P-51H Mustang Any Current Updates Flyers and Restorations?

Ed Likes · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2014 11:48 pm

This is a seldom discussed P-51 I will share what information I have which by no means is current hence my question
Flyers Mike Coutches P-51 H
Whittington Brothers did have a flyer, but don't know what has become of it.

Restorations: A James Park Bend Oregon Ser # 44-64375 I have no idea what the status of that aircraft is.
Also I believe that Pat Harker up in Anoka MN. bought a P-51H project a while back though if this is correct it might be taking a back seat to his Twin Mustang.

That would make 2 flyers possibly, and 2 under restoration very rare indeed. In all my years I have never seen one fly would be cool to actaully see one. Any one out there in WIX land able to share additional information? Thanks in advance.

marine air · **Posted:** Sun Dec 14, 2014 8:42 am

There were two P-51H projects that changed hands in the last couple years. A wreck in Texas that supposedly went to Australia and the H that someone had been collecting parts for year up in Oregon. Also there is the XP-51G hulk that the guy has had for decades and has found a few bits to go with. IT will never be completed unless it changes hands someday in an estate sale, IMHO.

DH82EH · **Posted:** Sun Dec 14, 2014 10:10 am

Marine Air,
John Morgan discovered the XP-51G remains, quite literally, as they were being trucked to a scrap yard.
As much as enthusiasts want to see it completed and flying tomorrow, credit must be given to Mr. Morgan where it is due.
He has sourced and repaired many of the parts that are unique to this experimental thoroughbred using his own resources.
Without his discovery and subsequent efforts, this unique Mustang would have vanished in to oblivion.
I had the opportunity to meet him at the gathering of Mustangs and Legends. I enjoyed speaking with him as I helped him dismantle and load his display for his return drive to California. Seeing what he started the project with, made me appreciate his accomplishments thus far.

My apologies for the thread drift down the alphabet (H to G)

Andy

snj-5 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 14, 2014 12:32 pm

The James Park P-51H project may have been registered in Bend, Oregon, but it had been
in Jim's garage at his house (near Crest Airpark in Kent, WA) for many years (finally sold
awhile back via Courtesy to Pat Harker).

Bela P. Havasreti

C VEICH · **Joined:** Sun Nov 15, 2009 12:40 pm **Posts:** 1471

The Whittington airplane is still flying and has attended the Copperstate EAA fly-in several times in the last few years. It was not there this year and, if memory serves, was being advertised so it may have moved on to a new owner.

ChrisK48 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:40 pm **Posts:** 131

Here is a shot of N49WB (44-64415) landing at the Cactus Fly-In in Casa Grande, AZ in March of 2012. It is currently registered to Yesterday Museum Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

JimH · **Posted:** Sun Dec 14, 2014 6:07 pm

I hate to continue a rumor, BUT it has been said that the Coutches have another H model in storage...along with the remains of a P-51C and a complete Bearcat. who knows

Jim

Speedy · **Posted:** Sun Dec 14, 2014 8:50 pm

I'm going to agree with brother Harley here. I have it on pretty darn good authority that Mustang Mike's "other" H kit, plus a yellow and white Kitty that hasn't seen the light of day in 30 years will soon be getting some TLC.

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3331

Speedy wrote:

I have it on pretty darn good authority that Mustang Mike's "other" H kit, plus a yellow and white Kitty that hasn't seen the light of day in 30 years will soon be getting some TLC.

I also hear it said that that the Bearcat might see the light of day too.