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Help me identify some markings, PLEASE!

Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:55 pm

OK troops...I need help. I'm having a painting on glass done of "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" and I need to send the artist some pictures to use as models. I have a couple of pictures of the nose art but can't make out what the series of 17 (20 on the lower photo) symbols just below the glare panel and the 8 symbols just below them are. The swastikas and locomotives are distinct enough but by the time I blow the picture up enough for these old eyes, those upper symbols get too blurry to identify. I'm fairly sure they're mission indicators of some sort but I need to know exactly what the symbol is.
If you'd like to see a sample of what I'm having done, go to:
www.aircraft-glass-profiles.tz4.com

I know there's enough knowledge out there to help me out....PLEASE!

Mudge the stumped


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Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:28 pm

The symbols in the top row are open umbrellas (representing top cover missions)and the lower eight are top hats with canes (representing escort missions.)

Though not shown in the picture the 20th also used brooms for fighter sweep missions.
Last edited by Locobuster on Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:37 pm

Thanks "Loco". Where in West-by-gawd are you. I'm in Inwood/Bunker Hill. About 10 miles south of Martinsburg, just off I-81.

Mudge the appreciative.

Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:40 pm

I'm in Point Pleasant, right on the Ohio River.

Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:54 pm

Just down the river from where Mrs. Mudge grew up in Martin's Ferry, OH.

Now, I'm sure it's too late to avoid being a pain in the tushy...but...do you happen to know where I might find a good close up of the umbrellas and hats?
PM me if you like.

Mudge the pain :roll: :shock:

Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:55 pm

I did PM you and I guess you missed the edited version of my message above for their meanings. As for closeups, I am looking for them for you right now... give me a few minutes here.

Wed Nov 09, 2005 11:30 pm

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Here are four examples from the 20th Fighter Group stables. As you can see there were quite a few variations on the markings among the different 20th FG planes but the basic shapes remained pretty close. And no, you're not being a pain in the tushy, I could chat about the Fightin' 79th all night long.
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