I actually started this build some time ago, using the 48th scale Eduard P-40M with the Aeromaster resin nose conversion for a P-40F/L, but put it on hold while deciding how to go about the markings.
I knew what I wanted, but didn't have the decals for it. I had taken some still shots from a video on You Tube, which was originally filmed in late Jan. '44 while the 79th FG was stationed at Capodichino Airdrome in Italy, supporting the Anzio invasion. This is what I was eying, an 85th FS coded X15, seen behind X14. Note what's possibly a white star on the hubcap and the individual standing on the wing by the cockpit:
Here's a close-up of the same side with likely that individual (crew chief?):
And its pilot, who looks from other photos I have to be Carl Stewart:
And the opposite side of this aircraft, in which you can just make out part of the name under the exhausts. It appears to be the end of "Virginia," and by chance Carl Stewart, later as a captain, flew a P-47 named "West By Gawd Virginia" (Stewart was from West Virginia, by the way):
Here's a still from the video, which I believe is of this P-40L, "West Try God Virginia"
Last but not least, the rudder art on this airplane. "Butterfly Girl" appeared previously on an 85th FS P-40F, which was likely Joe Connelly's X31. I believe Connelly had rotated back to the USA by this time, but obviously his rudder art was deemed too important for the military effort so had to stay overseas!
So I was in a dilemma, until I got into contact with Dave Kopielski at davidsscalemodels.com, who not only tackled the name of "West Try God Virginia" in decal form, but several other 85th FS P-40s that I was interested in. Dave did an outstanding job on them, so I'm eager to get some builds going to put them to good use!
