P51B Taxiing in (Lightly HDR)

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IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/31182650@N08/6​171687280/

I kind of like it. Since it's HDR, maybe a bit more detail on the underside of the spinner would work better for me?

I like it, not over-cooked. FYI, that is a P-51A though

Nice shot of a rare warbird. Any more?

You dont' see that everyday! Is this the only P-51A that's still flying?

Where was it taken?

I stand corrected....I should have realized that, now that I can see that HUGE inlet staring at me on top of the cowling. It was shot at Reno on Friday morning. In my defense, there was also a B model, in green....

Its not really a P-51 A......

It was rebuilt from a WWII era wreck from Alaska 25 years ago. When it was rebuilt they put a P-51B type rounded belly scoop on it. It should have had a flat scoop. Most people don't notice it, but once you are aware, then you can easily see the difference. So its not really an "A".

When you start working on razorback mustangs, there is a lot of variation. Many were restored before we hit the current level of restoration that is done today. An example is the P-51B "Princess Elizabeth" has (or at least had) P-51D wings on it which have a significantly different leading edge profile. The late Gerry Beck BUILT a P-51A from scratch (YUP, truckload of aluminum) which was perfect. He told me he had enough parts to built at least 10 more (when you are making one part, you might as well make some spares)........

Compare a "Real" A

http://www.air-and-space.com …%20side%20taxii​ng%20l.jpg

With The Polar Bear...

http://www.air-and-space.com …1Z%20right%20si​de%20l.jpg

The gray camo on the bottom makes the scoop look flatter but its still a "D" (or "B") model scoop...

There are several P-51As flying ... one is at Planes of Fame in Chino (the one above).

Mark H

Very interesting stuff Mark. But it is still a P-51A, although an incorrectly restored one yeah?

I'd agree its still an "A", but it goes a LOT farther than incorrectly restored. Not sure of the term that I can actually post here though......

Mark H

Haha, that's awesome. No matter what "it" is, it sure looks and sounds cool!

Nice shot.

Thanks guys