[mustangdriver]

Check out the C-54 in the background. That is pretty cool as well.

[SKUNKY]

That was the Blue Angels R-5D support aircraft....The team was flying the Grumman F-11 Tiger at the time.

[Ara1]

(OK I'll be serious now...)

I think the Bearcat is neat, but it falls into the dreaded "There aren't enough interesting/varied paint schemes to make it profitable" category. It shares an awesome lineage with the Wildcat and Hellcat, and that may be the deciding factor in having one appear in diecast.

I recall reading how the Grumman design team took a few cues from the captured Fw 190A that was circulating England at the time. That same Fw influenced thinking on the Fury as well.

[jim]

Skunky I can well understand your feelings about the Bearcat. Its funny how a display or a chance encounter with a plane starts a life long passion for that particular plane. Thats how I became so attached to the P40. I watched Ray Hanah throw one around the sky at an airshow and that was it for me I was hooked.
I made sure I got to see him flying the old girl every chance I got. Its difficult to put into words why I feel that way, I think its a mix of looks noise and history all rolled into a one.
MKV Spits have the same effect on me, its the sheer grace and beauty of the Spit plus that Merlin sound. Heavenly stuff.

Surely some one some day will make a Bearcat, Bearcat and Fury side by side on the shelf would be so coooooool.

[SKUNKY]

I'm afraid you're probably right about the limited schemes, Ara. I believe Leroy Grumman once stated "You can have a Bearcat in any color you like, just as long as it's blue."....

Also true about the design being influenced by the FW-190.

[jim]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

I'm afraid you're probably right about the limited schemes, Ara. I believe Leroy Grumman once stated "You can have a Bearcat in any color you like, just as long as it's blue."....

Also true about the design being influenced by the FW-190.

Yes but its a very nice shiny blue.

[SKUNKY]

Jim, did you know that a restored P-40B Pearl Harbor survivor is going to make its public debut at Duxford in July?..I was just reading about it in my latest Flight Journal.

[mustangdriver]

I would love to see one in 1/48th, but at least some one is doing one in 1/72nd(Easy model). Unitl then , my 1/48th scale Testors kit will have to do.

[jim]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

Jim, did you know that a restored P-40B Pearl Harbor survivor is going to make its public debut at Duxford in July?..I was just reading about it in my latest Flight Journal.

I reeeeally hope so but I am cautious about reports of what aircraft will fly at duxford rumours abound about who and what will be there this year. its rumoured the Glacier Girl will be there plus an FW190 and three B17s. I had no idea a P40 was going to be flying. A P40B!!! A Pearl P40B!!!!! Be still my beating heart, I would go crazy if it happens.
I wonder if I dare buy a video camera? I have been spending too much of late so I am in trouble, a new camera may be a bridge too far. Hmm, I think I had better just purchase the official airshow film.

[SKUNKY]

..It's on the cover of the latest issue of FJ and a few more pics inside...gorgeous...so much nicer looking than the "E" and later versions (imho)