fsxar177
April 22nd, 2013, 22:28
Soon to be released, this historic livery for the Warbirdsim "Mustang Tales" package. This will be my first repaint, in a series, with others to follow. A series of P-51D's from the 60's-70's, in detailed reproduction, as seen at various air racing venues of the era.
P-51D-30-NA s/n 44-74756
registered as N69QF 'Miss Suzi-Q'
http://www.fsxairsports.com/teasers/suziq1.jpg
It would be assumed that 'Miss Suzi-Q' was named after the famous song of the time, "Suzie Q". (note the 'e') The song was picked up by several bands during the 60's-70's, but perhaps made most famous as sang by the band "Creedence Clearwater Revival". The song was a re-make, of a mid-50's rockabilly sung by Dale Hawkins.
'Q' was purchased in 1973 by Ken Burnstine, of Ft. Lauderdale, Flordida. The story of Mr. Burnstine, and the aircraft he registered as N69QF, is one told from many different angles. Between 1973-76, and from the Florida coast, to the deserts of southern California, the myth and legend of Burnstine, and his Suzi-Q would impact air racing historians for years to come. When Ken bought the Mustang, and decided to go racing, he sat down with a close friend, a WWII military markings book, and a bottle of Scotch, and came up with the exotic design that would become the signature look of this Mustang.
The aircraft was not highly modified. With some stripping, and weight loss, the addition of a -9 Merlin, and an ADI system, it was off to the races! In his first year out, '73, Mr. Burnstine finished 3rd in the Reno Consolation race, then 1st in the Medallion. However during the race, he flew outside the course boundaries, and was disqualified. At Mojave in '73, Ken managed to qualify 2nd place, and even placed 3rd in the Mojave championship, however he was moved to last for having cut two pylons! Though the aircraft was clocking speeds near 380mph, Ken was having a heck of a time!
Reno 1974 would be Ken's lucky year. It didn't start too good for Burnstine though, as his other modified Mustang #34 "Miss Foxy Lady" would endure engine problems during qualifying. He did however qualify 'Suzi-Q' at 392mph! His partner Leroy Penall was slated to race #33, but without a mount, Burnstine resumed command of his 'Suzi-Q', and in a wild turn of events on Sunday, would win the Gold Championship! This would essentially become the end of the aircraft's racing career, though the racer did make some appearances, it wouldn't race again.
It was June, '76 that Ken would bring #33 into Mojave, with wingman Jim Maloney. Ken transmitted a radio message stating he was going to drop down onto the race-course upon their arrival. After he received clearance from the tower, the unexpected happened. Ken and 'Miss Suzi-Q' would drop into a dive, from which they would never recover. Though accident is probable, many have theorized that because of other circumstances, this may have been no accident. We'll never know. Pieces of 69QF can still be located in the desert just outside Mojave airport, to this day.
Stay tuned!
Joseph
P-51D-30-NA s/n 44-74756
registered as N69QF 'Miss Suzi-Q'
http://www.fsxairsports.com/teasers/suziq1.jpg
It would be assumed that 'Miss Suzi-Q' was named after the famous song of the time, "Suzie Q". (note the 'e') The song was picked up by several bands during the 60's-70's, but perhaps made most famous as sang by the band "Creedence Clearwater Revival". The song was a re-make, of a mid-50's rockabilly sung by Dale Hawkins.
'Q' was purchased in 1973 by Ken Burnstine, of Ft. Lauderdale, Flordida. The story of Mr. Burnstine, and the aircraft he registered as N69QF, is one told from many different angles. Between 1973-76, and from the Florida coast, to the deserts of southern California, the myth and legend of Burnstine, and his Suzi-Q would impact air racing historians for years to come. When Ken bought the Mustang, and decided to go racing, he sat down with a close friend, a WWII military markings book, and a bottle of Scotch, and came up with the exotic design that would become the signature look of this Mustang.
The aircraft was not highly modified. With some stripping, and weight loss, the addition of a -9 Merlin, and an ADI system, it was off to the races! In his first year out, '73, Mr. Burnstine finished 3rd in the Reno Consolation race, then 1st in the Medallion. However during the race, he flew outside the course boundaries, and was disqualified. At Mojave in '73, Ken managed to qualify 2nd place, and even placed 3rd in the Mojave championship, however he was moved to last for having cut two pylons! Though the aircraft was clocking speeds near 380mph, Ken was having a heck of a time!
Reno 1974 would be Ken's lucky year. It didn't start too good for Burnstine though, as his other modified Mustang #34 "Miss Foxy Lady" would endure engine problems during qualifying. He did however qualify 'Suzi-Q' at 392mph! His partner Leroy Penall was slated to race #33, but without a mount, Burnstine resumed command of his 'Suzi-Q', and in a wild turn of events on Sunday, would win the Gold Championship! This would essentially become the end of the aircraft's racing career, though the racer did make some appearances, it wouldn't race again.
It was June, '76 that Ken would bring #33 into Mojave, with wingman Jim Maloney. Ken transmitted a radio message stating he was going to drop down onto the race-course upon their arrival. After he received clearance from the tower, the unexpected happened. Ken and 'Miss Suzi-Q' would drop into a dive, from which they would never recover. Though accident is probable, many have theorized that because of other circumstances, this may have been no accident. We'll never know. Pieces of 69QF can still be located in the desert just outside Mojave airport, to this day.
Stay tuned!
Joseph