Boultbee Two-Seat Mustangs Repaints

[Bomber_12th]

For those who own either the Warbirdsim P-51D "Restored (Part 1)" or "Restored Part 2" products, and would be interested, here are versions of my "The Shark" (G-SHWN) and "Miss Helen" (G-BIXL) repaints created for use with just those models. These aircraft are operated under loan to the Boultbee Flight Academy, based at Chichester/Goodwood Aerodrome, providing flight experiences to paying customers. Passengers ride along in a jump seat added in the aft cockpit, as found in the Warbirdsim "Restored" civilian models, where originally there had been a fuel tank, radios and battery during WWII. Both of these aircraft were utilized by The Horsemen P-51 aerobatic team at Flying Legends 2017, a couple weeks ago.

Note: Due to some minor mapping limitations with models in the "Restored Part 1" product, you will get better/more accurate results with "The Shark" repaint when installed into the "Restored Part 2" product. Such differences aren't noticeable with "Miss Helen". Most of the details in the Restored Part 1 and Restored Part 2 models that were chosen to be used for these repaints are very similar, however some differences include:

- The "Restored Part 1" model that is used for these repaints does not have gun muzzles, while the "Restored Part 2" model that is used does have guns.
- The "Restored Part 1" model that is used does not have a gun sight, while the "Restored Part 2" model that is used does have a gun sight (which can be removed when clicked on).

If desired, the repaints can be installed into both the "Restored (Part 1)" and "Restored Part 2" products at the same time and used without any conflicts.

Restored (Part 1) Repaint Download: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/21b24e58512d8c8efebdd7092e56bfab20170722184531/0f0a7814b8baa2d5e899a071176486ee20170722184531/0d63f8

Restored Part 2 Repaint Download: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/1204226703f4099a1892aca24bca62f420170722184546/4abcaf

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[Bomber_12th]

Here are some screenshots. The models that are used for these repaints from the Warbirdsim "Restored (Part 1)" and "Part 2" products have jump seats installed in the back of the cockpit, just as the real examples do today. These are of course no different than the so-called "TF-51D" model available with DCS.

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[Bomber_12th]

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[Bomber_12th]

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[Bradburger]

Lovely work as usual John.

Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to do them.

It is much appreciated!

Cheers

Paul

[DaveB]

Many thanks from me too John:encouragement:

ATB
DaveB:)

[Bomber_12th]

You're very welcome, Paul and Dave!

Here are some more screenshots of "The Shark" flying together with the Norwegian Spitfire "RAB", as painted by Jens-Ole. Spitfire RR232 was temporarily painted in these markings and these two aircraft were seen together at a couple of airshow appearances earlier this season, when on loan to the Norwegian Spitfire Foundation (though Jens-Ole's repaint is a more accurate depiction of the original). This flight took me from Goodwood out to The Needles (Isle of Wight), which is the flight plan taken by one of the flight experience packages that can be purchased through Boultbee.

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[JamieC]

These are great! Saw both of these planes at the flying legends airshow 2 weeks ago. Just need to find a repaint for 'Frenesi' somewhere now to complete The Horsemen trio.

A 'Berlin Express' repaint for the Warbirdsim P51B would be great too.

[Bomber_12th]

Thank you Jamie! I already released a "Frenesi" a couple weeks ago, but for the "Mustang Tales" product (I hadn't thought about doing a version for the "Restored" series, but I could if there is interest - especially as the "Restored Part 2" set includes a couple Dallas canopy versions, like the restored example has).

"Frenesi" was also flying at Fairford/"RIAT" last weekend, for the Heritage Flight performance with an F-22. Probably will be in a shipping container again soon. I saw a photo taken today of "Berlin Express" still residing at Duxford with the The Fighter Collection.

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[Bomber_12th]

Some more shots I liked of "Miss H". Coincidentally, the real aircraft is owned by a person with my same surname (the original English spelling), and thus we're related somehow, and "Helen" is a name that has been passed down through several female generations in my family (being used as a middle name).

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View of the jump seat in back (for which the vast, vast majority of P-51D's flying today have), where originally was the fuselage fuel tank, radio rack, radios, battery and pilot's armor plate. Note that the combination of green/black painted parts on the canopy framing and windscreen is how those items are really/actually painted on the real "Miss Helen" (and not due to oversight or issues of mapping, etc.).

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[Fishbed]

Thanks John. You really made my day

[JamieC]

If you could do 'Frenesi' for the Restored Part 2, that would be great.

'Berlin Express' needs some repairs I believe, her canopy shattered during the first pass on the Saturday of the airshow. The framework hit the tail and damaged it so she will need a new malcolm hood and tail repairs before she can fly back, that or we'll just keep her over here :encouragement::wink:

Not a good weekend for Mustangs that weekend, on the Sunday (the day I went) another P51 (or TF51) 'Miss Velma' suffered an engine failure on final approach and had to do an emergency landing in a field just off the airfield. Luckily the pilot was ok and did a good job putting her down and I have heard the damage is not too bad, I saw pictures of her back on her wheels a few days after.

[JensOle]

Outstanding shots John! The attention to details are what puts your models and paints above the rest. I think I have got more or less your entire lineup of Mustangs and they are firm favourites together with the good old Realair Spitfire IX as you also capture very well in these shots! It is an honour to see my RAB paint in there as well!

John, what about thinking about a Spitfire IX (and XVI)? Even if the old realair model has aged well, I think there is a big market for a new HD IX model! For many this is THE Spitfire.

[DaveB]

Outstanding shots John! The attention to details are what puts your models and paints above the rest.

Agree completely with that JensOle.:encouragement: You're never just getting a 'repaint' with the WBS series. They sit on the correct model too which makes them very special;)
ATB
DaveB:)

[Bomber_12th]

'Berlin Express' needs some repairs I believe, her canopy shattered during the first pass on the Saturday of the airshow. The framework hit the tail and damaged it so she will need a new malcolm hood and tail repairs before she can fly back, that or we'll just keep her over here :encouragement::wink:

Not a good weekend for Mustangs that weekend, on the Sunday (the day I went) another P51 (or TF51) 'Miss Velma' suffered an engine failure on final approach and had to do an emergency landing in a field just off the airfield. Luckily the pilot was ok and did a good job putting her down and I have heard the damage is not too bad, I saw pictures of her back on her wheels a few days after.

Yes, the photo I saw that was taken yesterday didn't show the tail-end of the aircraft, and there were some weights hanging from the mooring tunnel (rear fuselage), which has me believe that the vertical and horizontal have been or are being removed (the horizontal stabilizers received some big dents and bending on both sides, and appeared quite more significantly damaged than the vertical stabilizer, which also needs repairs). Nothing has ever been confirmed as to how long "Berlin Express" was to remain in England following Flying Legends and RIAT (which it had originally been slated to attend). Although the owner of "Berlin Express", Dan Friedkin, keeps most of his warbirds based in the US, he does have a few based permanently in the UK as well, which has led me to ponder if "BE" would be staying in England permanently as well (three of his six Spitfires are based in England, while the other three are based in the US, and he owns eight flying Mustangs in all, which to-date have all been based in the US - "BE" is the latest addition). I guess time will tell soon enough, whether "BE" is fully disassembled for shipment and repairs back in the US, or if the repairs will be done to the tail surfaces in the US and the aircraft will be kept in the UK for a while (for perhaps a more successful UK air show debut later this year or next year?). Obviously there has to be some concern about the canopy and making sure the new one doesn't become compromised at speed as the last one did (otherwise, all that has to be replaced is the plexiglass, as that is the only thing that came off the aircraft).

No, it hasn't been a good last couple of weeks for Mustangs in general (but worst of all, the loss of two beloved individuals). The damage to "BE" was of course, all things considered, quite minimal, but of course it has put it out of action for a while. I believe the damage to "Miss Velma" is actually quite extensive, unfortunately, despite perhaps some initial impressions. The whole wing of course will have to come off and be deeply inspected and jigged-up for repairs (when the aircraft bellied-in, the right wing struck a concrete block that was hidden in the field and swung the aircraft around about 90-degrees). The main landing gear wasn't locked down, but it wasn't fully-up either, so I wonder how much may have been damaged/bent with the landing gear assemblies. This of course doesn't include the need for a new prop, engine overhaul, radiator scoop and doghouse, and canopy repairs and new canopy plexiglass. Someone on Facebook made the comparison to the CAF Redtail P-51C, which was significantly damaged at the start of 2016 and was repaired and flying again by the end of the year, but that was due to the very special people involved at AirCorps Aviation and Odegaard Wings - that type of turnaround couldn't have happened with any other shops out there. "Baby Duck" is of course a total write-off, though that doesn't bother me in the least, especially when considering the loss of life involved. The Collings Foundation TF-51D "Toulouse Nuts" was also damaged last weekend in Fort Collins, while it was being towed into a hangar - a wheel/tire broke through some particle board that was covering a trough on the floor of the hangar, resulting in damage to a wing tip and gear door, and a few other minor dings (luckily no prop strike).

[Bomber_12th]

John, what about thinking about a Spitfire IX (and XVI)? Even if the old realair model has aged well, I think there is a big market for a new HD IX model! For many this is THE Spitfire.

Jens-Ole, I actually have never thought about doing a Mk.IX (I'm still a huge fan of the RealAir model), but we have discussed quite a bit doing a Mk.XVIII (my favorite), or at least starting there, which has yet to be covered. We have access to all of the original engineering drawings, so it would be made very accurate. After the Mk.XVIII, my favorite variants include the low-back Mk.XVI and the Mk.V. Of course all of this takes a backseat to the P-39 and B-25 projects at present.

[Fishbed]

Jens-Ole, I actually have never thought about doing a Mk.IX (I'm still a huge fan of the RealAir model), but we have discussed quite a bit doing a Mk.XVIII (my favorite), or at least starting there, which has yet to be covered. We have access to all of the original engineering drawings, so it would be made very accurate. After the Mk.XVIII, my favorite variants include the low-back Mk.XVI and the Mk.V. Of course all of this takes a backseat to the P-39 and B-25 projects at present.

Glad to hear there is someone who working on B-25:applause:

[JensOle]

Jens-Ole, I actually have never thought about doing a Mk.IX (I'm still a huge fan of the RealAir model), but we have discussed quite a bit doing a Mk.XVIII (my favorite), or at least starting there, which has yet to be covered. We have access to all of the original engineering drawings, so it would be made very accurate. After the Mk.XVIII, my favorite variants include the low-back Mk.XVI and the Mk.V. Of course all of this takes a backseat to the P-39 and B-25 projects at present.

But then you have all the parts for a IX as well :-) V rear fuselage on the XVI and you are covered.. Put in an option for the pointed tail and clipped wings and you more or less have the entire IX/XVI high -back series (just some minor cowling and e-wing mods for the later models of the IX/XVI..)). The early marks should of course not be underestimated, but the IX played a very important role in winning the air supremacy over the Luftwaffe from its introduction in 1942 and it was still the most numerous mark in service right up to VE-day.

[DaveB]

Hmm.. would there be enough parts left over to make a Seafire Mk17 I wonder??

ATB
DaveB;)

[JamieC]

A low back Mk XVI would be great, as would a Mk V. I'd buy any new Spit that came out, have pretty much all of them that are out there at the moment.

[Bomber_12th]

For Jamie and anyone else who might have the Warbirdsim P-51D "Restored Part 2" product and would be interested in having the "Frenesi" repaint for it, here it is:

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This particular model is actually closer to that of the real thing than the model that I based the repaint on originally - such as the Dallas-style canopy, lack of tail warning radar, no antenna wire, and with the battery mounted in the original 1944/typical WWII location in the aft cockpit (and thus no battery vent scoop either).

Also, this particular aircraft is the main subject matter of the current summer issue of "Mustangs International" magazine (but they left a lot of good information about its recent restoration out of the article, unfortunately - this restoration is on-par with Midwest Aero's amazing "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" restoration, just different markings).

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[DaveB]

Cheers John. Old version retired.. this one takes its place:encouragement:

ATB
DaveB:)

[Bomber_12th]

Always fun having the 108-gallon "paper" tanks adding to the look (functioning carbon fiber replicas today, made to look just like the originals).

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[Bomber_12th]

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[JamieC]

Again, another fantastic repaint!

I now have all three 'Horsemen' aircraft.

Whenever you have time, I wonder if you'd consider doing a repaint for 'Miss Velma', then I'd have most of the mustangs I saw at the Flying Legends airshow (apart from Berlin Express).

Thanks again John! :encouragement:

[Bomber_12th]

I was working on a repaint of "Miss V" up until the day it was damaged - I guess I could still finish it up.

[DaveB]

I was really hoping you'd have a change of heart with Miss V John:encouragement: The only version I have for this model is the one I did and I robbed it from a similar paint. The fuse lines are in the wrong place as well as plenty of other detail (I can't draw bendy lines for the life of me!!) so to have a real one will be the icing on the cake;)
ATB
DaveB:)