Warbird Information Exchange

PART 4 OF 6


KEESLER FIELD

As a sort of intermission from the airplane pics, a few shots of the base facilities at Keesler.








LOCKHEED



Possibly not at Keesler -- again, that appears to be snow on the ground -- Dick ran across a pair of worn out Lightnings put out to pasture. The markings have been obliterated on this one, but the double bubble canopy and black paint identify it as a P-38M.




From the same strip of film, an F-5 recon variant.


NAVY



A tired but still serviceable-looking surplus N3N.


NORTH AMERICAN



B-25s, presumably converted to trainers, were the most commonly operated type at Keesler, judging by Dick's photos. Here is a long view of the B-25 flight line. Below are some typical B-25s, buzz numbers BD-838, 742, and 861. I haven't researched possible full serials for these yet.










Finally, B-25 "302" on short final.






Unfortunately, Dick did not walk around to get a clear shot of the serial on the tail of this P-51D.




Nor did he do so with this one, parked right next to it. Both Mustangs bear the number "8", though in different places. This one has an interesting pattern painted on the spinner.




Ahh, that's better. 44-11801 was a P-51K-5-NT. Oddly that appears to be the Air Transport Command insignia on the fuselage behind the US insignia, unusual to see on a fighter.




Another identifiable Mustang, P-51D-25-NA 44-73651.




And, the distinctive shape of P-51H-5-NA 44-64254. Though tired, this aircraft may still have been operational, as someone has taken the trouble of applying the new red stripes to the US insignia. It also seems to be on the hot ramp with active C-54A 42-72289. Baugher's serial page says that the C-54 later became Navy R5D-1 serial 50846.




Another view of the same P-51H reveals the name "Thumper" painted on the nose. That is a different C-54 parked off to the left, and it bears some kind of nose art and the name "Lucky."




An SNJ runs up. This aicraft bears the legend "U.S. NAVY" under the tail, evidence of painted-out numerals, and an unreadable legend on the fuselage.



Sharing the ramp with the B-25s, a spiffy new Navion, the hottest thing on the private market (excepting surplus fighters) at that time.

At one point P-51H 44-64254 was assigned to the Illinois ANG 170th FBS. Probably 1952-1953.

Regards,
Mike

At one point P-51H 44-46254 was assigned to the Illinois ANG 170th FBS. Probably 1952-1953.

Regards,
Mike

I would guess that both unidentified Mustangs are actually P-51K's as well....it looks as if they both sport Aeroproducts props. Isn't that a distinct characteristic of K's or were they fitted to D models as well?

Dante

_________________
-Dante Cosentino

Hi - great collection

the first P-51 is 44-12121, a P-51K-10-NT

the 2nd is an unidentified P-51K

the third is P-51K-5-NT 44-11801 as mentioned before

note that the a/c serials are repeated on the lower wing surfaces.... common for training ships in the Z.I...... so maybe you can get a decent reading for the 2nd ship....
Martin

_________________
Flying is easy: just learn how to throw yourself at the ground and miss

Wow, Martin, you're good. Thanks for the ID.

The underwing marking is mostly worn off of the second aircraft, and I couldn't make it out. Maybe you have inspired me to have another try.

August

These posts are indeed great stuff!

Thanks for sharing them with us.

Z

_________________
Zane Adams
There I was at 20,000 ft, upside down and out of ammunition.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Join us for the Texas Warbird Report on WarbirdRadio.com!
http://www.facebook.com/WarbirdRadio
Listen at http://www.warbirdradio.com