P-51, Oxford St, About 1990. Anyone Remember it?

Actually, they were Manolo Blahnik Campari slingbacks, dahling.

I think you’ll find that these are so totally last year, sweetie. I wouldn’t be seen dead in those… 😮

So we still don’t know for sure how many Doc Sterling Doc Martin lengths the plastic Mustang is?

Actually, they were Manolo Blahnik Campari slingbacks, dahling.

I couldn’t see a description board for the repro P-51 in the AAM – did I miss it? I tried to pace out its dimensions, but it is at an angle so I gave up when people looked at me (even more) oddly (than usual).

The Spad is a repro as well – but there are both so good you would not know.

DS

BTW – cheers to the FOD team for a nice evening squeezing into the B-17.

re

Maybe I’m a bit strange, but would prefer the airworthy P51 housed at Hendon to go outside on special occasions, and have its engine run up, which I feel would look far more interesting ; ) Was it bequeathed or just a gift? Wish it had been given to the BBMF…

I did read they considered the P51 at Lambeth but the logistics were out of the question, after all wasnt the building rebuilt around it?

I tell you what is wrong with it…. the prop blades need turning as they are at the wrong pitch…. the thing should be doing 450mph to look like that…. so therefore the gear should be up…. :p

What’s wrong with the revolving turntable the Mustang is on? Personally I think it’s great! You can get a shot of the angle facing whichever way you want it to from plenty of angles

I would guess that IWM were looking for a suitable exhibit, and the cost of aquiring and restoring one of the most popular warbirds in the world, perhaps one which was potentially airworthy, well the cost would have been huge and pointless.

I’d rather see a real Mustang fly and save the replica for the AAM where it is doing a good job.

Then again, some nice man said to the RAFM “oh here, have my totally airworthy P51” which they said tyes please and stuck it on a silly revolving thing.

If the IWM had wanted a P51 that badly they only had to look in Lambeth where they seem to have one hanging from the rafters like an airfix kit….

Spitfire Vc MA863 ended up at Wright-Patterson, I think, at first painted in Eagle Squadron markings, but subsequently repainted in USAAF colours.

And presumably the real Spitfire that came in return wasn’t a welcome addition?

I don’t know where the Spitfire went…but it did not go to Lackland (thankfully).

Not being a full-time Spitfire watcher…where did it go?

re

So how much ‘damage’ is done by the fact that this replica is in an international standard museum, but its a complete fake?

I expect 99% of visitors have no idea as it looks exactly the same as if it were real. On the other hand its only value to future generations is that it will provide a fascinating insight in to the manufacturing processes of fibre-glass replica fighters in the late C20, rather than a fascinating insight in to the manufacturing process of the P-51 Mustang in the mid C20!

I would guess that IWM were looking for a suitable exhibit, and the cost of aquiring and restoring one of the most popular warbirds in the world, perhaps one which was potentially airworthy, well the cost would have been huge and pointless.

I’d rather see a real Mustang fly and save the replica for the AAM where it is doing a good job.

Then again, some nice man said to the RAFM “oh here, have my totally airworthy P51” which they said tyes please and stuck it on a silly revolving thing.

So how much ‘damage’ is done by the fact that this replica is in an international standard museum, but its a complete fake?

Just be happy with what you have. 😀
The Lackland AFB collection now has a glassfibre replica B-24 in place of the one now at Duxford.

Yes. I recall it too in the Avirex shop.

Moggy

Only just seen this thread, can’t believe it as I’ve only been to London village a couple of times, one of them was when I was doing work experience with the BBC, and I clearly remember that Mustang in the shop (Selfridges?). Didn’t think I would see anything about it again!

Mark V, Must admit I was fooled (once again not difficult), I remember at the time of taking that pic, my son asked “why stick a pole into the bum of a nice plane like that” I just said ummmmm ? now I can answer his question. Still looks the part from my perspective ? thank you. Keith.

So how much ‘damage’ is done by the fact that this replica is in an international standard museum, but its a complete fake?

I expect 99% of visitors have no idea as it looks exactly the same as if it were real. On the other hand its only value to future generations is that it will provide a fascinating insight in to the manufacturing processes of fibre-glass replica fighters in the late C20, rather than a fascinating insight in to the manufacturing process of the P-51 Mustang in the mid C20!

Gentlemen, I am confused.com ! (not difficult to do) which, if any, is rep ? which if any is real ?

The one in your photo is the repro at the AAM, the same object as the two shots in post 7 which show it being re-painted prior to being hung up in the AAM. The two flying shots above are of course the real thing!

Gentlemen, I am confused.com ! (not difficult to do) which, if any, is rep ? which if any is real ?

Duxford December 07.

I’ll stand corrected on this but it looks a bit smaller than full size to me. Anyone fancy measuring it next time they’re at DX?

By a coincidence I’ll be at the FOD AAM photoshoot tonight. I’ll see what can be done:o

DS

😀 i will need to borrow your airshow stepladder then Robbo!!!!!:D

I worked in Oxford Street at the time – it really is that long ago 🙁

I recall it as being full size as well.

Bruce