Warbird Information Exchange

I remember the article that came out in Air Classics when it was finished (she was on the cover). But in the article it mentioned that Universal or somebody had scrapped a crated B or C in 1974! It was in a warehouse full of movie junk. I was horrified!!

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Defending Stearmans on WIX since Jeff started badmouthing them back in 2005.

My apologies to whoever owns this pic. I forget where and when I stole this from, but what a great picture of a real stunner! N51PR.

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Defending Stearmans on WIX since Jeff started badmouthing them back in 2005.

Most of the bits recovered from the crash site at Hilgay are either with the Bottisham museum or with a private collector who loaned them to the museum at Hardwick. Little or nothing of the aircraft now at Spokane came out of the muddy fenland field. It's a very nice 21st century Mustang, I've had the pleasure to look over it closely and to fly alongside it, but it's not a 361st veteran.

If I were to choose the scheme, I would vote for Ralph "Kidd" Hofer's "Salem Representative". A significant airframe to represent, which tells a neat story of our courageous and flamboyant (and sometimes careless) young pilots of WWII.

airplanepictures_2272_286816960 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

Plus, it would make a good companion to the recent P-51D done up in Don Blakeslee's markings!

- Dennis S.
Thornton, CO USA

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"We must bond together and fight as brothers or we will all die as fools."

That was beautiful.

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remember the Oogahonk!
old school enthusiast of Civiltary Warbirds and Air Racers

With all due respect, it's as original as many/most Mustangs and most ot warbirds which proclaim wartime history.

Don't call out this one while overlooking others.

Now, we're back to the old data plate argument.

To the general public, they are combat vets, but I assume anyone knowledgeable enough to be reading this forum will know that in many cases, not much genuine 1943 airframe metal remains in many fighters, especially ones where the owners are honest about it being dug up.

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.
Note political free signature.
I figure if you wanted my opinion on items unrelated to this forum, you'd ask for it.

I will happily second your suggestion Dennis, "Salem Representative" is a beautiful scheme. Another that has always been a favorite is Maj. Howard Hively's "The Deacon".

Or if it has to be a bluenoser then how about a camouflaged one which, IMHO, better suits the B model's vintage?

Certainly did not look ratty to me when I took the picture but, alas, I do prefer my B/C Mustangs in camo.

oooh! That's a nice one.

I hope Fagen Fighters will be quite OK with us WIXers choosing the paint scheme of their project.

I second Hofer, but I am biased. Hofer and my dad were boxing partners in High School. On a second note if they did Hofer's scheme, you could always take your German Sheppard up for a joy ride like Ralph did. Or pretend the dog is flying it like Ralph did. He was crazy.

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Better is the enemy of Good.

43-12191 http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/11773

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45-47=-2

Gentlemen...Gentlemen...

With all due respect to the many 8th AF suggestions given...

The general public is more-than-informed on the 8th AF story...

The P-51 was the greatest long-range escort for the B-17s and B-24s...

Blue nosers, 4th FG, yadda, yadda, yadda...

But what is lacking are aircraft schemes that commemorate the accomplishments of the 9th AF...

The logical, honorable, historical, memorable choice is "Bonnie B"...

Don Beerbower was the highest scoring Mustang pilot of the 9th AF...

In Don's colors the aircraft can also tell the story of the 354th FG...THE PIONEER MUSTANG GROUP...

In these colors it will be an ideal match for TP-51 "The Stars Look Down"...

In these colors it will commemorate a home-grown Minnesota boy...the state in which this P-51 will be based...

Even MOH recipient Jim Howard acknowledged Don Beerbower as "the greatest fighter pilot in the ETO"...

And deep down in your gut, you know this is the best choice!

BONNIE B

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

You have my vote!

The Bluenoser over olive drab P-51B scheme I like is Capt. Henry White's 'Dallas Darling'.