Mysterious B-25

[Steve Nelson]

Hi All,

A freind sent me this pic of a B-25D, taken by his father-in-law during the war. The serial is 41-30344, but when I did a little Googling, that number appears to belong to the well-known "Pink Petunia." I wonder if this could be the same bird in a later scheme (since she has "star and bar" insignia, and the Petunia only had the star-in-circle.) My friend didn't know where the pic was taken, but his father-in-law was stationed in North Africa, Sicily and Italy from 1943-45.

The original pic is rather faint..this is the best enhnacement I could do in PhotoShop.

SN

[RMAllnutt]

Is that a red outline around the insignia I wonder. I seem to remember that that was only used for about a month around Aug.43, which might date this image to then. As for the id. I have no idea.

Cheers,
Richard

[SaxMan]

Many airplanes in the summer of 1943 went from the star-in-circle to the star and bars insignia. It was briefly outlined in red, even more briefly outlined in a lighter blue, and then finally outlined in the same color blue as the star (or not at all). It is entirely possible that this is Pink Petunia photographed at a later date, although the Mediterranean-based B-25s usually had "Battle Numbers" on their vertical fins.

To me it looks like the star and bar had the red outline, but then was pained over.

[Jack Cook]

12th BG "Earthquakers" 12th AF served in N. Africa, Sicily and Italy before going to CBI in late 1944.
Were's my freaking pony

[Jack Cook]

although the Mediterranean-based B-25s usually had "Battle Numbers" on their vertical fins.

Only a few groups placed the squadron numbers on the verticle fin and rudder.

[Steve Nelson]

Well, here's a profile of the "Petunia" (haven't been able to scare up a photo.) If they're the same aircraft, she was obviously repainted OD and given new nose art. The caption on the profile claims she was originally azure blue underneath, but I highly doubt that..the book is from the late '70s, when serious scholarship of WWII colors was in its infancy. The dark outline on the insignia was often the result when a fresh insignia blue border was added to a faded star-and-circle (Flak Bait's markings are similar.) I find it very odd that she retained the belly turret..they were almost always removed in combat.

SN

[Jack Cook]

'B-25 in Action' back cover.
One of the first books I ever purchased

[Steve Nelson]

Actually, it's in the centerfold in my copy..

SN

[Jack Cook]

Senior moment
I'll post some images in a new thread!

[Cali]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. Greetings to everyone. I'm putting together a B-25 in 1 / 48 and would like to see pictures of B-25 "Pink Petunia" please. If you want to send them to me to ardenas@hotmail.com Many thanks.

[Steve Nelson]

Sorry about the broken Photobucket links..must have happened when I reorganized my account albums.

For those interested, here's the "mystery B-25" pic my friend sent me..



And the profile of the "Pink Petunia."



SN

[Cali]

There is another photo of the "Pink Petunia"?
Thanks ...

[whistlingdeath77]

good info and great research

[Ken]

In the original b&w photo, note the wavy demarcation line between the grey and OD. Always liked that, in contrast to the straight line, as is being used in the new FHC B-25J restoration. Both are accurate. I guess it was factory policy or maybe a paint shop thing that simply wasn't all that standardized.

Similarly, you can look at photos of USAF Skyraiders in Vietnam SEA camo and, although the basic scheme is the same, it's hard to find two that are just alike in paint lines.

Ken

[Cali]

There is another photo of the "Pink Petunia"?
Thanks ...