P-51D Mustang - 4th FG, 334FS - Maj. Howard Hively

[Vraciu]

The effects maps look better to me, although its always hard to tell much just from static screenshots. You can see where the light is coming from now.

The skin itself is good but I think it could use a bit more weathering and shading. I know you like the clean look but its those variations in tone on the dirt and metal panels on Devil's NMF 109 that make it so convincing.

Some added weathering on this airplane is appropriate.   In the photo it is looking slightly knackered as they would say.

Shading as in...?

[JVboob]

Ok V you told me to look at the new skins and I LOVE THEM OD is my favorite!!!!!!

[Vraciu]

Ok V you told me to look at the new skins and I LOVE THEM OD is my favorite!!!!!!

Thanks man.  Maybe one will be in your inbox next tour.  Fingers crossed.

[Kit357]

Browsing through the forums, that OD 4th FG bird sure looks like a honey! I hope it gets added!

[Vraciu]

Browsing through the forums, that OD 4th FG bird sure looks like a honey! I hope it gets added!

Thanks, man.   All the D slots are full but I will have it ready if one becomes available. 

[Vraciu]

Wrong thread.   Sorry.

[Vraciu]

I apologize for this necrobump but there's a reason.

Now that Hitech has expanded the slots available I just wanted to let everyone know that I want to finish and submit this skin.    So, please nobody steal it out from under me.  LOL

[tmccann]

Hi all,

Came across this thread while looking for something else and thought you might like some newly uncovered information on this particular aircraft.  The P-51D in the photo above is actually coded 44-13879.  It is not Deacon's olive drab D-model 44-15347. 

This kite is the second nmf D model assigned to Maj Hively; his first was 44-13306, QP-J.  This is the aircraft he flew on FRANTIC II (The Russia Shuttle).  In late July 1944, he was assigned 44-13879 (his first mission in this a/c was 1 August 44) and flew this D-5 up until he went on leave in mid-late August.  He received 44-15347 upon returning from leave and resuming ops in November 44.

The Association of the 4th Fighter Group is an active organization and is regularly engaged in researching/updating information on the men and aircraft of the group.  As this group (and other groups) honor the 4th by creating skins of its aircraft, I thought you might like to have the correct information on Maj. Hively's kites.

Kind regards,     

Tim McCann
Association of the 4th Fighter Group

[Vraciu]

Thanks for stopping by, Tim.   I believe there may be some confusion as the aircraft skinned  IS 44-15347.  The photo of Deacon himself was just included to put a face with the name as I endeavor to always honor the man/men who flew the machine in question.




Here is the skin page for your review in case I made a mistake.   There were TWO OD Mustangs he flew, did I read that correctly?

https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skinadmin/viewrel.php?sessid=6AN0GTH2dp0XU&skref=P51D0206192020&vtype=R

A thread about the updated version of the skin is located here:

https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,400418.0.html


We have multiple 4th FG skins in the game so any help you can provide on accuracy is always welcomed. 

Thanks for coming by.  Hope you'll try the game out sometime.   Bring your friends!   

[Vraciu]

44-13779 (WD*C) was also flown by Blakeslee.   Interesting.

http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/19219




Is 44-13306 was “The Deacon” Hively is standing next to?

[tmccann]

Hi again,

In my haste, I assumed the the photo with Maj. Hively and the plane named The Deacon was stated as having been 44-15347 before it was painted olive drab.  My intention was to point out that the plane The Deacon that Maj. Hively is posing in front of in the photo was not 44-15347, but 44-13879.  Sorry for my confusion. 

44-15347 was the only olive drab P-51D in the group, as far as we know.

Maj. Hively was assigned four Mustangs while with the the 4th.  They were:

P-51B-7-NA     43-6898     QP-J  The Deacon  (Lost 6 June 44 - Maj. Winslow M Sobanski "Mike" KIA)   
P-51D-5-NA     44-13306   QP-J                     (Assigned late June 1944, the a/c Hively flew to Russia on FRANTIC II; this is the plane in which Hively is sitting in the cockpit photo above)
P-51D-5-NA     44-13879   QP-J  The Deacon  (Assigned late July 1944, named The Deacon this is the plane he is standing next to) 
P-51D-15-NA   44-15347   QP-J                     (his last assigned Mustang; assigned to Louis Norley and recoded QP-O after Hively was transferred out in Feb 1945)

In the photo of 44-13779 below, that's Olin Kiser  on the left (to whom the plane was assigned after Col. Blakeslee was sent home) and his buddy Chuck Konsler.  The photo dates to Dec 1944, possibly the first two weeks of JAN 45.
   
Sorry for any mix-up!

Cheers,

Tim McCann

[Vraciu]

Excellent information, sir.  Thank you for providing it.  I didn't have Louis Norley's first name and squadron code letters for my write up, but now I do. 

I don't think I've seen a photo of Hively's NMF Mustang other than the close up, unfortunately. 

(No worries on the mix up.   It happens.  I got 779 and 879 mixed up--possibly due to a typo in the search bar--which is how WD*C got thrown into the discussion.  Lol.)


The background info you've provided is outstanding.

[Palace Cobra]

I like it. Something different for sure.

[Vraciu]

I like it. Something different for sure.

Thanks.   This thread is the original.   I've treated it since.    The most up to date thread is here:

https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,400418.0.html

[Golden Dragon]

Vraciu, I love this skin!  Thanks so much for creating it.  Let’s make sure this one stays in the p51D lineup. 

OOpk