Warbird Information Exchange

For those that like to keep track of such things, Phil Petrik's P-51D, the ex-Jimmy Leeward "Cloud Dancer", has gained some new paint, now sporting 352nd FG-themed colors. As I understand it, the "Blood Brother" name refers to the close bond that Petrik and Leeward shared. Petrik purchased the aircraft back in the summer of 2010, and I don't think it has been seen much of since then (I last recall seeing the aircraft in for some work at John Lane's Airpower Unlimited a couple years back). According to their Facebook page, the aircraft is now on display at the Warhawk Air Museum, and it is great to see this aircraft out in public view! The following photos are from the Warhawk Air Museum Facebook page (I may be wrong, but it looks like John Lane flew it in):

Thanks John! I saw that post on FB and was wondering what Mustang it was.

Sad loss of a civilian Mustang and Air Racer, now just another fauxbird.

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remember the Oogahonk!
old school enthusiast of Civiltary Warbirds and Air Racers

The aircraft had several different paint schemes (civilian and military themed), as well as both stock and racing configurations, within just the span of time Leeward owned it (my favorite was the short-lived polished metal with Dean Hess ROKAF markings) - I see this as being just a continuation of that, and, at least through the new name, is a nice tribute to Leeward. (When Leeward sold the aircraft to Petrik, I don't think it had any paint on it/was completely bare, and otherwise 'stock', with the exception of P-51H Aeroproducts prop blades, which have since been replaced by late D-model Hamilton Standard paddle blades (as this particular aircraft would have had when originally manufactured) - just as it went back and forth with while Leeward had it). More than anything, I'm most glad that the aircraft is now out in public sight/available to be seen again, having more/less been "off the grid" for about the past 7 years.

This is one of my favorite schemes for "Cloud Dancer", as it appeared at Phoenix Air Races I believe '94. Maybe '95.



The new scheme is a good tribute.

- Joseph

Why faux? It was flown in, so it's not just a shell, right?

I'm just happy it wasn't "restored" into a tall-tail TF-51.

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Oh Randy....I kinda like those. Sure would have a tough time deciding between USAF delivery paint or a really nice civil scheme though...

For a worthless comment, its nice to see this long lived Mustang in new paint.

Agree with Randy's post, but I also note Joe Scheils Cavalier photos. I do miss Bobby Hester and Butch Schroeder's Cavalier tall tails. Another part of history gone.

T J

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Make my day, punk!

Oh, trust me -- you know full well that I find a Cav TF just as sexy as you do.

But I also dislike the "restoration" of single-seaters into TFs that never were simply for the "I wanna take people for a ride in my warbird" value.

Naturally, the guys who write the checks get to decide.

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