'Flak Bait' - my attempt at a tribute on goatskin

[Tom Farrell]

Nicely done.

My father, Jim "Boss" Farrell, designed the Flak Bait nose art shortly after his crew agreed to the name. Company artist Ted Simonitis was the one to paint my father's design onto Flak Bait. Mr. Simonitis was kind enough to replicate the nose art on a tee-shirt for me many years ago. Some day I hope to have the Flak Bait logo painted on a leather flight jacket.

[Mark Allen M]

Nicely done.
Some day I hope to have the Flak Bait logo painted on a leather flight jacket.

Welcome and why do you say "someday you hope" is there a problem with having this done? PM me and that problem will no longer exist.

[Zachary]

Welcome to WIX, Tom.

Zack

[Jerry O'Neill]

Welcome to WIX Tom. For many years I have heard stories about your father from Sherman Best. Bud is a good friend and until he moved to North Carolina recently, I would occasionally take him flying. I just spoke with him a few weeks ago and am working on getting Matt a signed photo of Flak-Bait for his wall.
Cheers,
Jerry

[Ken]

Jollygreenslugg quote:
"Steve, have no problem with art, unit markings or AAF patches, but I draw the line at rank insignia on a jacket. I wonder if there is a general consensus as to what is apprpriate to be worn on a flying jacket these days?"

Do you mean your question from a historical perspective, as well?
I would add: was rank ever painted on those ETO jackets? Can't recall ever seeing such.
Thx in advance,
VL

Grandpa Jim's A-2 from the 401st BG has painted nose art on back and stitch marks where the rank was removed from the shoulders ... so I will assume it was sewn on ... just can't say if a painted square or embroidered rank was used.

Thanks for resurrecting another great thread.

Ken

[tom d. friedman]

oil based epoxy enamel is the ticket.... my jacket art has held up terrific since 1999!! it's called 4 in 1 epoxy enamel. let me know & i'll give you their address if still in business, or google "the international paint company".

[Tom Farrell]

Welcome to WIX Tom. For many years I have heard stories about your father from Sherman Best. Bud is a good friend and until he moved to North Carolina recently, I would occasionally take him flying. I just spoke with him a few weeks ago and am working on getting Matt a signed photo of Flak-Bait for his wall.
Cheers,
Jerry

Thanks for the welcome greetings. I'm still getting comfortable navigating this site.

Sherman "Bud" Best is a friend of mine as well. I'm still in contact with him at his new residence in North Carolina.

To Zach: My father passed away about 18 years ago after a 10 year bout with cancer. He was a great guy.

As for the flight jacket, I've just never gotten around to it. No other excuse.

[Tom Farrell]

I was contacted on this site by Marauderman26. He is part of the team restoring Flak Bait at the Udvar Hazy Museum. I'd like to contact him directly.

If anyone knows Pat Robinson "Marauderman26" please let him know I tried to contact him via the Smithsonian voice mail system. He can contact me at Flakbait@hotmail.com.