Pacific P-51 markings question

[jamesintucson]

I'm looking for info on the markings for a particular 3rd Air Commando Mustang. The plane is "Bad Angel" flown by Louis Cordes. I've only been able to find two photos of it both of which are left front 3/4 views. I'm trying to verify the plane's markings especially on the fuselage behind the cockpit. I have the art from a decal sheet that doesn't quite seem to match what little I can see in the photos of the real thing. From what I've seen of other planes in the group the markings varied with about 4 different variations all in use at the same time. Any shots of the plane that show the whole thing or even just the back half would be very useful as would a good shot of Cordes himself if anyone has anything.

Thanks,
James

[congobob]

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... uis+curdes

[Holedigger]

There is a color profile of Curdes' aircraft on Page 62 of "Mustang and Thunderbolt aces of the Pacific and CBI" By John Stanaway. A lot of nice color profiles in this book review, looks like a good book to have.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Ptimze ... es&f=false

[Jack Cook]

Well I was going to say I have photos but nevermind..................
Got some good ones of Curdes in Africa and Italy with the 82nd FG also.

[Holedigger]

Was he the only US pilot to get "Credit" for shooting down a US Aircraft and getting a DFC for his efforts?

[jamesintucson]

There is a color profile of Curdes' aircraft on Page 62 of "Mustang and Thunderbolt aces of the Pacific and CBI" By John Stanaway. A lot of nice color profiles in this book review, looks like a good book to have.

That profile seems to be the one that the other art I've seen is based on. My problem is that this photo seems to show that Bad Angel didn't have the black stripe right behind the cockpit. It's a discreprency that I really need to solve before we start painting our Mustang.
James

[Holedigger]

I see what you mean, no stripes on the Fuselage, but there are on the wing. Hmmm, more digging

[Holedigger]

GGGGRRRR!!!! Double poste, debug error code popped up?!?

[Jack Cook]

No black stripes on the fuselage BTW

[jamesintucson]

No black stripes on the fuselage BTW

None at all or just one that you can't see in this photo because of the angle? I've seen photos of 3rd Air Commando planes with either one or two stripes but not one without any. Kenn Rust's old 5th Air Force book states that either one or two black stripes with or without a white stripe between the two black ones was used and I've seen photos with all those variations in the 3rd AC. All we need is a photo of the back half of Bad Angel to settle the question.

I know exactly what's going to happen though. Nobody will be able to turn one up until after I've made a decision and the plane has been painted. Then somebody will show up with one to prove we got it wrong.

Thanks for you help everyone.
James

[k5083]

Probably true James, but still I think it's great that you are floating the question to the experts at this point, and wish I was one so I could help.

August

[JDK]

Like August says, and, as usual, well done Jack!

I know exactly what's going to happen though. Nobody will be able to turn one up until after I've made a decision and the plane has been painted. Then somebody will show up with one to prove we got it wrong.

Yeah, it's easier as a critic, isn't it!

Howabout putting the stripe on with biigg black electrical tape, removable on the arrival of proof!

More seriously I'll try a contact who may have some gen. I'll be in touch.

Cheers,