Fresh Mustang-first flight

[Chicoartist]

Gorgeous kite - and magnificent workmanship!    

From the 4th FG geek desk:  I could look it up to be sure of the exact dates - been a while - but FWIW the 4th applied the red nose paint over the "ETO white" noses roughly March 15th. The 4th (this varied group to group) painted out the vertical AND horizontal tail white ETO stripes roughly March 23rd, thus leaving only the white bands on the wings + the red noses + the code letters as ID markings until the first NMF Mustangs arrived ~May. 

Based on that, the plane is correct in terms of the red nose with white tail bands appearing at the same time, though only for that short period of time.  Yes, I know the family(?) wanted "Boise" added to the nose art even though Beeson's Mustang evidently didn't carry it. No problem here.  The April 5th scoreboard, I take it, is a composite feature which falls outside the March 15th - 23rd as-applied markings timeframe. Again, understood, and despite my well-known and documented "geekdom" in regards to the 4th, I have no problem with them doing it this way. 

My only real 'geek nit' would be that the serial number is the wrong "font".  The typical 1944 P-51 serial font was noticeably thinner.

The "original" BEE displayed a healthy mottle look to the paint job which was pretty sloppy looking - I can understand any reluctance to replicate that!  This was due to the panel line shipping tape, when removed, in many cases pulling off paint down to the aluminum in at least the first batches of Mustangs delivered to Debden. Some un-touched up planes looked terrible even though they had been on ops for only 2-3 weeks when pics were taken. Beeson's was in fact touched up with one or two different shades of green as the 'famous' April 5th photo shows.

Thx for the pix, Jack!

[Jack Cook]

if I recall correctly the family gave the OK for the name adjustment.

The typical 1944 P-51 serial font was noticeably thinner.

be the geek Wade I'm not that quite geeky but got them to fix
it! You really wouldn't have liked the first application of the serial

Last edited by Jack Cook on Thu Sep 30, 2010 9:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[51fixer]

I have a copy of a FAA 337 from a P-51D with a -724 from down in FL which is Limited.
The Lauderback's had done that install. We had thought about installing one in BE and were looking to use that paperwork to assist us.

I believe you are referring to what is commonly known as a V1650-724 which is a hybrid. It's a Rolls crankcase with a Packard Wheelcase, Supercharger, Aftercooler, and Packard style intake manifolds on it, and uses the Bendix pressure inlection carburetor that is standard on the Mustang.

An actual Merlin 724, (Canadair Northstar engine) which is what is installed in J C Pauls Mustang is a whole different animal and is fuel injected. I believe there are only three or four of them in Mustangs.

The UK based one mentioned is a complete -724.
Maybe Jim can chime in on how it is different to operate.

[Glenn Wegman]

Not relavant to Rich's statement as he is referring to an actual Merlin 724.

To add to my above statement, the data plate on the hybrid sometimes still reads "Rolls-Royce Merlin 724", as the plate is fastened to the crankcase.

[Jack Cook]

John Maloney yesterday in the Bee.

[Tom N]

She's a beauty. Love the lines w/o the dorsal.

[paulmcmillan]

I guess she last flew in 1946..


http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchi ... otostream/

[gunnyperdue]

Another 334 FS, 4FG bird.... Sh.. Hot! Now someone needs to organize a Fighting Eagle Reunion! Fourth but First!

gunny

[mustangdriver]

It's beautiful. Now we just need another painted like Shangri La

[Chicoartist]

Be the geek Wade I'm not that quite geeky but got them to fix
it! You really wouldn't have liked the first application of the serial

I remember the 'extra digit' from your early photos! I wasn't sure if that was a 'final' marking - or just a temporary thing - but in any case I was pretty sure it would be rectified with only a quick glance through a Mustang book - or you telling them.

[Chicoartist]

. . . I'm not that quite geeky . . .

As a full-time military aviation artist, I have to be (and besides, it's fun researching these things). Believe me, the accuracy police go over our works with fine-tooth combs, no matter how well painted in an artistic sense. To be sure, it's not quite as complicated as restoring a living, breathing warbird like the subject of this thread, but I get immense satisfaction out of "out-geeking" the geeks from my little corner of the room!!!

... and Jack, your help several times has kept me on top of the geek-pile with a few of my works!!

Wade

[Mike Halbrook]

I was fortunate enough to be there for the first flight of "Boise Bee". Something we have all remarked on is just how loud the Merlin 724 is. I had been there for a couple of run ups in the past, but going past on the runway at take off power was enough to make your teeth rattle

[Ken]

This is just now making to Flight Journal. I was deployed when this thread began and missed it. Any updates or detail photos????

[Tim Adams]

Holy thread resurrection!!!

A couple from Reno this year,

[Jim Beasley]

The hybrid 724 engine doesn't have the the fuel injection, but rather the pressure carb intake, so the throttle response is functionally instantaneous. The pure 724 has a lag from throttle movement to power change (both increase and decrease). For solo operation the pure 724 is fine, but for formation it is challenging given the delayed throttle response. With 100LL any putative horsepower advantage from the 724 is negated.

I gave Stevo a combo 724/-9 Merlin for racing, hopefully he can use it to his advantage.

I have a copy of a FAA 337 from a P-51D with a -724 from down in FL which is Limited.
The Lauderback's had done that install. We had thought about installing one in BE and were looking to use that paperwork to assist us.

I believe you are referring to what is commonly known as a V1650-724 which is a hybrid. It's a Rolls crankcase with a Packard Wheelcase, Supercharger, Aftercooler, and Packard style intake manifolds on it, and uses the Bendix pressure inlection carburetor that is standard on the Mustang.

An actual Merlin 724, (Canadair Northstar engine) which is what is installed in J C Pauls Mustang is a whole different animal and is fuel injected. I believe there are only three or four of them in Mustangs.

The UK based one mentioned is a complete -724.
Maybe Jim can chime in on how it is different to operate.