Warbird Information Exchange

Anyone out there than can provide some close up detail pictures of the drop tanks on P-51 "Shimmy IV" as displayed at the USAFM? I really need some good shots of the filler caps, stencils, and the attachment points for the fuel lines and whatnot. I have been charged with replicating these tanks for a 1/4 scale model which will honor decorated combat pilot Bill Getz. Mr. Getz flew a tour in B-24 Liberators before volunteering to fly Mustangs with the 2nd Air Division Scouting Forces. (I believe his is credited with a Me-262 probable as well.) He distinctly recalls the tanks with the dual filler caps such as those found on "Shimmy IV" and those are the ones I'd like to provide for the model of his airplane. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

TIA,
Chad Veich

Unfortunately I volunteered this morning and won't be back till next Friday ... If you go to the Museum web site, and under Exhibits look at the WWII gallery and the list of aircraft therein you will find a listing of Shimmy IV and clicking on it you will have the opportunity to download 4 hi resolution photos of the plane ... not sure it will help, but it's the best I can do at this time.

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Jerry
S/Sgt. - USAF Radio Operator '52-'56
C-119 "Flying Boxcar" - Korea & Japan

Volunteer: National Museum of the US Air Force (2007-2016)
LTM 381st Bomb Group Memorial Association

If no one rogers up with the pics I can to tomorrow.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

Thank you for the replies gentlemen, and for the offers to help. I am just getting underway on these and the model will not be installed until September so I have some time.

Here's the only two I took when I was there in 2007.
Jerry

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"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

If there is something specific you need, let us know. It looks like between a few of us, we can get you what you need.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

Jerry, those two photos go a LONG way toward getting me to my goal. Thank you very much!

Mustangdriver and anybody else, if I could get a close up shot of each of the ports fore and aft of the pylon that would be the icing on the cake.

Here's some from the magnificently restored "Happy Jack's Go Buggy".
I took them in 2008 and it has more of the fittings and markings than "Shimmy" does.
I have more if you think they'll help.
Jerry

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"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

Not Shimmy but..........................

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Don't touch my junk!!

Note: The paper tanks on Shimmy IV, at the USAFM, are of the 110-gallon type, while those fitted to Happy Jack's Go Buggy, are of the 108-gallon type. Both have similarities and differences in the way they are configured.

Excellent photos Jerry, thank you for posting them!

Great stuff guys, appreciate the help.

Thanks to all the help provided I was able to replicate the 110 gallon tanks with (I think) a fair degree of accuracy which were then provided to Mr. Dave Gianakos of Colorado who was responsible for the rest of the project. Dave was tasked with recreating "Saucy Shirley" as flown by Capt. Charles W. "Bill" Getz for display in the Spirit of Flight Center in Erie, Co. A couple of dilapidated radio control airframes were donated and Dave chose the best components from the two and did the rest himself. There are obviously some scale discrpencies which were left in the name of expediency but I think Dave did a fantastic job and the airplane will make a fine display. Thanks again for all who offered assistance with the drop tanks. It was only a very, very small part of the project but I am honored to have been involved in paying tribute to Capt. Getz.

Capt. "Bill" Getz and "Saucy Shirley". Photo provided by Getz and taken from the "Little Friends" web site.



The finished 1/4 scale model. Model and photos by Dave Gianakos.

See Ryan Short did fly Mustangs a long time ago......

Lynn