RAF Mustang MK III project for sale

Regarding this particular P-51C/Mustang Mk.III – it was initially painted in standard USAAF markings, and then had RAF markings applied over them. From what I recall, the RAF considered the USAAF neutral grey bottom surfaces to be a close-enough match to the RAF medium sea grey to not have to be repainted – so I assume that the bottom surfaces were left alone while the upper surfaces would have received the standard RAF dark green/grey camouflage. As such, all of the USAAF stars & bars would have been painted over except for the one on the bottom of the right wing – and thus in that one and only location, the USAAF star & bars would still be seen, with the RAF roundel applied over it.

As a fully paid-up and certified member of the Roundel Police, did they just paint an RAF Roundel over the star part of the stars and bars, leaving the bars visible – like they did in the British Pacific Fleet – or has the paint weathered back to reveal the bars. If that’s the case then it’s odd that so much of the roundel remains.

I’ve had a quick look with Google for any other pictures of MkIIIs with the mixed roundel but without luck, does anybody on here know where I might find pictures?

Sometimes having something that is 100% original albeit a wreck is better than than something that looks new with very little originality to see.The more you work on something the less the link to it’s past.

I swear I will never understand why you Brits would prefer a wing remnant in a museum over this gracing the skies above your heads:

In the case of a partial wing section like that, I would tend to agree, unless it was the only surviving piece of an otherwise extinct aircraft. However, you have to be careful with history. A new build aircraft with no original parts is not a historic artefact whatever people try to claim – which is why there needs to be complete transparency.

Bruce and Mike J, thank you for the best summary of the rebuild identity situation.You have applied logic and common sense which is refreshing.

[QUOTE=tbyguy;2281092]I swear I will never understand why you Brits would prefer a wing remnant in a museum over this gracing the skies above your heads:

In this case you can have both- none of that wing would be airworthy so no need to destroy it in order to create some ‘provenance’ for a new aircraft. Just stamp out a dataplate in the back shed for that 😉

Perhaps its time for the rules to be changed so no one has to pretend anymore.

You do realize we’re talking about government bureaucracies?

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I swear I will never understand why you Brits would prefer a wing remnant in a museum over this gracing the skies above your heads:

I tend to agree – as long as there is full transparency with the build, then it doesn’t really matter. It only becomes an issue if someone buys an aircraft claiming to be an original WW2 aeroplane, that clearly isn’t – but Caveat Emptor applies as ever.

Bruce

Why?

The present system works, and makes it viable to ‘rebuild’ aircraft as they have commercial value afterwards. Just lookn at the ‘original’ Mk I Spitfire auctioned earlier this year.

Without this, as modern replicas, the value would be less than the cost to build, and we would have no Mk I Spitfires, P-51Bs and Cs, etc.

You need a piece of the original airframe to provide an identity (however spurious) in order to satisfy the airworthiness authorities (FAA or CAA) that you are rebuilding an original, rather than constructing a homebuilt.

Perhaps its time for the rules to be changed so no one has to pretend anymore.

Max Chapman’s Berlin Express is N515ZB, 43-24837 http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=515ZB
FB206 is N426QA, 42-103100 http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=426QA

isn’t P-51B Berlin Express N426QA identified as 43-24837?

You need a piece of the original airframe to provide an identity (however spurious) in order to satisfy the airworthiness authorities (FAA or CAA) that you are rebuilding an original, rather than constructing a homebuilt.

A problem arises there because the C/N or data plate 42-103100 was used as the identity for John Muzala’s P-51B Berlin Express N426QA

Would have to agree as an exhibit the Mustang wing and its history looks better

306 Squadron were forming up over Brenzett for a Ranger patrol when a lone Spitfire (NH713) entered the formation striking and tearing off the starboard wing of FB206 which spun into the ground 1½ miles west of Ham Street. P/O Migos is buried at Brookwood cemetery. The wingtip was stored at the Tangmere Aviation Museum.

You need a piece of the original airframe to provide an identity (however spurious) in order to satisfy the airworthiness authorities (FAA or CAA) that you are rebuilding an original, rather than constructing a homebuilt.

Indeed, but personally I think we have enough new builds flying around without desecrating or sacrificing more original sections.

Rob

Hopefully not!!

Rob

Some of us are still hoping the rest of it turns up!

Adrian

As a fully paid-up and certified member of the Roundel Police, did they just paint an RAF Roundel over the star part of the stars and bars, leaving the bars visible – like they did in the British Pacific Fleet – or has the paint weathered back to reveal the bars. If that’s the case then it’s odd that so much of the roundel remains.

Would you have the address handy, as to where one sends his fees, to be a paid up member of the roundel police?
Please just don’t say your house. 😀

Andy

Hopefully not!!

Rob