in its original Russian markings too). As it is right now, finished in a standard RAF camouflage-scheme, it lends credence to how nice an RAF-painted Tomahawk would be, flying today - something that I wonder if was ever considered within the Rod Lewis camp (known for having chosen some un-conventional, but interesting schemes for a few of their warbirds - B-25, Sea Fury, Bearcat) before deciding on the Pearl Harbor scheme for their P-40C.

It certainly is a great opportunity to see an authentic A.V.G.-Tomahawk scheme reproduced, on the correct type of aircraft besides, if as long as all of the homework is done on the part of FHC, which I am sure it has. One can take issue with not applying the original colors the aircraft once operated in, but if the final paint work/markings application is authentically done, I'd hope there would be a good amount of vocal appreciation here, by those same people who contribute to the long threads about warbirds not painted in accurate/authentic colors or markings.

I'm looking forward to seeing the final results, with the final markings applied - I'm sure it will look stunning (though in its fresh base-paint, I think it already does)!