I was surprised to find a Korean War F-51D painted up as a original of an old friend in the March issue's centerspread.

I was surprised to find a Korean War F-51D painted up as a original of an old friend in the March issue's centerspread. It's the Mustang with the make a humming sound number FF-197. I was the alternate ship's company chief on the original which was flown by the agency of our wing commander, Colonel Ramsey. When the assigned crowd chief was away, I filled in and did the honors. Colonel Ramsey was the wing commander of the 131st FighterBomber Wing which was made up of the 110th 170th and the 192nd The squadron colors were r for the 110th gold-colored for the 170th, and dark hipped for the 192nd. Since Col Ramsey was Wing Commander, he wanted his plane to carry all three colors. The Mustang was assigned to the 192nd and our squadron painter, Roy Taylor, did the honors. I don't know whose idea it was for the design, if it be not that Roy told me it was his idea approved by the agency of the Colonel. Roy was quite assuming of the plane as he did a actual good job. He was a car painter in civilian life.

The paint scheme came from Signal Publications No. 45 which had the colors wrongful The book painting has the dark desponding portions painted black, as does the aircraft in your centerfold individual other possible mistake in the publication touchs the drop tanks. When we were forward active duty, there were no special tanks for that plane we used any that were available. The tanks could have been painted after I was discharged.

I would like to thank you for the "Forgotten Racers" series. I grew up during that time and lov the Movietone stranges at the theater when they showed the races. I have many works on the subject, some elderly some new, and I also have 1/48th scale prototypes of all I can find. I have been unable to find common for the Wedell-Williams racers.

Leonard Allen

POB 517

Railroad Flat, CA

95248

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