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View Full Version : "Cripes A' Mighty, Then and Now" - Released! (Payware)



Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 14:10
It always gives me great joy in introducing new products, and perhaps none so greater than this most latest offering from Warbirdsim.

Having long been inspired by World War II's greatest Mustang ace, and a certain benchmark-setting restoration in particular, Warbirdsim is proud to introduce Major George E. Preddy Jr.'s P-51D "Cripes A' Mighty", then and now. From the wear and tear of combat, to the polish and perfection of an award winning restoration, this product features fully authentic reproductions of Preddy's last wartime mount as it would have been seen in late 1944, as well as the modern example restored in his honor, depicted as it was fresh out of restoration. From the dual-mounted Spitfire mirrors, to the fully reproduced red & white barbershop pole markings, this product provides for a level of accuracy in reproducing these particular aircraft that has never been made possible before. Whether you are interested in re-living the past, or recreating the present, available now is both the chance to fly the P-51D as Preddy would have known it in the last months of 1944, or as current pilots will find it in the meticulous restoration of today.

For more infomration, here is a link to the product page: http://warbirdsim.com/Store.do?state=ViewProduct&product=33&category=1

For product and sales related support, please refer to: support @ warbirdsim.com (support@warbirdsim.com) (no spaces)
Or also for product support/questions regarding the aircraft, you can also send me an e-mail directly at: johnterrell87 @ comcast.net (johnterrell87@comcast.net) (no spaces)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_23.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit9.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_16.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/gunbay.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_22.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 14:24
One of the areas that got some new attention for this product, is the cockpit. Having learned to make collimated gun sights when designing "Little Friends II", I put this to use on the static-reticle for the K-14 mounted within these aircraft. This is a completely accurate reproduction of the static reticle as found with the K-14, when the static reticle is selected. For those who enjoyed the gyro-animated former reticle, it is still in-place as well, turned on when selecting the gyro reticle via the gun sight control box. Unfortunately, however, the gyro reticle could not be collimated, but at least you are provided both options. Both the fixed and the gyro reticles also feature the new "lit-material" as used for the first time on the N-9 reticle featured in "Little Friends II". Of course the gyro reticle remains adjustable as well, via the range dial on the gun sight, and the reticle moves to compensate for the movements of the aircraft.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit2.jpg

Here are some other assorted day and night views of the two different cockpits between the original P-51D-15-NA and the restored P-51D-30-NA.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit13.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit16.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit15.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit8.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit14.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 14:31
During the restoration of P-51D-30-NA 44-74813, with the aim at making the aircraft a clone of the original wartime "Cripes A' Mighty", original 352nd FG armorers were consulted, as each group were a bit different as to how the gun bays were configured and loaded on their individual aircraft. It just so happens that these vets were able to confirm that in late December of 1944, the last days that Preddy saw action, the ammunition used was armor-piercing rounds, as indicated by black tips. They did not use tracer rounds, but instead, every fifth round was an incendiary round, as indicated by a silver tip. As a result, this was duplicated in the restoration, and recreated in this product:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/gunbay3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/gunbay4.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 14:38
It is a fact, that there was never a P-51D produced with rear-view mirrors mounted to the exterior of the aircraft, but instead, a great many, at least in Europe, would be modified in the field with the addition of a mirror (or mirrors) that could be sourced from other aircraft. The most common were those of the semi-spherical Spitfire type. In the case of George Preddy's 44-14906, he had dual Spitfire mirrors mounted to the windscreen (left in the factory-applied black paint). When 44-74813 was being restored, there was no documentation available as to how this was done - there was never one set-way in which the mirrors were mounted, and it sometimes differed quite a bit from one Fighter Group to the next. Several photos of 44-14906, and other 352nd FG Mustangs at the time, were studied to understand how they went about it, and to recreate the brackets as best as possible. The end result on the restored aircraft was extremely accurate, and the work that went into the real-life restoration was used as a guide for recreating the mirrors for this product.

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 14:43
Cripes A' Mighty, in Wartime

P-51D-15-NA 44-14906 (C/N 109-28539) was produced at North American's <st1:City w:st="on">Inglewood</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">California</st1:State> plant, arriving in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region> for the 8th Air Force in early fall of 1944. Assigned to the 352nd FG, "The Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney", the aircraft would become the personal mount of the highest-scoring Mustang ace of the war, Major George E. "Ratsy" Preddy. Preddy had originally come to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region> as part of the then newly-formed 352nd FG, assigned to the 487th FS, as early as 1943, first flying P-47's, then the P-51B, and finally the P-51D. Preddy would first use the name "Cripes A' Mighty" on a P-47, then use it again on his P-51B. Preddy's first P-51D, an early D-5-NA variant, became "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd", seeing action all throughout the summer of 1944. This action culminated with the August 6th mission, in which Preddy would down 6 enemy aicraft all within just five minutes of action. After this mission, Preddy went back to the States for some much needed R&R and to conduct speeches and interviews with the press, as he was now something of a national hero. Preddy returned to the 352nd FG in late October of '44, and was nominated as Commanding Officer of the 328th FS. Preddy was also assigned a new P-51D, this being 44-14906, which would once again be named "Cripes A' Mighty" (although this was Preddy's 4th "Cripes", it was not reflected in the name). On November 2nd, leading his squadron, Preddy would help the 328th set a new single sortie record for an 8th AF squadron, when they downed 25 enemy aircraft within 15 minutes. In December of '44, coming on the heel of the Allied advances, the 352nd was transferred to the Y29 forward airfield at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Asch</st1:City>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region></st1:place>. On Christmas Day, Major Preddy was flying 44-14906 in support of ground troops as part of the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:City> of the Bulge, when he spotted a German fighter and chased it down low over the tree tops, in an area guarded by U.S. Anti-Aircraft guns. Tragically, Major Preddy was killed when he and his aircraft were hit by 'friendly' fire intended for the enemy aircraft he was chasing. For his actions in both the Pacific and European Theatres of combat, Major George E. Preddy was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star w/1 oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross w/8 oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal w/7 oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Croix de Guerre, and several other medals.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_14.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_4.jpg


Cripes A' Mighty, an Award-Winning Restoration

<o:p></o:p>P-51D-30-NA 44-74813 (C/N 122-41353) was manufactured too late in the war to see any action and was instead placed into storage. In the post-war years, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> purchased a number of Mustangs from the USAF, totaling 130 in-all, between 1947 and 1951. 44-74813 was amongst one of the last of this bunch, purchased on January 10, 1951 for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft served at RCAF Station Chatham as 9261. With the entry of jets into active service as early as 1948 and ’49, it is thought that 9261 was likely used in a training role. By 1956 the Canadian Mustangs began to be phased out, with the last being stricken from service 1960, with most of the Mustangs already in storage by this point. 44-74813 was first civilian-registered in the summer of 1958, as N6301T. It then passed through a number of owners from the 1960's through to the 1990's. During the mid-90's the aircraft was painted as "Cripes A' Mighty IV", a less-than-accurate depiction of 44-14906, and had succumb to many civilian modifications since its original manufacture. With the level of authentic warbird restorations ever increasing, when the aircraft was purchased by Ken Wagnon in 1996, he enlisted Midwest Aero Restorations (already then well known for their quality and authentic restoration work) to rebuild the aircraft into completely stock form, the aim being to make it a clone of the 44-14906 that Preddy flew in late 1944. Through nearly 6-years of research and hard work, the aircraft was taken completely apart, down to minimal components, and re-finished, part by part, to match the original factory specifications. All original wartime hardware and systems were re-installed and made to work, including items that had not yet to be seen in most Mustang restorations to that point, including the fuselage fuel tank, period radios, armor plating and a working gun sight. The same level of care was given to the markings, which were extensively researched through the use of period photos, with the blue paint of the nose even matched to a paint chip made from the remnants of the original "late-blue" paint used at the time 44-14906 was in-action (which happened to have been found applied to the walls of a bathroom that was still standing at the former 352nd FG base at Bodney, England - this paint was confirmed to be that of RAF Deep Sky Blue, the same paint used on Photo-Recon Mosquito’s). Even the installation of the dual Spitfire mirrors was handled with great attention to accuracy and authenticity. Without any documentation on how they were originally fitted, period photographs were studied to find the answers. When out-fitting the gun bays, 352nd FG armorers were consulted with, so as to configure the gun bays to exactly the way they would have been seen on Preddy's aircraft in December 1944. The aircraft was rolled out for the first time in late 2001, with the last of the restoration work completed in early 2002, setting a new bench-mark in authentic Mustang restorations. At the 2002 Oshkosh Air Show, the restored "Cripes A' Mighty" was awarded the highly coveted Warbird Grand Champion award, and would go on to win another highly coveted award, the Rolls Royce Heritage Trophy, at the 2007 National Aviation Heritage Invitational event in Reno, NV.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_10.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_18.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 14:49
Note the modern avionics antennas mounted below the wings on the restored "Cripes A' Mighty" (these are the accurate type, as fitted to the real aircraft, in the same locations).

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_21.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_6.jpg

Landing gear down, flaps 20-degrees, and canopy open.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_15.jpg


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_21.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 14:58
Blue Paint

As I'm sure many here know, the 352nd FG went through three different distinct "Blue Phases", as I like to call them. Each darkened over time, with Preddy's last "Cripes", the focus of this product, painted in the last/darkest of the blues used by the 352nd. For many decades, this specific shade/type of blue, nor the origin of the paint used, was not known - all that could be used to go by were old B&W photos and a few rare wartime-color photos. It wasn't until the late 90's, when through the research of Sam Sox, and correspondance in England, the paint was finally confirmed. As it turns out, this same shade of blue paint was also used in the bathroom at Bodney, for some artwork on the walls, and the bathroom still remained with the paint intact (some of the 352nd FG vets recalled taking one of the cans of blue paint from the paint locker on the base, to use in the painting of the bathroom - which took place during the time that the late/darkest-tone blue paint was being used). A paint chip was made from a sample of the paint from the Bodney bathroom, and it was confirmed to be RAF Deep Sky Blue (8th AF Fighter Groups were supplied paint by the RAF), the same blue paint used on some PR Mosquitos during the war. This information was found in-time to be put to use on the restored "Cripes A' Mighty", ensuring the highest level of accuracy/authenticity in the finished paint application.

dougal
March 14th, 2012, 15:05
Cripes!

...and i just bought LF1 ;-)

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 15:35
Not to worry, Dougal, I simply like the idea of providing these alternative options of aircraft that aren't quite like those produced before - it can't hurt to at least make them available. For those who already have any of the other P-51D products, these aircraft will actually slot right into place amongst the aircraft of the other, larger products, of both the Restored and the Little Friends categories. For those who do not have any of the previous Warbirdsim P-51 products, it is a full stand-alone product in itself, with all of the same features and details as the previous products combined.

Also, I want to apologize for the use of logos in all of the images. I have found my images of the Warbirdsim P-51D's being used to advertise a number of different non-related products, as well as re-posted without much of any indication as to the who/what/when/where/why, so hopefully by having the company logo included in the shots, this will be prevented, to some degree, in the future.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_A_Mighty_26.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit11.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 15:39
I should add too, that the restored P-51D "Cripes A' Mighty" is what really got my true interests in WWII aircraft and attention to accuracy and authenticity going, back when it first came on the scene in 2001 and 2002. Because of it, for the first time I learned about the fact that P-51D's were manufactured with filled, sanded, and dull-silver painted wings, and learned the difference between what constitutes a nice restoration, with that of an accurate/authentic restoration - its never been the same since. ; )

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 15:47
Throughout P-51D production there were numerous production blocks, with hundreds of changes introduced into the P-51D, from the earliest P-51D-5-NA, to the last P-51D-30-NA’s and D-30-NT’s. While Preddy’s original wartime 44-14906 “Cripes A’ Mighty” was a D-15-NA model, the restored “Cripes A’ Mighty” is a P-51D-30-NA, so as a result there are some noticeable differences between them, even though the restored example is very authentic to a WWII-era Mustang. The culprit for the most difference between the two is the introduction of support for the zero-rail rocket launchers, which was introduced mid-way through P-51D-20-NA production. When this happened, the lower-surfaces and structure of the wing was re-designed to support the installation of ten sets of rocket launchers, five sets underneath each wing. The center electrical/switch panel also had to be re-designed, in order to house the controls for the rocket launcher system. While Preddy’s aircraft wouldn’t have had this, the restored “Cripes A’ Mighty” does. Externally one can see all of the miniature mounting and connection holes in the lower surfaces of the wings on the restored/later example, and associated stencils, which cannot be seen on the lower surfaces of the wings on the original wartime example. The result too is that the wartime “Cripes” has all of the engine electrical switches on the center panel, and the bomb/payload switches on the lower left side of the instrument panel, while the restored “Cripes” has the later configuration, with all of the bomb/payload and rocket switches on the center panel, and most of the engine electrical switches are on the instrument panel. With the K-14 gyro gun sight not introduced into P-51D manufacture until mid-way through P-51D-20-NA production, Preddy’s 44-14906 would have originally been manufactured with an N-9 reflector gun sight, but through period photos, the aircraft was clearly upgraded in the field, with the replacement of the N-9 for the K-14. This in-field mod was carried out using the same locations for the K-14 control box and spare bulbs bracket as that of the later models like the D-25-NA and D-30-NA, so this is something that both the earlier wartime and later restored variants actually share in common. Produced as a P-51D-30-NA, the restored 44-74813 would have originally been manufactured with the tail warning radar set installed, but through restoring the aircraft and making it appear as close to the original, which did not have the tail warning radar, this was purposely not installed on the restored aircraft. The external drop tank fuel and pressure line connections were also changed and made simpler with later models, thus although the drop tanks are the same, as displayed on the wartime “Cripes” and the restored example, the plumbing is different. With a keen eye to detail, other differences between the aircraft (like the two different instrument panel shrouds) should present themselves to you.

(P.S., most of these differences between the individual aircraft can be spotted just within the screenshots already posted to this thread.)

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 15:53
- Although the user guide includes, at length, descriptions and images of all of the features and unique functions of the aircraft, one item that was added in late and did not make it to the user guide, is the ability that you can click on the seat in the restored-"Cripes A' Mighty", and what this will do is change the pilot from wearing a modern flight suit and helmet, to being dressed in complete period-garb, which is often done by modern pilots for photo-shoots.

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 16:11
The markings applied to P-51D 44-14906 "Cripes A' Mighty" tell a story in itself. When Major Preddy came back to the 352nd FG in October of '44, he not only was assigned a new Mustang and a new squadron to lead, but also a new crew chief, S/Sgt. Art "Snoot" Snyder. While in the service, Art decided he would make a little extra spending cash on the side, by running a barber shop on the base. On the three Mustangs he crewed, Art would use them as promotional tools for his business, detailing them with accents of red and white wherever possible, and applying a barber shop pole emblem to the right-side of the nose on each, complete with "1/3 pence" stenciled nearby (the cost of a haircut in 1944!). At a special event in late 2001, Art Snyder was invited to the rollout ceremony of the then nearly completed restoration of P-51D 44-74813, authentically finished in the exact markings of Preddy's last "Cripes A' Mighty". As one of the finishing touches of the restoration, Art applied the "1/3 pence" artwork to the nose of the Mustang, and also signed the rudder. During the war, Preddy had promised to give Art a P-51 ride, using the squadron's two-seat converted war-weary Mustang, but unfortunately Preddy was killed before this could ever happen. This was set right, however, when at the same 2001 rollout-ceremony, Art was given the P-51 flight he had never gotten, in one of the other "Blue Noser" Mustangs that attended the event.

Here's Art at the rollout-ceremony for the restored "Cripes A' Mighty", photos by James P. Church. The left photo shows Art after the completion of his first P-51 ride, 57 years after Preddy had promised to provide one - Vlado Lenoch (also pictured) made sure to set it right, by taking him up in his 352nd FG-marked "Moonbeam McSwine". The photo on the right shows Art putting the final touches on the art work on the right side of the nose of the restored "Cripes A' Mighty".

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/Art_Snyder.jpg

Here are some period photos showing two of the other Mustangs Art crewed, and used as advertising for his business (note that "Chub A Luk" is finished almost exactly as "Cripes A' Mighty" was). "Snoots Sniper" also had the barber shop pole artwork on the right side of the nose.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/pe-bbar.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/pe-bbar2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/snoots_sniper.jpg

And here are a few images of the freshly restored "Cripes A' Mighty" shot in 2001 and 2002, by Jim Koepnick and James P. Church.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/Image10.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/44-74813_04158_jc1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/44-74813_04156_jc1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Photos/44-74813_04166_jc1.jpg

Greenhouse357
March 14th, 2012, 16:53
Simply perfect John!

CodyValkyrie
March 14th, 2012, 17:16
William and George Preddy are very well known where I live, having come from Greensboro, North Carolina (about 20 minutes away from where I live). The Piedmont Triad International Airport (Greensboro) has a nice few models and information about George and his brother William, who was also a P-51 pilot and killed when shot down by anti-aircraft fire.

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 18:27
Here is the great website for the Preddy Memorial Foundation: http://www.preddy-foundation.org/

One of the stories I like most about the two Preddy brothers, is when they both flew P-40's together, doing a mock dogfight in the States, in September of '44. George had just returned home from having emassed an astonishing combat record, with his name known throughout the country, and his brother Bill was just completing the last of his training and was getting ready to deploy to England to enter the war himself as a fighter pilot. George was said to have stated after the flight, "Bill is ready to take on the best the Luftwaffe has to offer.”

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 18:37
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_8.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty WWII/Cripes_WWII_15.jpg

skyhawka4m
March 14th, 2012, 18:46
:applause:


SWEET!!!! Kinda of answers my message from a couple days ago......lol...must have been reqading your mind! Hoping for the full invasion stripe though!! :salute:

Bomber_12th
March 14th, 2012, 19:02
John, I'll get the full invasion-striped "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd" uploaded this weekend. ; )

Regarding George Preddy's "Cripes A' Mighty" aircraft, his first was a P-47, and then a P-51B. Both of these were just named "Cripes A' Mighty". His first P-51D was then named "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd". His final P-51D, the subject of this product, was once again simply named "Cripes A' Mighty", but it is also sometimes referred to as "Cripes A' Mighty IV", despite the fact that the artwork on the aircraft didn't reflect this.

rgatkinson
March 15th, 2012, 01:17
John,

Absolutely bloody awsome. I was saving up for the FSX P-51B/Cs (will have to make do with your FS9 versions for now) but cannot resist this package. Might have something to do with fond memories of building an Airfix version of "Cripes" when I was a young lad and blue being my favourite colour! :icon_lol:


Cheers

Taff

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 05:39
Thank you Taff!

Thunderbolt
March 15th, 2012, 05:57
nice :applause:

http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy326/Torbec/S_737.jpg

http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy326/Torbec/S_740.jpg

http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy326/Torbec/S_748.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 06:07
Great screenshots, Thunderbolt, and thank you!

BTW, has anyone yet removed/added the gun sight in the VC? When you add and remove the K-14, you will notice that the windscreen reflections will change too.

RKinkor
March 15th, 2012, 06:40
Excellent work John,can you tell us what other aircraft are you going to do in this series? Also reasonable price btw.

JAllen
March 15th, 2012, 07:45
I just finished reading his biography. Can't wait to get home tonight to D/L and fly your gorgeous work. So going to bring the book to life for me!!! Thank you.

Jim

Mach3DS
March 15th, 2012, 08:01
Picked this up last night along with A2A accufeel....awesome combination! This aircraft is excellent! Will post some shots after work today!

big-mike
March 15th, 2012, 08:10
Couldn`t resist----what a beauty!:applause:
Thank you.
Michael

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 08:53
Thank you all for the support and feedback!

There are some ideas for further releases like this one, but I also would like to hear some input from others here as to what type of subject matter, based on the P-51D/K, F-51D, and/or F-6D airframe, that you would like to see available. If your idea is chosen, you'll be sure to get a free copy of the product. This can be WWII, post-WWII, all the way to the present.

RKinkor
March 15th, 2012, 09:20
Thank you all for the support and feedback!

There are some ideas for further releases like this one, but I also would like to hear some input from others here as to what type of subject matter, based on the P-51D/K, F-51D, and/or F-6D airframe, that you would like to see available. If your idea is chosen, you'll be sure to get a free copy of the product. This can be WWII, post-WWII, all the way to the present.Twilight Tear of course, Sweet Revenge if its a historical paint, Glamorous Glennis as there seems not to be any or is it copyrighted? Thanks again John!

Thunderbolt
March 15th, 2012, 09:21
Old Crow from Bud A.

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 10:00
Thank you for these ideas! One of the things I want to focus on, however, is unique examples that would be far better off getting new models and textures, rather than those that could be just as easily and accurately reproduced through a repaint of one of the existing models from prior products. In the case of Bud Anderson's "Old Crow", I would personally just love to see a repaint of that aircraft applied to one of the "Little Friends I" aircraft (the Millie G model, to be exact), and I'd be willing to do it myself to help ensure quality. Regarding Glamorous Glenn, however, as suggested, it could be quite a can of worms - I don't even know if I would feel comfortable just making a repaint depicting that aircraft - it seems there has been a 'witch hunt' over the last several years, rumored to be led by Yeager's current wife, claiming that the use of the name and related artwork is copy-right protected (all to try and get more $).

There are some unique qualities like the Spitfire mirrors on "Cripes A' Mighty (IV)", as reproduced in this product, which meant that a repaint of a prior model just wouldn't cut it for me. There will definitely be a "Twilight Tear, Then and Now", a project that is also very exciting to me, as I was able to get some great access to the real aircraft (which I think is now one of the top two, if not the single-most, authentic P-51D restorations on the planet - it's really that incredible). There will also be a "Hardwick Mustangs" product, focusing attention of the restored "Marinell" and "Janie", which will be exact reproductions of the modern aircraft. These are all 'back-burner' projects, keeping me busy while working on other things, but they are also not that easy to produce in a reasonable amount of time. This latest product required several weeks of testing and revising after the product was already looking very solid/ready for release.

As mentioned elsewhere, I've gotten the impression that a post-war ANG and USAF F-51D would be highly desired. I would also love to cover a couple of the stripped-down stock Cleveland-racers of the late 40's. I don't know how well received it might be, but I would also like to re-issue some of the unique and individual Mustangs from both of the Restored Part 1 and Part 2 products, so that those who don't have those products, but would like to have one or two of the examples from either, could go ahead and just have those, without having to spend more for more Mustangs that one might otherwise not be interested in. These would be updated versions, and for those who already have the aircraft through owning either the Restored Part 1 or Part 2 products, will also get the updates free-of-charge - this idea, however, still needs to be worked out.

fsxar177
March 15th, 2012, 10:05
...I would also love to cover a couple of the stripped-down stock Cleveland-racers of the late 40's...

YES, YES, YES
Did I mention my support for this idea??

That would be awesome.

Joseph

Thunderbolt
March 15th, 2012, 10:18
I have some Old Crow Pics on the open day in Weeze Airport. This P-51 has an signature from Bud.

http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy326/Torbec/M_952.jpg

http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy326/Torbec/M_953.jpg

http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy326/Torbec/M_954.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 10:59
Oh, I see what you're talking about, Thunderbolt - modern and period versions of "Old Crow". I'm sure you know, with that particular example, Bud actually flew it (by himself in the cockpit) over his former wartime airfield, Leiston, a number of years back. A few photos of this event are proudly displayed at the top of the Bud Anderson website, as part of the slide show: http://www.cebudanderson.com/
(http://www.cebudanderson.com/)
There is also the silver-"Old Crow" P-51D here in the U.S., owned by Jim Hagedorn (president of Scotts), which Budd has also flown as pilot in command a number of times (though I think he has retired from the Mustang in recent years - though he still flies other aircraft).

(BTW, note the wheels/brakes installed on the P-51D pictured in Thunderbolts post. These are not stock P-51 wheels/brakes, but are actually P-63 wheels/brakes. This became quite a common modification in the 70's, 80's, 90's. Not only because they were available, and they fit to a Mustang just fine (and the same tire is used), but also because they provide better, longer-lasting braking, with the brake pad being much heftier than the stock/original type used on the P-51. You can always identify this the quickest, by counting the numbers of spokes, which are less on the P-63 wheels than that on the stock P-51 wheels (and the brake discs are also quite a bit bigger). Although they do provide better braking, experienced P-51 pilots will tell you that the extra braking power that they provide should never be needed, as long as you are operating the aircraft as it should, and landing at the correct airspeeds.)

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 11:15
For those interested, here is one of the pieces of resource material for the new fixed-reticle for the K-14.

It's not every day that you can look through a working K-14 gun sight, on a fully-armed and loaded P-51D (packing the real guns!)...oh, and it's summer of 2011! I'm told it was loud.

(As mentioned briefly a few post back, this aircraft is the subject matter of one of the next forth-coming projects.)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Gun_Sight-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Gun_Firing_Pit-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Bore_Sighting1-1.jpg

The same gun sight reticle as reproduced for the "Cripes A' Mighty, Then and Now" product.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Cockpit/Cockpit3.jpg

Thunderbolt
March 15th, 2012, 11:17
Yes John "then and now" like. And for now I have good link with Pics. http://www.flugzeugbilder.de/search4.cgi?offset=25&range=25&stype=reg&toprange=&srng=2&srch=N167F&tr=85

Thunderbolt
March 15th, 2012, 11:21
For those interested, here is one of the pieces of resource material for the new fixed-reticle for the K-14.

It's not every day that you can look through a working K-14 gun sight, on a fully-armed and loaded P-51D (packing the real guns!)...oh, and it's summer of 2011! I'm told it was loud.

(As mentioned briefly a few post back, this aircraft is the subject matter of one of the next forth-coming projects.)


The same gun sight reticle as reproduced for the "Cripes A' Mighty, Then and Now" product.



Awesome work ! :salute:

crashaz
March 15th, 2012, 11:40
Geez Bomber... just bought Little Friends 2 and now this one.... an instant classic!!! So much detail... it is mind boggling! :isadizzy:

hairyspin
March 15th, 2012, 12:08
Beautiful, beautiful work and glorious attention to detail! You should be really pleased with these! :jump:

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 12:21
Thank you gentlemen!

If anyone would be interested in some in-depth photos of the restoration of the real-life "Cripes A' Mighty", please see here: http://midwestaero.com/site/Photo_Gallery/Pages/Cripes_A_Mighty.html

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 13:02
One of the fun spots to fly this aircraft, is at Reno, and although the real aircraft doesn't compete in the races, it has been in attendance several times (as part of the vintage/warbird showing - and lately, because the current owner of the aircraft also owns the F2G Super Corsair Race 74). I love this first shot, which really displays those true lines of the P-51.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/reno_1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/reno_2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/reno_4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Reno_8.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/reno_6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/reno_7.jpg

jp
March 15th, 2012, 13:08
Gorgeous, as a North Carolinian, I'll be buying this for sure.

Roger
March 15th, 2012, 13:20
:ernae:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/rogera/cripes-1.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 15th, 2012, 13:41
I know some are quite particular, or at least interested, in flying an aircraft like this from the locations it actually does.

- The aircraft was restored, and then test flown, at the Vermillion County KDNV airport in Danville, IL.

- I 'believe' that it is based at Downing Airport I40, in Coshocton, Ohio, and possibly also at Hector Intl. KFAR in Fargo, ND, during the summer months, and can be seen at some air shows in North Dakota and Minnesota and other locations in the Midwest.

- For the last few years, the aircraft has spent the winter months at Falcon Field KFFZ, in Mesa, AZ, arriving after going to the Reno Air Races. It is housed during this time in the CAF Arizona Wing's hangar. It also can seen at several Arizona-area air shows during this time, such as at Chandler and Phoenix.

- This past year, the aircraft spent some time at Ellington Field KEFD, in Houston, TX, with the Texas Flying Legends Museum.

So it certainly gets around! This was also one of the Mustangs that was part of the "Last Roundup" in 2007 at the Rickenbacker Intl. airport in Columbus, OH.

LCBORDEN
March 15th, 2012, 15:41
John, you've really done a great job on this one....Outstanding in every aspect....congratulations, I know you have a lot of emotion wrapped up in this one product. You nailed it.

Ol'Jarhead:wavey:

skyhawka4m
March 15th, 2012, 17:26
My votes are for the F-51D, and TF-51H......I know my crys are getting old...lol....but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

RKinkor
March 16th, 2012, 05:35
Thank you for these ideas! One of the things I want to focus on, however, is unique examples that would be far better off getting new models and textures, rather than those that could be just as easily and accurately reproduced through a repaint of one of the existing models from prior products. In the case of Bud Anderson's "Old Crow", I would personally just love to see a repaint of that aircraft applied to one of the "Little Friends I" aircraft (the Millie G model, to be exact), and I'd be willing to do it myself to help ensure quality. Regarding Glamorous Glenn, however, as suggested, it could be quite a can of worms - I don't even know if I would feel comfortable just making a repaint depicting that aircraft - it seems there has been a 'witch hunt' over the last several years, rumored to be led by Yeager's current wife, claiming that the use of the name and related artwork is copy-right protected (all to try and get more $).

There are some unique qualities like the Spitfire mirrors on "Cripes A' Mighty (IV)", as reproduced in this product, which meant that a repaint of a prior model just wouldn't cut it for me. There will definitely be a "Twilight Tear, Then and Now", a project that is also very exciting to me, as I was able to get some great access to the real aircraft (which I think is now one of the top two, if not the single-most, authentic P-51D restorations on the planet - it's really that incredible). There will also be a "Hardwick Mustangs" product, focusing attention of the restored "Marinell" and "Janie", which will be exact reproductions of the modern aircraft. These are all 'back-burner' projects, keeping me busy while working on other things, but they are also not that easy to produce in a reasonable amount of time. This latest product required several weeks of testing and revising after the product was already looking very solid/ready for release.

As mentioned elsewhere, I've gotten the impression that a post-war ANG and USAF F-51D would be highly desired. I would also love to cover a couple of the stripped-down stock Cleveland-racers of the late 40's. I don't know how well received it might be, but I would also like to re-issue some of the unique and individual Mustangs from both of the Restored Part 1 and Part 2 products, so that those who don't have those products, but would like to have one or two of the examples from either, could go ahead and just have those, without having to spend more for more Mustangs that one might otherwise not be interested in. These would be updated versions, and for those who already have the aircraft through owning either the Restored Part 1 or Part 2 products, will also get the updates free-of-charge - this idea, however, still needs to be worked out.Thats what I was afraid of as far as the Yeager one goes. Looking forward to the Twilight Tear one of course. I do not know if this one should just be covered in a re-paint or not, but if you go with ANG aircraft maybe this one61333only pic I could find of her this quick, always the maroon paint and the gopher on the tail.

Bomber_12th
March 16th, 2012, 07:23
I do have a huge blown-up B&W framed photo hanging in my 'office', right next to the computer, of a Minnesota Air National Guard P-51D-25-NT 45-11489, taken in the 1950's, and it is finished in the same markings as that one currently on display at the MN ANG museum (this I acquired from an estate sale of a rather well-known Mustang enthusiest/photographer). The example in the photo I have, also has long-range drop tanks fitted, finished in a unique design using the same colors. So I have been eyeing something like that.

After WWII, and with the foundation of the USAF, all of the cockpits on P-51's servining, were painted completely black (like the jets of the period), where-ever interior green paint had been present before. There were also a number of avionics/radio-related changes that occured too, resulting in the back of the cockpit, behind the armor plate, looking quite different, and the replacement of some of the radio-related controls in the cockpit. The pilot-gear would also have to be changed to reflect the post-war USAF helmets and flight suits.

skyhawka4m
March 16th, 2012, 07:51
John if you did that Mustang with the larger tanks...you would make my day......or how about a VLR with P-38 style tanks attached?

mohawk3
March 16th, 2012, 11:40
I'd love too some P/F-51D and TF-51s.

Barvan40
March 16th, 2012, 14:15
Fantastic John, this is my favorite one yet! I like the Then and Now theme and want to see (and buy) more of them!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u162/Barvan40/WBSP51D005.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 16th, 2012, 14:22
Thank you Barvan, and very sweet shot of the wartime "Cripes"!

PRB
March 16th, 2012, 14:35
This plane is fantastic. I especially like the "now" VC, although they are both great. Went up to 7000 feet and stalled the pony, just to see what would happen. It wasn't pretty, but I did manage to recover before I bent anything. Thanks John (and all WBS people)!

http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p575/GHJ9854/FS/WBS_P-51D_01.jpg

rgatkinson
March 16th, 2012, 14:59
John,

Just a thought, and apologies if you've already considered or mentioned this, but have you thought of any P-51B/C "Then and Now" subjects? I'm assuming that P-51B/C airframes are as rare as hen's teeth but a quick check on the Internet uncovered several restoration projects. One such is

http://www.mustangsmustangs.us/thehangar/index.php?topic=1177.0 check out the photo at the bottom of the page, what a coincidence :icon_lol:

Regards,

Taff

Bomber_12th
March 16th, 2012, 15:08
Thank you, Paul, I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the restored-version!

Bomber_12th
March 16th, 2012, 15:20
Taff, I've got so many different projects running, but there has been an on-going effort to build, completely new, the P-51B/C, to the same standards as the P-51D's (as I've mentioned to others, there is about 3-years or more of additional learning and experience wrapped up with the P-51D's, since work was done on the Warbirdsim P-51B/C's). This is also the reason I have been reluctant to convert the FS9 Warbirdsim filleted-P-51B/C's, because I'd rather spend that time on completely better examples from the ground up. Although I'm still trying to get it fully jump-started, I am envisioning being able to run a P-51A/A-36/P-51B/C 'production run', using original NAA engineering drawings for modeling about 95-98% of the models - essentially having the true aircraft re-born in virtual form, taking the realm of accuracy to a whole new level. This of course remains a long-term project, having only recently finished studying and organizing all of the massive amounts of drawings for these aircraft, in preperation of laying the ground-work to get started. A little piece of this research of mine will be included in a new book on the A-36 Apache, which will be available soon.

So regarding your then and now idea for the P-51B/C's (or other early high-back variants), it has been noted! ; )

Above all else, the P-39 Airacobra is to remain the main focus project until it is completed. I also have some exclusive resources for reproducing a Japanese Tony (one of which is nearing flight status), which I also hope can be started sometime this year.

rgatkinson
March 16th, 2012, 15:27
John,

Thanks for that insight into some of your plans for the future. As always I am astounded by your work ethic and passion for detail. I, for one, look forward to whatever the future brings from Warbirdsim.

Taff.

Bomber_12th
March 16th, 2012, 15:28
Back to the topic of "Cripes A' Mighty", here are some excellent webpages devoted to the restored "Cripes A' Mighty", as well as Major George Preddy:

http://www.crazyhorseap.be/Mustangs/Mustangs/CripesAMighty/N151BW.htm

http://www.crazyhorseap.be/Mustangs/Aces/GeorgePreddy/GeorgePreddy1.htm

If you're as big of a fan of the Mustang as I am, you'll really enjoy looking at the rest that this website has to offer as well, with many photo-galleries (inside and out) devoted to examples that fly today.

Bomber_12th
March 16th, 2012, 15:36
Here's one of the more famous photos of Preddy and this particular aircraft. Note that great care was taken to reproduce each swastika kill-marking in all of the exact placements, as well as other details like the specific typography used on the canopy frame (though slightly enlarged, to maintain better quality), and the unique silver fuel cap with red handle. Also note the dual Spitfire mirrors.

level 7
March 16th, 2012, 20:13
i just purchased this today and the model and vc looks as great as everyone has described. having the EZCA profile for a mustang already also makes it much easier to use off the bat. i am having a tricky time taking off but then i haven't really read any of the manual either.

however the sound seems a bit tiny. i'm not exactly how to describe this, it was like they were not taken at the full sampling rate as the deeper tones seem to be cut off. there is no bass to the sounds. i switched back to the A2A spitfire and the sounds from that aircraft seemed much better. any comments on this?

Sundog
March 16th, 2012, 21:52
Oh man, a Tony? That would be awesome!

With regard to the P-39 "series," Any chance of a TP-39Q?

Love the P-51's and it's nice to see a smaller pack for those who couldn't spring for the originals. Hopefully more people will get to enjoy this sweet ride as an example of how good the whole WBS P-51 series is for MSFS.

dougal
March 17th, 2012, 11:13
I absolutely love that highly polished 'now' version.

I have ALL the other P51s but now I'm broke - spent out:-(

Are there any high shine paints for any of the other models?

Mach3DS
March 17th, 2012, 13:24
Beautiful lines--

61439

61440

61441

jp
March 18th, 2012, 06:05
looks beautiful! I'll pick this one up soon hopefully :)

Bomber_12th
March 18th, 2012, 07:20
Rick, those are some sweet screenshots!

Yesterday I did a flight around the coast of east-central England, trying to capture some more of the reflective effects of the highly-polished restored example. As mentioned before, this aircraft is one of the most authentic restorations, with one of the only departures being the mirror-like finish of the exterior bare metal.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_8.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_9.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes A Mighty Restored/Cripes_March17_10.jpg

fsxar177
March 18th, 2012, 10:01
It's not as polished as the restored Cripes, but pretty clean none the less.

For "Little Friends II"

Eximius (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=3&id=5314)

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/ex1.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/ex2.jpg

dvj
March 18th, 2012, 10:20
Dare I ask that you guys hook up with A2A and add Accusim to Then and Now? Wow.

Bomber_12th
March 18th, 2012, 10:23
I believe I read some comments that "Accu-Feel" works very well with this product, and gives it a further 'extra touch'.

dvj
March 19th, 2012, 07:17
I believe I read some comments that "Accu-Feel" works very well with this product, and gives it a further 'extra touch'.

Just added AccuFeel and purchased Cripes. Sweet Almighty!

Mach3DS
March 19th, 2012, 07:35
Bomber_12th, thanks for the compliment! I'll try and post a few more....this bird makes it easy! :)

JAllen
March 19th, 2012, 07:36
I believe I read some comments that "Accu-Feel" works very well with this product, and gives it a further 'extra touch'.

This is something you should test yourself.

It would be great to have settings for Accu-feel that closely replicate the real world environment of the P-51. From someone who has in the seat experience.
But, imagine that would be a difficult job with all the many variables. I'll just have to save my pennies and get a ride along.

Thank you for the then and now set. I have really enjoyed them a bunch. Installed Ian's RAF Bodney which further adds to the effect. I found reference to steel matting at Bodney in 1943 but Ian says it retained the grass and his scenery reflects that. Do you know for sure one way or the other? If it did then Maj Preddy would have flown off steel in Cripes (IV). Personally, I hope it didn't so the scenery would be accurate as is.

Jim

Bomber_12th
March 19th, 2012, 08:21
Jim, I couldn't really tell you either way, right now, conclusively, without actually doing some more research myself. I can tell you, however, that the aircraft, as depicted, did not fly from Bodney (at least in the exact, late markings the aircraft is displayed in), these being the last markings the aircraft had before Preddy's death. At the time, the aircraft and the rest of the 352nd FG were based at the forward airfield Y-29, in Asch, Belgium, in support of the Allied Advances and the Battle of the Bulge (the group having moved there in early-mid December of '44). I believe the photos that do exist of the aircraft (in a slightly earlier form), were taken earlier while it was still at Bodney.

Speaking of Bodney, however, I thought these two "then and now" photos of the airfield, were rather telling...you can still find traces of the past, if you know where to look: http://triggertimeforum.yuku.com/topic/6769

In photos, you will see Mustangs and P-47's parked both out in the grass, and on steel matting, at Bodney, and that didn't seem to really change much over time.

I believe I recall that the Y-29 airfield in Belgium had a runway laid out with steel matting, though all of the photos I recall seeing of the runway at Bodney, always show it as being a large grass field, such as in the photos posted to this thread: http://forums.352ndfightergroup.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=261&start=0

Using Google Earth/Maps, or one of the photo sceneries for England, you can still pick out many defining and out-lining features of Bodney still remaining today.

Bomber_12th
March 21st, 2012, 11:50
Finally got ahold of A2A's "Accu-Feel" - very wonderful program indeed! I love most of all what it does for the ground handling dynamics (and those tire chirps on landng are perfect!). This is my tentative setup that I like right now:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes%20A%20Mighty%20Restored/Accu_Feel.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Cripes%20A%20Mighty%20Restored/mustang_cripes.jpg

Ian Warren
March 21st, 2012, 13:37
Cripes a mighty , I better go off and get this one right now :running:

Mach3DS
March 21st, 2012, 18:54
61706

61707

Bomber_12th
March 23rd, 2012, 10:01
I love those screenshots, Rick!

Here are some recent screenshots with a bit of a wartime flavor.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii8.jpg

Bomber_12th
March 23rd, 2012, 10:02
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii9.jpg

Mach3DS
March 23rd, 2012, 10:13
What scenery are you using? Looking good! I picked up "Little Friends" the other night, and can't wait to get started on some escort shots!

Bomber_12th
March 23rd, 2012, 10:18
Rick, the scenery is Charlton Field, by Falcon409. There are three different sets of files (the first, and then two updates) that have to be installed in order, found by scrolling through this page: http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/page.php?lloc=downloads&loc=downloads&page=downloads&FileUploadName=falcon409

The military-theme part of the scenery is made to represent the 'film dressing' that was used for the series, "Piece of Cake", that had film sequences from this very airfield, so it is quite a bit fictional, though it does make for a unique atmosphere to fly from. You can also add/remove things from the scenery, like the modern cars or the military aspects, to make it how you want it.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii10.jpg

Mach3DS
March 23rd, 2012, 10:21
Very nice. Thank you!

Bomber_12th
March 23rd, 2012, 10:32
When fitting drop tanks to an aircraft like the Mustang, there are two sets of plumbing lines - one is for providing pressure to the tank, and the other is of course the feed from the fuel tank to the aircraft. On all early to mid production P-51D's, the two lines connected to the bottom of the wing in two different locations, rather spread out. However, on late production P-51D's, these two connections were postioned right next to each other, immediately in front of the bomb/drop tank shackle. As a result, the plumbing was different between the early and mid production examples, and that of the late examples (as most of the restored Mustangs today, are).

The drop tanks themselves were also marked up with placards and stencils just like the aircraft. Getting these markings and the finishes correct, for the era, is also something that is quite important to me. Early on, with grey and olive drab painted drop tanks, the warning placards on the drop tanks were white with red lettering, so as to see the placards very easily. However, when the tanks began to be left simply in natural aluminum, the placards were changed from light backgrounds with dark lettering, to dark backgrounds with light lettering, so as to improve the ease of seeing them - so at this point the main placards were now red with white lettering.

This first illustration, from one of the later-produced manuals of the war, shows three of the different plumbing configurations for the drop tanks. The very top illustration is what was used with 75-gal tanks on all of the early to mid production P-51D's, and as reproduced for the wartime "Cripes A' Mighty" in this product - a good amount of very careful pipe bending for those pressure lines!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/drops.jpg

These next two photos show the type of markings/finishes on the 75-gal tanks from the era that "Cripes A' Mighty" saw action. The modern photo is of an example produced during this time period, which has never been restored.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/pe-bbar.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/PICT0098.jpg

These two photos directly illustrate the difference between the plumbing for the tanks on the early to mid production P-51D's (as reproduced on the wartime "Cripes") and the plumbing used on the late production P-51D's (as reproduced on the restored "Cripes").

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/restored2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/restored1.jpg

dvj
March 23rd, 2012, 14:59
I love those screenshots, Rick!

Here are some recent screenshots with a bit of a wartime flavor.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/cripes_wwii2.jpg



This shot is the dog's bollocks! Well done!

Mach3DS
March 23rd, 2012, 18:55
Another one... :)

61808

skyhawka4m
March 25th, 2012, 08:05
found this today....I'm sure most have seen it but it was new to me so......


http://youtu.be/Q1Pkw6vrAVs

Bomber_12th
March 25th, 2012, 09:23
Thank you for posting that, John, I had completely forgotten about that excellent video!

General John C. Meyer, Commanding Officer, 352nd FG, wrote this about Preddy:

"I have yet to meet a man with such single-minded and dedicated purpose. With such intense desire to excel, not for himself, but for his squadron and for his country. Above all, always, for his country. His appearance and conduct on the ground belied his skill, tenacity, and fighting heart in the air, but his achievements confirmed them. George Preddy was the greatest fighter pilot who ever squinted through a gun sight. He was the complete fighter pilot."

Bomber_12th
March 25th, 2012, 11:08
Here is another item I have been meaning to share, for anyone who has an interest in George Preddy and/or American fighter escort opperations over Europe during WWII.

Major General W. E. Kepner, of the VIII Fighter Command, requested 24 pilots to put their thoughts into writing about how to best fight the enemy, and George Preddy was one of the 24 chosen. All of the written pieces were compiled together into a document that was called "The Long Reach: Deep Fighter Escort Tactics", issued on May 29, 1944.

These are the comments that George Preddy authored himself for the document (all original period wording retained):

"To begin with, it is an old story that the pilot who doesn't get across the Channel will not see any action. One of the big problems in this theatre is weather, and since a good 50% of our flying is done in instrument conditions, it is necessary that all pilots be proficient at instrument and close formation flying.

The formation used going through an overcast is as follows: In the flight, the number two man flies on the leader's left wing with three and four on the right. In the squadron the flights fly line astern stacked down. The whole outfit is in very close, and if each man flies a steady position, it is possible to take 16 or 20 ships through overcast. If visibility in the soup is very bad or turbulence exists, it becomes necessary to split the squadron into sections of two or more.

On the climb out, the flights and individual ships fly close formation, as this reduces throttle jockeying and saves gas. When we approach the enemy coast, everybody moves out into battle formation - line abreast and five or six ship lengths apart for individual ships and line abreast for each two flights. This is an easy formation to fly when flying straight course, and offers excellent cross cover.

When escorting several large boxes of bombers it is impossible to keep the group together, so squadrons and sections of squadrons are assigned to a particular section of the task force. We usually fly two flights of four airplanes each together. The flights fly line abreast to offer cross cover, but if the lead ship is turning a lot it is necessary to fall in string. Normally, the flight leaders and element leaders look for bounces with the wingmen on the defensive. This doesn't mean that leaders never look back or wingmen never look down. It is impossible to see everything, but each pilot must keep his head moving and look to find.

When a member of the flight sees something suspicious, he calls it in and the leader takes the section to investigate. When it is identified as enemy, we notice the number and formation and try to make a surprise. The first flight of four goes down and the second flight stays up for top cover. It is necessary to have this protection, as a decent bounce cannot be made when trying to protect your own tail. If only one flight is in the vicinity, the second element acts as top cover. If a surprise can be made on several enemy aircraft, all ships in the flight can pick one out and drive up behind and shoot them down. If the Hun sees you coming from above he usually starts diving and turning.

It is necessary for the wingman to stay with his leader, as the leader cannot follow the Hun through evasive action and do a good job of shooting unless the wingman is there to guard against attack by another enemy aircraft. Should the attacking flight or element get bounced, the wingman turns into the attack immediately and calls the leader.

When the leader is preparing to make a bounce, he should inform his squadron of his intentions. If a wingman sees an enemy airplane, which would get away if he doesn't act immediately, he goes down on the bounce calling in as he does so. In this case the leader becomes the wingman.

When being bounced, the first thing is always turn into the attack. The flight does not follow the leader into the turn, but each ship turns into the attackers.

If a pilot sees an enemy aircraft behind him in firing range he must take evasive action immediately. He slips and skids the ship as much as possible, giving the Hun maximum deflection. It is a good idea to turn in the direction of friendly airplanes so they can shoot or scare Jerry off your tail.

There will be times after a combat that you are down on the deck. If you are alone and can't find a friend to join with, the best thing to do is head for home, taking advantage of clouds for cover. If there are two or more they should climb back up providing they still have speed and gas. They should push everything to the firewall and keep the speed in the climb - the leader must do a lot of turning in order to keep the men behind him up. Each man must be on the lookout for a bounce and watch each other's tail. If there are only two or three of you, you should find friends and join them.

As a conclusion, in escorting bombers, it is a good idea to range out to the sides, front and rear, and hit enemy fighters before they can get to the bomber formation, but do not run off on a wild goose chase and leave the bombers unprotected.

In all groups, the policy as to who makes bounces and under what circumstances is arranged well beforehand and is thoroughly understood by all, in order to avoid indecision."

skyhawka4m
March 25th, 2012, 21:47
61961

skyhawka4m
March 25th, 2012, 21:52
any info on this bird?

61962

jankees
March 26th, 2012, 03:54
with the light blue, camo and invasion stripes, my guess would be P-51B 43-6958 HO-N, flown by Lt Sheldon N Heyer of the 487th FS.