Early CMP Van? - Car, Heavy Utility, 4x2 (Ford C011DF-F8)

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

No, Hanno was right: that film is a beauty and all about B26s. I just sent the link to my friend at NASM, as they are conserving 'Flak Bait' at the moment: the team had not see it, so are most appreciative of the link.

Well spotted Mike Kelly, thanks for posting!

Just read about Flak Bait getting the attention it deserves. Fascinating history, well worth a read: https://airandspace.si.edu/collectio...m_A19600297000

CB50996C-533E-46D0-A796-1723C20675E9.jpg

[Mike Cecil]

It certainly has fantastic provenance. The forward fuselage was on display for many years at NASM on the Mall. Image 13 of 16 in the link posted by Hanno shows the result: along the rear edge (the right side of the image) can be seen the irregular shaped area of raw Aluminium, the result of the removal of the original paintwork by the many thousands of visitors who grasped that edge as they looked into the rear area. I suppose in those days Museums were not quite as attentive to such things - could have been an easy fix with a sheet of perspex to cover the edge.

Been following the restoration/conservation, and it certainly is meticulous. Looking forward to seeing it completed.

Mike