[rdenham]

It’s nice you have reasonable co-workers or HR reps were you work; a friend of mine was told to remove a Robert Taylor print from their private office because the representation of “Nazi” airplanes was offensive and inappropriate for the a diverse workplace.

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by rdenham

It’s nice you have reasonable co-workers or HR reps were you work; a friend of mine was told to remove a Robert Taylor print from their private office because the representation of “Nazi” airplanes was offensive and inappropriate for the a diverse workplace.

I know and I am also sensitive to how my displays are perceived. It helps that my first love is US aircraft and I have my stars-n-bars well represented. I also have a few German planes on display, but not in overwhelming fashion. Actually, I enjoy a sprinkling of nationalities, US being foremost.

Just wait till I get my USN Hellcats!

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Black 6

I really need to get a FM "Cal. Cutie" too. That and the C1 Fw-190 are sweet additions to your cubi.

Thanks Black 6. Guess what--- California Cutie goes a long way in satisfying my P-61 fix... it occurred to me as I took her from the box, she's got the OD/invasion stripe/double engine/tricycle gear vibe going, very Black Widow like.

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by brunowbe

Nice looking display you have there Ara. All of them look very sharp together. You are far more brave and trusting with your collection than I am.

Thanks Ben. Yes, don't they look great? They can really team up on you if you get a few on a line together!

California Cutie is getting rave reviews from the ladies of the office, BTW...

Must be a stripe thing...

[parsig9]

Great additions there Ara. I have the Itsy Bitsy too and would love to have the story if you care to post or PM. Want to know where to get one for yourself?


Oh, and the best P-38 is the Uncle Cy's but I have not yet tracked one down for a fair price.

[derhamburgerjung]

Nice additions over there, Ara.I really like the Cal Cutie a lot, but until today I can´t call one these my own.

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by parsig9

Great additions there Ara. I have the Itsy Bitsy too and would love to have the story if you care to post or PM. Want to know where to get one for yourself?

Will post the story later tonight! I will also put more detail into the story of Virginia Marie.

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by parsig9

I have the Itsy Bitsy too and would love to have the story if you care to post.

Hi Parsig,

First I want to thank you for the help in my getting these models, they really enhance my collection.

OK, the story of Itsy Bitsy II, flown by Major George Laven, Jr., as reported in the excellent book 49th Fighter Group by Ernest R. McDowell.

Some fun facts:

Laven had 69 locomotive kills to his credit and at least 5 Japanese aircraft kills. He's been credited with sinking over 60,000 tons of shipping.

The sharp-looking Itsy Bitsy II's black trim was not for decoration; it was used to cover the patches on the Lightning resulting from combat damage and repair.

Laven did quite a bit of "free lancing" and his P-38 was the only 5th Air Force plane with a 300 gallon belly tank (Parsig: does the model depict this?). He often carried a 1,000 lb bomb and attacked targets of opportunity. He was the group's advance man and was the first to land on Okinawa. Laven was also the first pilot to fly a Lightning over Japan's Home Islands.

He was attached to the 49th Group Headquarters Command and flew every day.

Laven was picked to lead the fighter escort for the Betty bomber surrender team.

He retired as a Colonel after 30 years of service.

###

[parsig9]

The Armour Itsy Bitsy carries 2 500lb bombs not a 300 gallon tank. Thanks for the story. Poor engineers, that's alot of trains.

[Elmer]

Sharp looking display, Ara. I am jealous... I can't set up a display like that at work. I like your taste.

I hope you don't come in to the office one morning and find that the weight of those P-38s caused your shelf to collapse!