Unique honor

[wvrailfan]

Today I gave my FMS P-51B away. It hasn't been crashed or damaged and I wasn't tired of flying it. However, it has become too valuable for me to fly.

I wrapped my Mustang and lettered it as one of the 352nd Blue Nose planes flown by WV native Lt. Robert "Punchy" Powell. Punchy's plane was named simply, The West "By Gawd" Virginian. In 2014 I had the pleasure to meet Punchy and he was kind enough to sign my plane. At that point I decided I didn't want to risk damaging the plane and retired it.

So, today I gave the model to the West Virginia Division of Archives and History. It will be a center piece of a display that pays tribute to West Virginians who served during WW II in the state museum at the state capitol complex. While I was a little sad to let the plane go, I am happy that many will get to see it and, more importantly, get to learn about the young folks, like Punchy, that put it all on the line during those dark days.

And, because I really like the FMS P-51, I have already secured a new B model, ordered decals from Callie and a new motor and ESC from Motion to build a new West "By Gawd" Virginian for my hanger!

[VOODOO]

GOOD ON YA !!

[XF-15DCC]

Great story and gesture!

Kevin

[TSHobbies]

Thats pretty darn awesome..and a great opportunity!

[Grossman56]

Pretty Cool Wvrailfan. Now, Since you're planning to wrap a new one, so to speak, how about keep a build log so we all can see how you all do it?

Grossman56

[Dewey H Lee]

That was fantastic. It is great for you to remember someone for there unselfish service to our freedom and country. Our fighting service men and women never really get enough recognition. In the past wars there were many hero's. Back then war was clearly up in every man's face. Close constantly. I can't imagine how these great men handled it. Thank you for the tribute to them.

[Tom]

What a great story. We need more stories like this!

[dkalwishky]

Very cool Wvrailfan!

[wrongroad]

G'day WV,
Sir, I salute you.
What a great honor to the many who gave all.
Regards and respect.
Daryl R Woolfe

[MikeT]

Awesome thing to do and a fitting home for your P-51.

Mike

[FLTRI]

That's fantastic, what a great thing to for you do! Beautiful B Mustang, and yes, you should do a build log on the replacement!

[JFandL]

Today I gave my FMS P-51B away. It hasn't been crashed or damaged and I wasn't tired of flying it. However, it has become too valuable for me to fly.

I wrapped my Mustang and lettered it as one of the 352nd Blue Nose planes flown by WV native Lt. Robert "Punchy" Powell. Punchy's plane was named simply, The West "By Gawd" Virginian. In 2014 I had the pleasure to meet Punchy and he was kind enough to sign my plane. At that point I decided I didn't want to risk damaging the plane and retired it.

So, today I gave the model to the West Virginia Division of Archives and History. It will be a center piece of a display that pays tribute to West Virginians who served during WW II in the state museum at the state capitol complex. While I was a little sad to let the plane go, I am happy that many will get to see it and, more importantly, get to learn about the young folks, like Punchy, that put it all on the line during those dark days.

And, because I really like the FMS P-51, I have already secured a new B model, ordered decals from Callie and a new motor and ESC from Motion to build a new West "By Gawd" Virginian for my hanger!

Your not kidding what an honor you had to have got to meet WV native Lt. Robert "Punchy" Powell. Then on top of that have your RC aircraft hung in his honor!!!

Just outstanding Sir!,, Thank you for the post and your Aircraft,


John

[Alpha]

Bravo zulu, wvrailfan, bravo zulu!!! Paying it forward with such an act of respect and honor will come back to you tenfold, I'm sure.

[Grossman56]

Darn fine wvrailfan, makes me proud to be associated with this class of people, good on you

Grossman56

[Capt. Crunch]

That's pretty awesome wvrailfan!! What a great gesture!

[Grossman56]

Hey wvrailfan, how did you go around the wingtips with the Ultracote?

Grossman56

[wvrailfan]

I'm not using Ultracote, I use Oracal brand vinyl film. It is a self adhesive, peel and stick product used for wrapping race cars, delivery vans, or for making vinyl letters for signs. There are two ways, one is demonstrated in my blog over at RCG, where I use small individual pieces for wing tips and wing roots, or, you can make a piece a little oversize and cut slits to make tabs in the material.
I am working on a tutorial for the AMA magazine on the topic. Once I have it complete, I'll share it here.

Jim

[StormyDog1962]

Nice gesture and I hope this brings much good karma your way!

[Grossman56]

Thanks WV, I found the Oracal site , but the only stuff I see in chrome is a Heat transfer film, can you post the web page so I can find this! Old guy here!!

Grossman56

[wvrailfan]

Thanks WV, I found the Oracal site , but the only stuff I see in chrome is a Heat transfer film, can you post the web page so I can find this! Old guy here!!

Grossman56

I buy the vinyl film by the yard at http://www.uscutter.com/oracal-751-24-by-the-yard

I buy the chrome film at http://www.advantagesignsupply.com/o...-15-x-10-yards

Jim