2113 – same number as our Museum’s P-51D – coinidence ?

Martin / Swiss Mustangs

and to continue the thread of noseart a bit further – here’s a ship of the 506th FG (similar to those in Dan’s postings), but with the addition of an adaption of a Vargas Girl:

Martin / Swiss Mustangs

Could it be a No. 341 Sqdn Spitfire as flown by French ace Pierre Closterman – IIRC in his book “The Big Show” there are photographs showing similar crests – and No. 602 Sqdn had a similar crest too – see photo of Capt. “Maxie” Sutherland.

Martin / Swiss Mustangs

Cees

There’s been (IIRC) a short article in AM a few months ago showing pictures of the “Clearing of the attic” at Delft – will dig it out and see what is told there regarding the fate of those substantial components (other than what was used for the Museum’s a/c – reportedly a composite airframe based on 44-12125, the other aircraft used as Instructional airframe being 44-12149.

Actually it is quite interesting (and rarely noticed by visitors) that the Museum aircraft is resting on T-6 wheels…….

Martin / Swiss Mustangs

‘Miss Helen’ suffered an engine failure near the owners home strip after displaying at RAF Fairford in July. She was force landed, gear up, in a nearby field. Pilot was unhurt, aircraft had the usual damage associated with this kind of incident.

Which means a new prop, a new “doghouse” with inerts, skin work on lower surfaces, thorough engine ‘once-over’, etc, etc. –

Martin / Swiss Mustangs

Dan – well spotted. It is indeed one of those split canopy two seat conversions. I have seen about half a dozen such conversions so far. Some of these planes were fitted with a second seat and additional radio equipment for relay duties while others simply had a jumpseat installed for taxy/passenger-flights.

Martin

Definitely !

Martin