This HR skin represents the last chequered nose P51D Mustang to be Called "Big Beautiful Doll" flown by John David Landers. After a series of addtional paint jobs this aircraft was last colour scheme of this famous aircraft, Just a week prior to becoming the new CO of 361st FG. Much speculation and controversy has been made over the years about the correct colour scheme for this particular aircraft. In fact the colour scheme for this plane changed drastically on 3 separate occassions before it being given a completely new colour scheme with its transfer to the 361st FG in June '45.
This plane is noted for its different canopy name plate which reads : 'Col.J.D.Landers' after his promotion to full Colonel in May '45. By this time 3.5 kills would have been added to his score tally during his time with the 78th FG.....So with this skin, the 'tally' on the side of the plane has been changed to reflect this! Other notable features of this version, are the 'two-band' chequered and coloured wingtips. These were added to the aircraft to specifically denote are rare occurance! In the last week of June 1945, Col.J.D.Landers was appointed the new CO of the 361st FG, 
taking control on July 1st '45. AS Col. Caviness (CO of the 361st) awaited further instructions of his transfer having been relieved of his post, Landers was in effect CO of both FGs for about a week. Acting CO for his former 78thFG, and his new appointment to CO of the 361st FG. During this week, Landers would make 3 trips in this P51D to familiarise himself with his new men, and also to oversea and conceptulise a programme of training for ground assault, having been given restationing orders to take the 361st into the Pacific theatre. At this time the war was still on! Subsequently, 
as the famous 361st yellow jackets were known for their all yellow nose and cowlings, Landers had the anti-glare (olive green cowling) of his plane painted 361st yellow! Hense for this very brief period, Landers was entitled to have both FGs markings on his plane, and this unique scenario made probably the most colour version of the 'Big Beautiful Doll' ever flown by Landers. Due to the very temporary nature of this dual role, the double 'Command' chequers on the wingtips were only painted on the upper wing surfaces. Ironically, Col.Caviness found that his new appointed details made him 
CO of the 78thFG, where Landers had just left, also on July 1st!!

3D Model: Chompy
Original pcx files: Salty
Skin: Col.J.D.Landers

