To put your friend's query to bed, it's the same image on both sides of the fin! I don't know if KP nuts are a thing in the US, but presumably the Jack Link's protein snacks include a fair dose of nuts.
The jet engine is from a T-38 Talon so has some considerable "oomph" including the ability for the Waco to climb & accelerate vertically. The airframe has been strengthened to tolerate the loads on it.