Description
P-51D Big Stud Ponies Part 2. First is the P-51D flown by Robin Olds, “SCAT VII” in the correct ORANGE color (not red as sometimes depicted) with 21 kill markings, L2*W, 434th FS, 479TH FG. NOTE: this artwork was based on Gen Olds photos and confirmed for us by Gen Olds. The second is the P-51D-5-NA, “Happy Jack’s Go Buggy,” MC*O with the correct mixture of code letters and kill markings, flown by Jack M. Ilfrey, 79th FS, 20th FG, 8th AF, 1944. The markings on this bird evolved over time and have confused many artists and decal companies. Ilfrey’s markings on his ‘D’ evolved over time. In most cases, it has been shown incorrectly with early cowl markings and late fuselage markings. When it had the mission markings and red/yellow name on the cowl is was coded MC-O. Later, it had the 20th FG’s black & White cowl stripes added covering the previous cowl markings, and the name was repainted in black/yellow. Around this time the aircraft code was changed from ‘O’ to ‘I’, with the ‘O’ being painted out with a light gray paint.
