AgreedNo more sneak peeks .
AgreedNo more sneak peeks .
THAT particular "Red Tail" has some interesting history. It's a P-51C with a "D" engine. That would be a V-1650-7. The "B" and "C" variants have pretty much the most commonality of any series of WWII fighters. They were both built to the same specs, with the "B" being built in Long Beach, CA and the "C" being built in Dallas, TX. Towards the end of the production of the "C" models, pre-production of V-1650-7 engines had created a surplus. Some of the last "C" models were then equipped with the V-1650-7 engines rather than the V-1650-3 engines "B" and "C" models came originally equipped with. The engine used in this picture is a V-1650-7 engine.That particular stock was part of the initial conversation with Mark.
He has a fondness for old millitary aircraft, and forwarded me a picture of a Red Tail.
I still have red,yellow, olive drab yet to spray. This is what we're shooting for minus exhaust. View attachment 1277128
The stock isn’t done yet. Fear not: BC’z will not disappoint.Why not a little red near the butt plate? I love the mustangs too. Actually all the old warbirds. I find myself shedding a tear when they start those 'old girls up. Can't explain it.
WOWMy Family friend before his death painted this commemorative to the Great Tuskegee Airmen
His name was Roy E. LaGrone ...and he did many such fine paintings.
John
View attachment 1277228
Was getting ready to mention that....Ironic, I live on Merlin road.
An elderly friend here in Reno with no military background bought a P-51 in 1964, with a spare Merlin engine, for $8000. Then learned to fly it, instructed by the seller, who wedged himself behind the seat, a tiny space I believe previously occupied by radio gear. I can only shake my head in wonderment.I actually got to sit in that very aircraft. It made a premature landing in Alton, IL for a hydraulic leak in the wheelwell. In the process of the mechanic fixing the leak, I made my way into the cockpit. Those planes were made for pretty small fellows. I would say 5'5" @165lbs. is what that airplane cockpit was designed for.
The viewing platform for this photo could also make an interesting inspiration for a stock. Lots of great nose art to work with.
Why not real ones?Stock needs fake bullet holes ?
Yep, the Allison engines spun a three-blade prop. The P-51B's Merlin 61 w/ two-stage supercharger was paired to a four-blade Hamilton Standard propeller.I thought the early P51 (A seires) had 3 blades propellers.