Lt. John C. Donnell, Jr. - P-51D "PIN UP GIRL" (L2*V) - 479th FG, 434th FS Rev 2

[Vraciu]

New version of this aircraft with a full redraw.   A lot of work went into it that probably isn't particularly obvious since I'm working along the margins for improvements at this stage.

Original: https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,393832.0.html

Rev 1: https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,394476.msg5233939.html#msg5233939
   

P-51D-15-NA, s/n 44-14651
"PIN UP GIRL" - L2*V
Lt. John C. Donnell Jr. (Previous Pilot: Lt. Berkley E. Hollister)
479th Fighter Group, 434th Fighter Squadron
Wattisham, November 1944

This is P-51D "Pin Up Girl" of the 434th Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group, flown by Lieutenant John C. Donnell, Jr.   Originally painted for then-Lieutenant Berkley E. Hollister (four victories) by Sergeant Fred Hayner, the nose art initially included only the name.   Hollister scored two victories with this airplane in August 1944.

After Lt. Hollister's tour ended the aircraft was assigned to Lt. John C. Donnell, Jr. at which time the female figure was added by SSGT Fredrick C. Hayner, Squadron Painter, to the nose art on the left cowling along with "Muriel of Troy" on the right (in honor of Hayner's wife and home town in New York).   Lt. Donnell was shot down and killed by flak near Dreiskau on 14th February 1945.   Captain Hollister died in December 2015 at the age of 95.

[Vraciu]

Comparisons are fun.


Revision 2 (Current Version):





Revision 1:





Original:










This painting is the work of famous dragster painter (the late) Nat Quick.   I really like it even though it has a discrepancy or two with the markings.   The only copy I'm aware of is at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.  I don't know how many were released commercially but I sure wish I could find it.   Seeing it again was the motivation to update this skin finally.

   

[Devil 505]

Nice.

[lyric1]

 

[Greebo]

Nice update Vraciu.

[Vraciu]

Thank you guys.

Did some research on Hollister's victory credits.   The USAF shows two on 8/25/1944.   I haven't found any others.    So he may have two confirmed instead of four.

[JimmyD3]

Very nice V!!! 

BTW missing  you in the game.......

[Vraciu]

Very nice V!!! 

BTW missing  you in the game.......

Thank you, Kenny! 

I think I'm retired from it.  Two consecutive tours as #1 Fighter Rank seemed an appropriate time to pull the plug.    But you never know I guess.

 

[JimmyD3]

Maybe    But the Thrill of victory and the agony of defeat will bring many back. 

At any rate wishing the best to you and yours..... 

[Vraciu]

True.   

Same to you, bro.   

[Banshee7]

Excellent work, V.

[Vraciu]

Thanks, bro.