One hell of an interesting story. Nicholas Megura (15.58 victories) was flying this airplane when he was attacked by friendlies.
"His combat career ended on 23 May 1944. The Group intercepted 30-plus enemy aircraft which were also engaged by several P-38s. Megura, while attacking three Me-109s, had his fuselage raked by gunfire from a P-38 that mistook him for a 109. His coolant system was damaged, causing him to consider bailing out. However, he could not open his canopy and began nursing his stricken plane toward Denmark. He then daringly nursed it even further toward Sweden, where he belly-landed at Kalmar Aerodrome and was immediately interned.
"On 28 June he arrived back at Debden, but due to diplomatic relations he was no longer permitted to fly combat, so he was assigned administrative duties."
Title: Re: Photo Help - P-51B QP*L 4th FG, 334th FS
Post by: Guppy35 on September 28, 2018, 07:47:14 AM
I'll find the image. The point of doing that bird was to have a match to the later 4th D model with the 1945 swept back red nose. Megura's bird is May 44 not 45.
One of the fun things in scenarios is being able to use appropriately marked planes. Since B/C and D Mustangs operated together, to be able to fly a B/C with a D in similar squadron markings helps the immersion. Nothing worse to me than flying a D-Day striped June 44 bird in a 1945 time frame, or early 44 time frame as it doesn't fit.
Title: Re: Photo Help - P-51B QP*L 4th FG, 334th FS
Post by: Vraciu on September 28, 2018, 08:00:51 AM
I understand why it was done and am aware of the date of QP-F based on the associated combat report (23 May 1944). However, without a legit photo of a swoop nose combat B/C from this squadron then I have to skin something for which proof exists. That thins the herd of swoop nose Malcolm Hood B/C Mustangs to about zero.
Thanks in advance for the assistance. :salute
Title: Re: Photo Help - P-51B QP*L 4th FG, 334th FS
Post by: Guppy35 on September 29, 2018, 04:25:57 AM
I understand why it was done and am aware of the date of QP-F based on the associated combat report (23 May 1944). However, without a legit photo of a swoop nose combat B/C from this squadron then I have to skin something for which proof exists. That thins the herd of swoop nose Malcolm Hood B/C Mustangs to about zero.
Thanks in advance for the assistance. :salute
Not to worry. I'll get you the image to back it up :aok
Title: Re: Photo Help - P-51B QP*L 4th FG, 334th FS
Post by: Guppy35 on October 05, 2018, 08:46:45 PM
Photobucket down. Will have the photos posted as soon as it's up again. Later research determined that it was in fact QP-K not L. 43-24762 Last B model flying with the 334th.
You can see her in some vintage film from Debden on Critical Past.
Title: Re: Photo Help - P-51B QP*L 4th FG, 334th FS
Post by: lyric1 on October 05, 2018, 11:48:54 PM
Photobucket down. Will have the photos posted as soon as it's up again. Later research determined that it was in fact QP-K not L. 43-24762 Last B model flying with the 334th.
You can see her in some vintage film from Debden on Critical Past.
Title: Re: Photo Help - P-51B QP*L 4th FG, 334th FS
Post by: Guppy35 on October 06, 2018, 01:40:36 PM
OK this was the first image we found when trying to find a B/C model with the later nose markings. Obviously we couldn't make out the individual letter. Digging through all the 4th books I had, I came up with L. Obviously that was not accurate but it was what we had at the time.
The Critical Past film was found later and ID'd that kite as QP-K. There were very few left in 45, but this was one of them (http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/guppy35/4th%20Fighter%20Group/SweptB3_zps09i1u5cg.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/guppy35/media/4th%20Fighter%20Group/SweptB3_zps09i1u5cg.jpg.html)
Black ID bands, Red rudder and red outlined letters. (http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/guppy35/4th%20Fighter%20Group/SweptB4_zpsvy35b4ug.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/guppy35/media/4th%20Fighter%20Group/SweptB4_zpsvy35b4ug.jpg.html)
"Photobucket down. Will have the photos posted as soon as it's up again. Later research determined that it was in fact QP-K not L. 43-24762 Last B model flying with the 334th.
You can see her in some vintage film from Debden on Critical Past."
Title: Re: Photo Help - P-51B QP*L 4th FG, 334th FS
Post by: Devil 505 on October 06, 2018, 05:27:34 PM