An Open Letter to Maurice Hammond (and a request) – not critical !

Maurice, firstly, I would just like to say congratulations on the great re-build over the last 4 years of your second P-51D Marinell. If you want to give up on Mustang re-builds after this I would understand – However if you want to go for another gold in 2012 – Please would you consider Team GB?

What I mean is an original ex RAF serial if possible (from any level of wreckage). I may be wrong here (and will be proved it here) but I do not know of a genuine ex RAF operated Mustang in existence – certainly not flying – I know some ex USAAF ones that have been painted in RAF colours (but that is not the same). As the second largest operator of the P-51 this is a large gap. I do not think this historical omission will fixed any time soon and certainly not in the US as it is understandable that Americans would want their restored P-51 to be painted as an USAAF example. This may happen to FB206 in the US, (though I hope not).

With 2 successful P-51 restorations under your belt, you must now be recognised as the formost Mustang Restoration Shop in the Europe and if you don’t do it I believe no one will.

Anyway, of course you may be fed up to your back teeth with North American hardware – and choose to enjoy the existing fruits of your labour.

Thanks for hearing me out.

Yours sincerely

Paul McMillan

… ducks for cover