All available records of the art work, aircraft and units they were attached to have been painstakingly researched in replicating this nose art panel. We believe that this is the best possible rendition of the original art work as it appeared on the aircraft.
This is George Preddy's last P-51 before his death on Christmas Day, 1944. He had shot down two ME-109's southwest of Koblenz and then turned to dive on a FW-190 on the deck. He flew into American anti-aircraft fire and took fatal hits before plunging into the ground.Preddy was the war's top scoring Mustang ace with 26.83 aerial, 3 probable and 4 damaged. A stylised barber pole was painted on the right nose cowl to reflect on the part-time 'career' of his crew chief. Extensive research was done to find the correct colors for the group. Collaborating with group members for details, a good match was found. At least two shades of blue paint was supplied by the Brittish for the nose cowls. The latter being the lighter shade. The barber pole was on the other side, but illustrated here for good measure.
Size: 18 x 40 Inches
Made by: Velasco
|
