Great story.
http://www.asb.tv/videos/view.php?v=1bf99434&br=500 (http://www.asb.tv/videos/view.php?v=1bf99434&br=500)
"P-51 Mustang! Cadillac of the skies!"
I caught the tail end of a really neat show on The Military Chanel one morning last month about a pilot and his P-51. It was a really neat story. I love older planes like that. Though the Ace pilot was not able to retain his original aircraft he had purchased one much later in life and recreated his original. I think it said he was 88 and still flying!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/North_American_P-51_Mustang.jpg)
Few planes look so good in the sky. [thumbsup]
Excellent! Thank you. [clap]
absolutely awesome. [thumbsup]
Excellent short film. (how about warning a brother ;))
I tell folks all the time, meet with and talk to as many WWII Vets as you can.
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 25, 2010, 09:32:54 AM
Few planes look so good in the sky. [thumbsup]
Absolutely! There have been and will continue to be many a discussion about the best fighter plane of WW2. Certainly, the Mustang is a contender, but what continues to appeal to me about the airplane is that it looks far ahead of it's time! Nearly all of it's contemporaries had major control surfaces rounded off, but the 51 had sharp edges...like many jets would have in the not too distant future. Compare it say to its North American descendant, the F-86 (interestingly, developed from the FJ-1 NA designed for the Navy, which used the wing, tail feathers and canopy developed from those of the 51)). To me, the P-51 has a timeless design.
I've seen that short before, it's really great!! The P-51 is truly a magnificent plane!
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 25, 2010, 09:32:54 AM
I caught the tail end of a really neat show on The Military Chanel one morning last month about a pilot and his P-51. It was a really neat story. I love older planes like that. Though the Ace pilot was not able to retain his original aircraft he had purchased one much later in life and recreated his original. I think it said he was 88 and still flying!
That's what the link is for, the pilots name is Jim Brown. [thumbsup]
love the p 51!
[thumbsup]
Loved that video! Made me think of my WWII era Dad who served as an instructor in the Army Air Corps. Never served in active combat. Life time pilot. Was in the Confederate Air Force for years and years. I think it's now called the Commemorative Air Force or some other PC bullshit name. :P Dad was a big fan of the L-19 Bird Dog observation plane and T-6 Texans. He had really cool versions of each and owned several T-6s over he years. He passed in 2004 and I was/am executor of his estate. There was a line of folks who were begging for the L-19. Apparently it was a gem and much desired. Wished I was a pilot rather than a bike rider... I would have loved to have kept it as a favor to my Dad.
Damn near teared up watching that video. What an awesome generation of folks who went through shit we will never truly understand. War is hell no matter what but the whole depression era and the way they were raised will never be duplicated. Greatest generation indeed. [thumbsup] Too bad our kids probably won't ever approach that level of greatness. [bang] Or us... Really cool to see his grand kids view their grand Dad in a whole new and different light. Like I said, had trouble keeping back the tears. At least I know what my Dad did back then even though he never saw combat. My late father in law told me all I want to ever know about beach landings at Normandy.
Again, great video. Thank you for sharing that. [clap] [popcorn] [bacon] [bow_down]
[clap] thanks for posting the video. P-51 is a great plane and the greatest generate has made it a legend!
Thanks for the comments about your father Oldfastwin! The allied pilots couldnt have succeeded without men like your father training them. It was common that the best stick-men were kept in the states to train others. A co-worker's father was a Mosquito pilot in the RAF and he trained here in California...they could fly year-round.
This use to be my favorite P-51
I watched it at many Airshows in Cali
http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/pages/44-74494.shtml (http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/pages/44-74494.shtml)
You just know that certain things are a classic as soon as you see them. The list is so long and complicated. It covers so many "things". It's all about design and function. Engineers know all about this. It's what makes them kings of their profession. Think about Colt Single Action Army revolvers, M-1 Garands, M1911 .45ACP pistols, Browning M1918 BAR, Browning M1917 machine guns, Winchester model 94 lever actions, Triumph Bonnevilles, Ducati 750/900SS, BMW Boxers, 1969 Honda CB750s, Kawi Z-1, etc... the list goes on forever. Guitars, cars, etc., even toasters fit in. The P-51 Mustang just fits in with that never ending list. One look at it and you are in love. Pilot or not. It's the Vincent Black Shadow of warbirds. It's perfect. And the sound of that supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin engine will resound in heaven for eternity.
Again, great video. I wish my Dad had been around to see it. [thumbsup]
Very cool !
Thanks for posting it ! [thumbsup]
Thanks, great vid. Best quote "In two turns I was sitting on his butt...it wasnt a contest"
Quote from: kopfjäger on October 25, 2010, 01:29:22 PM
Excellent short film. (how about warning a brother ;))
I tell folks all the time, meet with and talk to as many WWII Vets as you can.
::Threadjack::
My 12yo is in love with this era. My wife and I say "he's and old soul". Recently we got in touch with a guy nearby who is big into the history of WWII and has written a few books and introduced my kid to some war Vets. We have since been to a few luncheons with guys locally from the 101st and they have made him and honorary member. Its great to watch him talk to these guys and to see them talk with him. They are great guys and its a treat to be around them.
::end threadjack::
I think the best thing about the p-51 is the sound of that merlin engine. You can tell when one flies over without even looking up...they sound so distinct from anything else [thumbsup]
Got that right! [bow_down]
Quote from: Le Pirate on October 27, 2010, 09:44:00 AM
I think the best thing about the p-51 is the sound of that merlin engine. You can tell when one flies over without even looking up...they sound so distinct from anything else [thumbsup]
I grew up a short bike ride away from Chino Airport. You'd hear them flying around all weekend long...very unique sound. I now live near Santa Paula Airport and though there are no Mustangs in current residence, one flies in and around once in a while.
P-51 Mustang super low pass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrDWYOlLA-w#normal)
Yup, that's low all right.
Here's another Merlin powered low pass:
Spitfire Low Pass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDDDKnNhuE#normal)
Four Merlins flying in very close formation:
Lancaster Low Pass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBEOxGxi3XI&feature=related#normal)
Quote from: orangelion03 on October 27, 2010, 03:52:06 PM
Yup, that's low all right.
Here's another Merlin powered low pass:
Spitfire Low Pass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDDDKnNhuE#normal)
How many times did that dude say, make the beast with two backs me... [laugh]
Pretty damn funny! I would have said it a lot more!!!! [laugh]
Well, since I brought up fly by runs. [evil]
Fighter plane's incredible fly-by caught on camera (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M-lXM1D8ZI#normal)
Great video. [thumbsup]
Quote from: kopfjäger on October 27, 2010, 07:38:26 PM
Well, since I brought up fly by runs. [evil]
Fighter plane's incredible fly-by caught on camera (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M-lXM1D8ZI#normal)
I swear that fuel tank was gonna hit him in the head!!
Thanks for posting the vid. P51's one of my favorite things ever. Reminds me of my good ole uncle Butler who just passed who flew B-17's over Europe back then.
We sure owe a lot to those who went before us.
Extraordinary good video. [thumbsup]
LA
Awesome video. So cool that there's a following that will keep those planes air worthy and out of the salvage yards
[bow_down]
What is truly incredible is that the Mustang was designed and built in only 117 days. The first version with the Alison engine was not that great, but when they swapped the Alison for the Merlin, it was just awesome