4th FG P51 "hack" two-seater??

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Found this in a book titled “Warbirds: American Legends of World War II”…

A two-seat Mustang? Anyone know if this was actually a variant, or is this some kind of squadron chop job? The caption says this the 336th Fighter Group/4th Fighter Squadron’s hack Mustang. Calls it “one of the more striking war-weary Mustangs in England, thanks to some dedicated mechanics”. The pic was taken on 23 March, 1945 during a meeting of fighter commanders to plan cover for the Rhine River crossing.

I know the 4th did things a bit differently than most squadrons (mainly due to it’s roots in the RAF Eagle Squadron) but where did they get this kite? Anyone have any knowledge of this horse of a different color? Would look good on the shelf next to my 1/72 P51C and -D, but the mods are probably beyond my abilities.

Any input/discussion appreciated!!

2

I’m experiencing “technical difficulties” with the pic…does it enlarge for any of you when clicked on? What did I do wrong?

3

You posted a Thumb, it won’t enlarge. Try removing the th from the URL.

Regards, Rick

4

I have pictures of a similar plane from the 4th fighter group. The plane I have pictures of was originally a P51 B Serial number 12193. It was declared War Weary sometime in early 1945 and it was Field-modified by the 4th fighter group. I have some other pictures if you are interest. It was painted overall Insignia Red with light blue anti-glare panels and a red white and blue rudder. It carried the squadron markings of WD 2. It would make a pretty cool scratch build for someone willing to do some carving. Let me know and I can post the other pics if you like. I wonder how many planes the 4th fighter group modified? Or was this the same plane repainted later on. Do you have any pics with the serial number?

Soulcrusher

Here are a couple of pics.

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They also modified a D model into a 2 seater and equiped it with radar. Operator sat in the back, and the sliding portion of the canopy was cut in half, for entry into the back. Radar antenna under the right wing and coded VF*S, serial 44-72210.

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Ike rode around in a modified P-51 a B or C model if I recall correctly.

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Your are correct, Ike flew in a modified P-51B s/n 43-6373 known as the “Stars Look Down”…

Flaps up,

Mike

Rangers Lead The Way

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Motor Books “World War Two Fighters” on page 100 shows a hack P-51B that belonged to the 335th F.S. at Debden that’s even more colorful. It’s all in red with white and pale blue stripes and even the A.F. insignia are painted light blue with white trimming. And I built it!! I used a Monogram P-51B kit and when I sent photos to FSM’s Reader Gallelry, they said they would be publishing it in a future edition. Airjac31