Author Topic: Bud Andersons P51B (Read 1234 times)

funked · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2000, 05:44:00 AM »

The P-51D had a pretty big armor plate behind the pilot's head, maybe this is what they are talking about?

The P-51B/C is not a good comparsion to the Spitfire because the B/C has those nice windows on the sides behind the canopy, and a narrow structure behind the pilot's head.

Well just have to go sit in one, or wait and see what the 3D models are like.

[This message has been edited by funked (edited 05-05-2000).]

[This message has been edited by funked (edited 05-05-2000).]

flakbait · « **Reply #16 on:** May 05, 2000, 07:32:00 AM »

"Pretty big armor plate"..? The only plane I've ever seen with a large armor plate behind the pilot is the P-47D. That was 3/4 inch armor plate steel. 109 E and F models had a 1/2 inch plate behind the pilot's head.
If you look at enough pictures, and read enough about a plane, eventually you'll come across armor thickness. Then again, I got lucky; my grand-dad flew 109 F thrugh 109 K models. He might not know the exact thickness, but he can telly you what it sounded like when a round hit that plate!

Flakbait

funked · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2000, 08:59:00 AM »

Yep there was armor plate behind the head of the pilot on all P-51B/C/D during the war. It's been removed from a lot of civilian aircraft that are still flying.

I found some pictures and technical drawings of the plates, and the B/C had one as big or bigger than the D.

So my guess now is that the Malcom hood let the pilot move his head over and to the sides of the armor more easily than the bubble canopy on the D.

However the D canopy is pretty roomy as well...

ra · « **Reply #18 on:** May 05, 2000, 09:13:00 AM »

All US fighters built after the US entered the war had pilot armor. The armor behind the pilot in a P-47 was 3/8 inch. All according to AHT.

ra

Soulyss · « **Reply #19 on:** May 05, 2000, 07:23:00 PM »

Here here Hangtime I couldn't agree with you more. The P51B-15 Old Crow with Malcom hood, D-day markings and a partridge in a friggin pear tree.

------------------

"Sorry can't talk now, gotta shoot."
-Bud Anderson

[This message has been edited by Soulyss (edited 05-05-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Soulyss (edited 05-06-2000).]

Nath-BDP · « **Reply #20 on:** May 06, 2000, 08:27:00 AM »

P51B = Mustang Mk. III, same plane different countries. Oh.. only if Ronnie Harker hadn't flown that P51A... no Merlin for the stang, 410/190 feeding ground.

Still thinks the F4U should have the '44 # 29 Kepford markings, amazing pilot.

Sharky · « **Reply #21 on:** May 06, 2000, 08:45:00 PM »

Hang,

Quote

January 1945 brought what will always be "THE BIG DAY". During a massive air battle in the Berlin area, 357th Group pilots shot down 55 1/2 German fighters. No other fighter group has even come close to this score.

And where was Anderson on that day? Hehe He and Yeager were buzzing a lake side resort in Switzerland

Sharky

Hangtime · « **Reply #22 on:** May 08, 2000, 01:15:00 AM »

Yup. Yeager was goin home next day.. and the two of them went fer a last Mustang joyride together.. tho they were never wingmen; they were great friends.

Of course had they known about what was happening over berlin...

Hang

siggijv44 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 09, 2000, 03:41:00 PM »

Quote:"The 357th put the first allied fighters over Berlin on the 4th of March 1944 (along with one squadron of the 4th Group)."

I have to disagree here.

55th Fighter Group was the first Fighter Group to fly over Berlin (hence the nickname: "Berlin Buzz Boys"). They operated the P-38 at that time.

Quote from book "The 55th FG Vs. Luftwaffe" by John Gray: Chapter 8 "First to Berlin:

"On 3 March 1944 Berlin was visited by the 55th earning them the name "Berlin Buzz Boys" since they were the first fighter group to fly over the Nazi capital...The mission was led by Lieutenant Colonel Jack Jenkins, and only 20 P-38s swept north through the outskirts of Berlin. Several enemy fighters were observed but fled before they could be engaged"

Swager · « **Reply #24 on:** May 10, 2000, 03:30:00 PM »

I take it then, the P-51B will be slightly more difficult to shoot down than the P-51D?

It will take what? An extra 7-10 seconds?

I can live with that!

Okay! Thanks! Noted!

Bring the LW fodder on!!

PS Beautiful Model!!!

------------------
Swager
I/JG2~Richthofen~
"Damn.....I can't believe I missed that shot!!!"

JG2 "Richthofen"

[This message has been edited by Swager (edited 05-10-2000).]

Klatuu · « **Reply #25 on:** May 11, 2000, 07:07:00 AM »

I could not agree more Hang. Bud Anderson is an American hero, and a living legend. Old Crow NEEDS to be here. Anyone with more than a passing interest in WWII aviation should read Bud's book, "To Fly and to Fight".

Soulyss · « **Reply #26 on:** May 11, 2000, 10:37:00 PM »

yeah they should I'm going to have to run out and buy another copy because I've beaten my first copy into the ground it started coming apart so I glued it back together again now it's coming apart again hehe. I really really hope HTC gives us the Old Crow for the P51B.

------------------

"Sorry can't talk now, gotta shoot."
-Bud Anderson

[This message has been edited by Soulyss (edited 05-11-2000).]

Hangtime · « **Reply #27 on:** May 12, 2000, 06:53:00 PM »

I loaned my copy to my brother years ago. The useless salamander with ears won't give it back.

I got even tho.. I got his wife so drunk; then we ...

... but thats another story.

Yep Swager.. the P51B is a more than a competent airplane. It's faster; lighter; stronger than a D model. It accellerates better. It turns better. It climbs better. roll rate is better. It's only weakness is the guns.. only 4 .50's.

I can live with that.

Muahhhhhhhhahahaaaaaaaaaaa!

Hang

juzz · « **Reply #28 on:** May 12, 2000, 09:57:00 PM »

Did someone say only 4 guns?

P-51/Mustang Ia anyone?

Hangtime · « **Reply #29 on:** August 13, 2001, 05:37:00 PM »

<PUNT!>

It's TIME!!!

Author Topic: Bud Andersons P51B (Read 1234 times)

funked

funked

Nath-BDP

siggijv44

Klatuu