Bolting another cockpit in front of the P-39’s existing cockpit afforded the front-seater an excellent view of the propeller whirling inches from his toes.

 Crew chief is putting the final touches to the words “The Third Dallas Blonde.”  Aircraft was shot down in November, 1944.  The pilot, Donald P. Kerns, bailed out but unfortunately became a POW and died in captivity.

The P-51 is great, but I for one would like to see what’s in that van.

The L-15 Scout never made it as a military aircraft, but the dozen aircraft that were built eventually found work elsewhere.  Nifty idea with the quick-attach wings.

832nd Bomb Squadron, 486th Bomb Group.  Though they pose in front of a B-24, they eventually transitioned to the B-17.  The crew signed the back of the photo, and unfortunately, several of these men did not survive the war.

#1 is the XB-24Q (44-9916) which was used to test the remote controlled guns for the B-47. (The array at the tail says it all)  #2 is the EZB-24M (44-51228) used, as you guessed, for ice research.  The last B-24 in USAF service, the EZB soldiered on until the 1950’s, was salvaged and put on display at Lackland AFB. It eventually wound up at the museum in Duxford, UK.

Sadly sitting out the end of its days.  Interesting nose for a J model – perhaps it was converted to a VIP transport?

This aircraft was later named “Delectable Doris” (with appropriate nose art).  I would be interested to know why “US Navy” is painted on the side just forward of the bomb bay.

P-47 (42-26641) flown by  fighter ace extraordinaire, Dave Schilling.

 

 

The sign is from Schilling’s WWII headquarters, Boxted, England. He lived in a rather posh home, hence the “Manor”.