That answers my question, thanks! I got curious when I noticed that it used the same style cowling during its time with Martin Sargeant. I don’t know enough about Mk.XIs to know if this cowling was standard or correct for this airframe.

Just curious, but PL983 doesn’t have the larger oil tank and associated deeper lower cowling under its Merlin that PL965 does. Is that by choice, because of availability of parts or was it built like this?

I’d say to provide a clear view for landing. A curved approach, as well as using a sideslip to adjust height on final, was more common in those days. So it wasn’t a totally useless feature.

It’s not taking away anything from what you will be doing Dave! Actually, James Storey was flying a surplus, probably not that expensive aircraft (they could pretty easily get another one if he crashed it) while you’ll be at the controls of a pretty rare and, in a way, unique survivor. That’s something that will focus the mind…;)

Don’t know. There are some brackets in front of the bomb bay that could have been used to fit a fairing. Wouldn’t look al that different from a cargo pannier.

Does it work like the rings on the Apple Watch?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]259871[/ATTACH]
Do you have to fly so many training sorties, perform some displays and carry out a few parades to close the rings? :p

Just a thought but you’re probably the first to ask this question, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of answers. I doubt if there are a lot of people around who have worked with both KC-97 and P-51 props. The manual linked to above certainly includes references for the R-4360 engine but I guess you’ll need the appropriate base plate(s) to fit to the prop(s) of your choice.

I haven’t seen a photo or the stand itself (only the end result), but someone I know built two big hoops that bolt to the axles on a Morris Minor. It enabled him to rollover the entire car in his garage and complete a comprehensive restoration of it.