A visit late on Sunday afternoon to Hardwick co-incided with one of the monthly open days at the 93rd BG Museum (open 3rd Sunday in the month May to October)
As luck would have it Maurice Hammond had all his aircraft outside on Display on the nearby Airstrip - the undoubted highlight was the first public appearance of his new P51D "Marinell" .The aircraft has recently been completely restored and has undertaken engine runs and taxying trials within the last few days. It is just awaiting paperwork before it takes to the air once more.
The aircraft is registered as G-MRLL , a North American P51D-5-NA. It wears the markings of the 339th FG, 504th FS , as "413521", 5Q-B, and is named "Marinell"
Even the sun played its part allowing the following images to be taken
G-MRLL Starboard side view
For bigger image click link below
North American P-51D-5-NA Mustang, G-MRLL, Maurice Hammond
G-MRLL Atmospheric rear view
For bigger image click link below
North American P-51D-5-NA Mustang, G-MRLL, Maurice Hammond
Also noted were
G-MSTG P51D "Janie"
G-HAEC P51D "Big Beautiful Doll" (visitor - departed in formation with"Janie")
G-ELMH / "42-84555" " EP-H " "Fools Rush in" Harvard Starboard view
North American AT-6D Texan, G-ELMH, Maurice Hammond Port view (previous image)
North American AT-6D Texan, G-ELMH, Maurice Hammond
G-AMVD / "TJ565" Auster 5
Auster 5, G-AMVD, Private
Stearman (PT-13D) N4712V (ex 42-16931) (previous image)
Boeing E75 Stearman, N4712V, private
Other aircraft had visited earlier that day including a Spitfire and a
ME108, but had departed before I arrived