P51 44-72086 "Baby Duck" to return to airworthy

Sabremech · **Posted:** Mon Feb 14, 2011 2:53 pm

Hi Steve,
I'll shoot you a PM with my cell number and if you make it up, we'll be available for a tour.
Thanks,
David

iflyinanh · **Joined:** Fri Aug 27, 2010 7:43 pm **Posts:** 18

What kind of seat is in the back? shure looks tight.

Sabremech · **Posted:** Mon Feb 14, 2011 9:13 pm

I thought I had a picture of the rear seat. My next trip to see the airplane, I'll take a picture. I sat in it and it doesn't feel to bad; no parachute, seat belt, or canopy closed though.
David
WHF maint

whistlingdeath77 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 15, 2011 4:19 pm

i'd still sqweeze myself in there for a ride

Sabremech · **Posted:** Tue Feb 15, 2011 7:33 pm

Here's a few more pictures of the Mustang;

and a bad picture of the heart of a Mustang

David
WHF Maint

Pat Carry · **Posted:** Wed Feb 16, 2011 11:58 am

Thanks for the additional photos Dave. When the Mustang arrives I will have to stop by and have a look see.

whistlingdeath77 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 16, 2011 3:59 pm

PLEASE bring her to the New England area

Sabremech · **Posted:** Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:34 pm

You never know where we'll show up. Anything is possible once Baby Duck is airworthy.
David
WHF Maint

Django · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:41 am

I like the blue paint!

Sabremech · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:43 pm

I think "Blue nosers" are well represented. This is one awesome looking airplane when in one piece. can't wait to see it when it comes out of the paint shop all touched up and looking great. I can envision a formation flight with "Happy Jacks, Geraldine and Lou IV'.

David
WHF Maint

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:09 pm

In my opinion it is one of the best looks on a P-51 - bare-alu with olive drab/RAF dark green upper surface camouflage. I think Djano's joking about the old discussion on 361st FG Mustangs having blue upper-surfaces instead of OD/RAF dark green as they did - though "Baby Duck's" of course a 353rd FG scheme.

It is great to know this aircraft will be airworthy again shortly - looking forward to seeing it at Oshkosh!

BTW, Jim Beasley's former "Frenesi" (now owned by the Friedkin's) had(s?) a very similar dual control setup - having also been with the Dominican AF where it was modified.

Sabremech · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:44 pm

Hi John,
51fixer told me they are quite similiar. I really like this paint scheme and can't wait to see it in one big piece. Stopped by Tab-Air today to take a look and see how the progress is going. Here's some pictures from today and one or two for Steve Dickey as I sat in the back seat to see how snug it is. Not bad, but I still think it will be a little tight with a parachute on, helmet on and canopy closed.

David
WHF Maint

steve dickey · **Posted:** Sat Feb 26, 2011 9:12 am

Still truly amazes me there is a full size set of rudder pedals back there :!:

Thanks for the pix Dave. Am gonna visit but just don't know if it will be a Sun. or a Mon. yet :roll:

51fixer · **Posted:** Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:13 pm

JohnTerrell wrote:

BTW, Jim Beasley's former "Frenesi" (now owned by the Friedkin's) had(s?) a very similar dual control setup - having also been with the Dominican AF where it was modified.

The dual control setup in Frenesi was installed prior to its delivery to FAD. It goes back to its post crash rebuild from the 1949 Air Race.
It seems it was destained for Israel but ended up in Dominica Republic IIRC.

51fixer · **Posted:** Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:16 pm

steve dickey wrote:

Still truly amazes me there is a full size set of rudder pedals back there :!:

Thanks for the pix Dave. Am gonna visit but just don't know if it will be a Sun. or a Mon. yet :roll:

The rudder pedals in the rear of Frenesi were actually original parts that had been cut down in width.
The center of each pedal and hangar were machined out and then welded back together. Probably reduced approx 3/4" in width on each set.

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P51 44-72086 "Baby Duck" to return to airworthy

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