Research Assistance Requested - P-51D "The Deacon" - 21st FG (Iwo Jima)

[Vraciu]

So, the figure part of the nose art will look like this I think...

[lyric1]

Not a cloud its a thought bubble that they use in comic strips. It doubles as a canvas in this case so its a light white wash to make the nose art pop.  Then there is an accent colour to the text of "The Deacon". Surprised how much detail you actually got out of that small of an area.

[Devil 505]

I don't think the figure should have that green glow at the top.

You're going by this picture, but the color exposure is all out of whack.


The figure is much more crisp in these pictures. I'd go for this look.





Also, check the sizing of the "The Deacon" script. I think it should be a little larger and bolder (Both in color and character thickness). Your script does not come far enough rearward. The 'A' is just a bit forward of where it should be, but the 'N' is much too forward. This tells me there is a scaling issue at play. Thickening the letters another pixel or 2 while keeping the same spacing might give you a more accurate placement.

Also, perhaps the script is also Insignia Blue and not black. That could explain why it tends to look lighter than the black near it.

Not a cloud its a thought bubble that they use in comic strips. It doubles as a canvas in this case so its a light white wash to make the nose art pop.

I don't see this at all. I see just the plain panel in a light bare aluminium.

[Vraciu]

I don't think the figure should have that green glow at the top.

You're going by this picture, but the color exposure is all out of whack.

So it's more blue....?

The figure is much more crisp in these pictures. I'd go for this look.

Okay.

Also, check the sizing of the "The Deacon" script. I think it should be a little larger and bolder (Both in color and character thickness). Your script does not come far enough rearward. The 'A' is just a bit forward of where it should be, but the 'N' is much too forward. This tells me there is a scaling issue at play. Thickening the letters another pixel or 2 while keeping the same spacing might give you a more accurate placement.

As I mentioned previously, all letters and numbers are placeholders (nose art, side numbers, etc.).   I am still drawing the script for THE DEACON.  See below for a rough draft of what I have so far.

Also, perhaps the script is also Insignia Blue and not black. That could explain why it tends to look lighter than the black near it.

Hmmmmmm.   Okay.  I can actually see that...




ROUGH DRAFT OF NOSE ART LETTERING - SIZE AND COLORING TBD


EDIT IN:

I threw some blue over the black quick and dirty for comparison.

[whiteman]

I think the blue may be right, happy to see this plane making its way to AH!

[lyric1]

I don't see this at all. I see just the plain panel in a light bare aluminium.

So are the white shoes on the figure bare metal as well then? Because the panel to me seems to be the same colour.

[Devil 505]

So it's more blue....?

Could be blue, could be black. Seems to match the script color in most places.

I like the blue version of the script.

[whiteman]

Not familiar with techniques used to paint nose art, could those panels have been cleaned and base put down for it to be done? Would there be a reason besides painting on for those to be different color.

[Devil 505]

So are the white shoes on the figure bare metal as well then? Because the panel to me seems to be the same colour.

I don't think so. Look at the B/W photo, the shoes are much lighter than the metal on that part of the panel. The panel looks darker there because it's showing shading as it curves under the nose. If the shoes were bare metal, they would be darker also.

[Vraciu]

I think the blue may be right, happy to see this plane making its way to AH!

Thanks.   This has been a massive team effort for sure. 

Thanks for the feedback everybody.   I'll try to wrap it up soon.

[Vraciu]

Not familiar with techniques used to paint nose art, could those panels have been cleaned and base put down for it to be done? Would there be a reason besides painting on for those to be different color.

I still can't help but think it is some kind of paint.   The coloring changes abruptly on the aft portion of the panel beneath the exhaust stacks.   

Was this a base for the nose art?  Covering up something there already?  A silver paint maybe?

[lyric1]

Anyone know how to research the serial number information on a service man? I think this is the pilot of "The Deacon". Also is anyone a member of My Heritage? The image I believe is the same Pfost.

[Vraciu]

It would be nice, Lyric, if we could find someone from the family with a photo.  I think that's our only hope now.


Meanwhile, here's what I have.   I don't think I can do any better with the figure.  I may tweak his legs a little more to adjust his stance.   Still no idea what those white things are over his head...

[whiteman]

Going back to the beginning of this thread it’s amazing you got anything out of that photo, good work!

[Vraciu]

Going back to the beginning of this thread it’s amazing you got anything out of that photo, good work!

Thanks, bro.   I had a lot of help there's no doubt about that.   

If only we had just one clear picture...