Grissom Air Museum C-47 repainted

[K5DH]

I'm of two minds here. I've always thought C-47 types looked pretty handsome in that gray-over-white postwar paint scheme. In fact, if I owned one, I'd seriously consider painting it that way. Now, with that being said, it's still a crying shame that they did away with Django's authentic nose art and a paint scheme which paid tribute to a specific veteran, replacing it with totally generic livery.

Could this be a case of "political correctness" run amok? Did someone in a position of influence complain about the "p0rnographic picture on the nose of that old airplane"? You know how it goes these days: "Screw history and authenticity... that's offensive to (fill in name of special interest group)". Just a guess on my part, and if I'm wrong, consider my apology automatic.

[shrike]

Could this be a case of "political correctness" run amok? Did someone in a position of influence complain about the "p0rnographic picture on the nose of that old airplane"? You know how it goes these days: "Screw history and authenticity... that's offensive to (fill in name of special interest group)". Just a guess on my part, and if I'm wrong, consider my apology automatic.

Or it could be a case of a deep-pocketed patron that has an interest in post 1945 aviation with money to spare for other projects as well.

Or it could be that the white over grey is better for long term preservation (cooler - which is one reason that scheme existed in the first place)

Or it could be that the second half of the OD paint job was suffering failure.

Or it could be that someone high up is just, umm, a >CENSORED<

I'll hold outrage until an explanation

[mustangdriver]

#4

[Tim Savage]

I drove by there a few weeks ago and took a quick look at the airplanes through the fence. Looks to me like someone donated them a lot of silver and white paint because most the airplanes appear to have been repainted in those colors.

I am glad that are getting painted...but when I was there a few months ago it didn't seem like the C-47 needed paint.

[Warbird Kid]

So which one is next? This one?

[SaxMan]

Has anyone actually reached out to the museum and asked the question? Perhaps there is a perfectly logical explanation.

That being said, I prefer the WWII color scheme, but I'm a little biased.

[Warbird Kid]

Has anyone actually reached out to the museum and asked the question? Perhaps there is a perfectly logical explanation.

That being said, I prefer the WWII color scheme, but I'm a little biased.

Considering a few choice individuals on WIX here were apart of the museum (and this project specifically) I'm sure they could tell us what happened if they so choose to come forth. BUT in the meantime.... I took the liberty of writing Jim Price (the director) and he responded pretty promptly. This is his email verbatim. I will remove his response if anyone feels it necessary.

Our aircraft belong to the National Museum of the Air Force, so any plane is painted with a set of instructions specific to that aircraft. If our Board of Trustees decides that original color scheme should change, we must gain approval from the NMAF.

The color scheme you mentioned was painted to honor a gentleman from Pennsylvania. At the time of the repainting, the trustees were told that this project was "just" for that special event. The board never agreed to keep the aircraft that scheme, nor did the NMAF give us permission to keep it that scheme.

The plane was then repainted to the color scheme given to us by the NMAF, and it is the scheme that aircraft had when it served at this air base.

[mustangdriver]

Let Jim know Chris says that is incorrect.

[SaxMan]

Thank you WarbirdKid. It sounds like a perfectly logical nonsensical explanation. You have to love bureaucracy.

If you read between the lines of Jim's e-mail, it sounds like someone on the Board of Trustees felt how the plane served Grissom was more historically significant than a World War II paint scheme and are just using the NMUSAF for cover for the decision. Can you see the NMUSAF rejecting a request to paint a plane in an authentic World War II paint scheme if asked for approval?

I guess historical significance is a matter of opinion. It's the museum's display, so it's their decision.

[mustangdriver]

I was the one that got approval for the WWII scheme.

[Tim Savage]

If original paint scheme to the airplane is the requirement...then they better get their paint cans out because that B-25 isn't even close....

I am not sure any J-models were even in North Africa...let alone a TB-25N conversion.....

[AviaS199]

As the unofficial spokesman for the Haus family (that's me on the left in Greg's photo) I can say all of us were deeply disappointed to learn of the new paint scheme. Chris is right - the "Do It" paint scheme was a tribute both to my father and to all the others who served in the CBI. Dad wasn't able to attend the ceremony, but he thoroughly enjoyed our photos and videos. He died one month later with the happy memory of the ceremony still fresh in his mind. We remain deeply grateful to Chris, Django, Rob, Zach, and all the others who worked so hard on the painting project and the dedication ceremony.

[ALOHADAVE]

I'm not defending it and I don't agree with it, but having worked at an Air Force Museum for a few years I can tell you that there is an official Air Force policy not to have nose art displayed on USAFM aircraft. I don't have the exact instruction with me now, but I did read it recently. The policy was written by the USAF Museum.
The policy is selectively enforced as usual with government policies.
Expect to see this happen more often.

[ALOHADAVE]

Here is the official AF instruction 84-103 that talks about nose art:

7.3.4. Do not compromise authenticity by adding spurious names, logos, nose art, or other identifying features that violate the historical accuracy of the CMI. Do not compromise CMIs for reasons of personal edification. Do not mix markings from a variety of aircraft, i.e. using the nose art from one aircraft, the serial number of another and unit codes from a third. Ensure historical accuracy in the placement and style of markings being applied, keeping in mind the "window" or "moment" of history you are representing. Fully document the markings being applied to static display aircraft.

OK WIX'ers out there, what do you have to say about this instruction?

[mustangdriver]

The NMUSAF approved the markings and it was not an issue with Dayton. The nose art was not dreamt up. It was historically accurate