P-51D Question

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I am building the P-51D “Jumpin’ Jacques” piloted by Lt Jacques E Young of 3rd FS, 3rd ACG, 5th Air Force . What would the “proper” underwing stores be? Just drop tanks? The kit comes with 3-tube rocket tubes, individual rockets and bombs. Or is it just personal preferance? I’m building this for an Army veteran friend as a surprise.

I’ve not been able to find any definitive answer through an internet search.

Thanks in advance.

2

Mucker,

Single pic that I have show empty drop tanks pilons, lool like he just got back from mission. So I will say Tanks only.

Gumi

3

First, I found a decent shot of the plane currently flying in those markings, this was taken at an air show in 2008, hope it helps with the markings…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peakoverload/2812846151/

And I agree --this was a pacific theater squadron, where long distances were the norm…drop tanks alone would be common.

4

Charles,

Reading this history shows they did a lot of ground support, even carrying 1000 pounders. Don’t know that Young was on that particular mission, but if you want to put some punch on the model, bombs would be acceptable.

http://home.earthlink.net/~aircommando1/3rdACGHistory.htm

5

Thanks guys. At minimum I’m going with drop tanks. The rocket tubes really look mean…I’m considering them, too.

6

My advice would be to contact the owner Peter Teichmann through his website here:

http://www.hangar11.co.uk/

He is a very helpfull guy and will do his best to help you. One of his engineers has done alot of reaserch into her history and im sure between them they will help you. Do mention you are building it for a veteran, Peter does alot for veterans and charities every year.

7

Thank you, Ollie, I will check this out. That’s a great idea.

I am building for a friend of mine, who is a 12 year Army veteran. He flew Blackhawks and has served a tour recently in Afghanistan. Just a way of saying “thank you” to a friend.

8

Ollie:

Thanks again…I e-mailed and quickly received a reply from Mr. Steven Atkin. It looks like 75 gallon drop tanks would be accurate.

I appreciate your great advice, sir. Thank you.

I would encourage others to view the Hangar 11 website.

9

I thought you might get a reply from Steve. Hes a realy nice guy and runs this company so is a bit of an expert on colours:

http://www.warbirdcolour.co.uk/

Im sure that you mentioned who you are building it for helped, Peter and Steve are both realy nice guys and do alot for veterans.

10

Strictly speaking, there is no “proper” or correct underwing armament for a given aircraft. It would be whatever the mission of the day called for at that very moment. Rockets, napalm canisters, or bombs in whatever size for the target of the day. Same might be said for drop tanks too, depending on how long a trip the A/C is making and what its doing at the destination. Best bet is photos which will show you only what was mounted on that day. Your choice, pretty much.