Collings Foundation TF-51D

[warbirdguy]

I was surfing the FAA database earlier today when I came across this gem:

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry ... rtxt=50191

Last edited by warbirdguy on Tue Mar 12, 2013 6:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[BenG]

The Mustang has been recently acquired by the Collings Foundation - the project is now with American Aero Services.

[JimH]

Yes, it's a TF-51D currently at American Aero being completed. No plans on a paint scheme or "mission"...that is yet to be determined.

Jim

[warbirdguy]

Yes, it's a TF-51D currently at American Aero being completed. No plans on a paint scheme or "mission"...that is yet to be determined.

Jim

Awesome to hear!

[The Inspector]

How about, no particular airplane, just 'as delivered' factory fresh and shiny?

[marine air]

You know, a TF-51D restored as a TF-51D is a great looking aircraft. Polished silver with black anti-glare shield, 1950's insignia, guns , rocket rails, lots of black stenciling. We had some very pretty ones in the Tennessee Air National Guard back in the 50's.

[CoastieJohn]

Took these pics a few years back at AAS. I think this was one of the CF's planes too?? There were two P-51 type planes there. I believe one was the A-36. I'll stop by there next time I'm in town to see what is being worked on. Pretty neat place.

[Chappie]

What's this TF look like now?


Chappie

[JimH]

so lets see some vintage TF shots...Bob Collings is from Valpo...so this would be my first suggestion

Jim




and from American Aero's Facebook page

[Baldeagle]

I vote for O'Kaye





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[marine air]

There's something about the post war polished metal theme on a 51 that looks so good. The touch of red in the insignia, plus a little bit of black or red stenciliing really sets it off. As far as generating revenue, there are a lot more people alive that worked, flew, or remember the Mustangs in the 1950's than in the 1940's. The cool thing about if the CF were to finish it in a 1950's polished metal USAF/ ANG thene is that it would be a bridge between the WWII and VIetnam generation. Ie, after 15 years of war, most in our country have war fatigue and the ANG theme is a little softer than invasion stripes and kill markings. Most people 45 years old and older remember when the military had polished metal airplanes and they really were beautiful. I still remember Navy Convair C-131's and DC-6/ C-118's even in the 1980's.
A Mustang with postwar stars and bars will still get invited to the same number of WW II themed events and can fill in pretty well. Furthermore, some of the WW II paint schemes applied to the TF-51's have looked pretty ugly, FWIW.

[mike furline]

How many TP-51/TF-51's were produced by North American? Did they come down the production line as TP/TF's or were they converted D/K's? Do any original TP/TF's exist?

Thanks,

EDIT: Answered my own question.
http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/?production

[Warbird Kid]

I know it wouldn't be accurate, putting it in a WWII scheme, but I'd like to see McComas' scheme represented on a P-51 today.