Warbird Information Exchange

While checking the Chicago Tribune for info on the Charles A. Jones crash, I turned up a couple interesting items. First, an Illinois ANG F-51 (post-1948 designation) that shot down a runaway advertising balloon:



Wonder if Capt. Donahue painted a kill marking on his plane afterward?

Next, the story of ten USAF twin-engine planes - type not mentioned - stuck in Iowa while being moved by road from Utah to Chanute Field:



Any guesses what twin-engined USAF type minus its outboard wings would have been 17.4' wide? And why ten of them were being trucked to Chanute?

_________________

All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Reminded me of the stories of Walter Soplata towing his purchases home.