Dottie Mae Update 4/2009

[lmritger]

Yellow on the nose of the cowling looks incorrect as well according to the B & W Photo. My BG had a yellow 'K' on their tails and they photo nothing like that one. That looks like red with red canopy as well. So the actual nose art on the model looks like it could be correct.., although I think she was in a black dress with white trim and a green background.

In case you're not familiar with the original Varga illustration, here it is, along with the surviving nose art. The yellow is there, but it looks like it was overpainted with OD. As for the yellow on the cockpit, I've not seen any photos of the plane that suggest there are any remnants of yellow. That is a question for Allied Fighters though.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8XIbd_8uaPM/S ... -h/vgc.jpg

From http://www.hotealee.com/media/pictures/ ... hunderbolt

Django, I think what you're seeing there is the original black forward cowling paint emerging due to the disappearance of much of the yellow paint applied in-theater. For instance, look at the "halo" of yellow around the forward edge of the green patch. It's my understanding that ETO Mustangs and Thunderbolts carried black spinners/forward cowlings when originally prepped for unit delivery; this was subsequently removed or overpainted once the aircraft was delivered to it's unit.

There is also a photo somewhere showing the recovered canopy with yellow paint on the frame, although I'd have to dig for it... perhaps it was in the FlyPast article that appeared when the aircraft was first recovered? Either way, the squadron color was yellow and the markings would be appropriate- the dark color in the photo is simply due to the photographic process.

Lynn

[Django]

That sounds like a reasonable explanation. It's tough to see sometimes the remaining paint on something like that and account for the paint wearing away.

[Shay]

I did not know they recovere the Canopy. Will it be useable?



A couple of questions regarding the prop: Was the prop recovered as well? Also looking at the impact damage to DM's cowling, has it been determined if the prop separated upon ditching or did the engine nose case rot off while under water? And lastly, if they do have the orginal prop, can it too be restore to presentable or operating condition? Forgive me as I'm unaware if bent props can be straighten and repair and then be allowed to fly.

Weird how the yellow doesn't look yellow at all in the picture.


Thanks

Shay

[Django]

From what I have gathered from other Dottie Mae threads, the canopy is going to be used, and I don't recall the prop being recovered. And AFAIK, a bent prop can't be restored to airworthiness.

[Ken]

From the Allied Fighter Guys to Ken..........

Aw, shucks. We all just want to see them succeed!

[RyanShort1]

From what I have gathered from other Dottie Mae threads, the canopy is going to be used, and I don't recall the prop being recovered. And AFAIK, a bent prop can't be restored to airworthiness.

It depends on how bent it is! I've flown a plane that had a bent prop re-straightened!

Ryan

[the330thbg]

From the Allied Fighter Guys to Ken..........

Aw, shucks. We all just want to see them succeed!

of course we want them to succeed. That goes without even saying!

The question around the colors in the B&W photo are ongoing as we are all frustrated in picking out actual colors from B&W photos.

Here are examples of the 'developing' variations. Same aircraft.., taken days apart.., yet coloring of 'yellow' tail looks very different.