Awesome stuff, 51H. Some of the apparent camera technology - the camera in the wheel well, in the cockpit etc - surprised me as did some of the land-based attack footage. Amazed at some of the strafing runs. Lots of different units and a good mix of Razorbacks, bubble canopies, fin fillets etc etc. Did you spot the Mustang towards the start just after the footage of the guys snaking the ammunition belt onto the wing?!
Another great film 51H. I absolutely rubbish at US markings and codes, and haven't a clue on identifying the aircraft. Can anyone make out what this code is. I think I know and if so, then it just doesn't fit. But I'm probably mis-reading it. Sorry, can't get any clearer
The Mustang in the Thunderbolt film! :becky: Hmm, that's a lot of kills. There might some ground kills there too?
That's exactly what I thought. But that doesn't fall into the USAAF range. And 42 means 1942, but the first bubble-tops didn't come about until mid-1943 I think (but need to check). But you notice that the one behind as the older canopy?: Boy, I really need to sit down and learn more about USAAF serials :frusty:
Don't sell yourself short here, Kyt. The 42 in the serial alludes to the financial year that approval was given for the construction of that aircraft...and the others in its "batch" etc. Cool razorback in the background, looking decidely more worn than the other aircraft. Note the big tails in the background, top left? Looks like an A-20 closest and several B-17s to me. Didn't see these on the film but only on this still.
Ahhh, so THAT's how it worked. Cheers Mate, that really has cleared up a LOT of issues I've had with figuring it all out.
Ahem, having said that, I was reading something else a couple of days ago and realised that although I'm right in relation to reading a USAAF aircraft serial...I'm also wrong! The number does relate to the financial year that the aircraft and others of its batch were officially ordered. However, it is just the first number. In this case, this is the "4". So this aircraft is a "1944" bird. I was reminded as I was flicking through a B-17 book trying to find a photo that had popped into my head and noticed the serials on the tails of the 'Fs and 'Gs. Many of the 'Fs, as you know, start with a "2", therefore, 1942. Sorry for leading anyone down the wrong path there. Blame my rusty memory on that one!
