Col. Blakeslee's P-51 WD-C "Restomod"

[Bomber_12th]

A few weeks ago, Falcon409 requested a repaint of Col. Don Blakeslee's 4th FG P-51D 44-13779 "WD-C" for Warbirdsim's "Little Friends I". However, the historically correct version to do the repaint for would be "Little Friends II", being a P-51D-5-NA, but the real reason for Ed's interest in the markings, is that it is the same paint scheme that the Cavanaugh Flight Museum's P-51D wore for many years, including during the time that Ed and his company performed a fair amount of restoration and maintenance work on the aircraft. So, having some fun with it, I have recreated the markings historically accurate, but I have presented the aircraft looking as if a cross between an original and restored example, with the whole idea being to just make a good and interesting looking representation for "Little Friends I".

Still a few more things to do and then it will be uploaded. I will also be doing a completely historically accurate reproduction for "Little Friends II". Don Blakeslee, quite a man - he, being the leader he was, always felt it important to not brandish his aircraft with names, tallies, or other personal decoration.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee8.jpg

[falcon409]

Beautiful job John, I am very appreciative of the care you took in reproducing this beauty. The guy I worked for was a perfectionist and even though I had just come off working on F-16's and knew nothing of the P-51, he was of the opinion that "If you don't jump in with both feet, you'll never learn". . .so my first task was to layout all the markings for the Fuselage and wings, lol. He was a real joker that guy, lol. I got it done, with him practically perched on my shoulder and when the time came, I was the one to "mask" everything off for the painters. . .sheeeesh! The other thing that stands out was the day the Mustang was delivered to us to begin the "tear-down". Steve Hinton flew the P-51 in, taxied up to the hangar and shut it down, hovering right behind him was Mr. Cavenaugh in his solid gloss black MD-500 Helicopter. Very impressive.

[skulleader]

Hi,

WOW, great repaint John !!!
I really love your work, best regards.
Olivier.

[Bomber_12th]

I'm glad you like it Ed, and Olivier, and thank you!

I'm sorry for the wait, but the files have finally been uploaded here. The cockpit is configured with fresh cockpit textures, and the placards are all filled out with the numbers of the original 44-13779 (construction number 27232, contract number AC-39928).

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee_final1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Vickers%20Vimy/blakeslee_final2.jpg

[GBrutus]

Beautiful work and stunning shots too...

[Thunderbolt]

thx John I add it :applause: