kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

One of the first aircraft I noted last week at the National Air Races in Reno last week, was the P-51C aircraft named Thunderbird. Like most aircraft at the races, the paint job was magnificent. But this job was more than magnificent. Something different. As I was to find out, this was not a racing machine. It was there for show. And a story. Thunderbird’s racing days are over.
It's first flight was a few months ago just prior to EAA's Oshkosh where it made it public debut after many years of restoration. From what I can tell, it was more than fifty years between it's last flight and first flight after restoration.
There are many points of interest - I'll limit these to what I think are three of the most interesting.
1. The aircraft was purchased after WWII by THE Jimmy Stewart as a racing aircraft. The aircraft won the Bendix Trophy in 1949 with a speed of 470 MPH between what is now Edwards AFB and Cleveland, OH.
2. Jimmy Stewart sold the aircraft for $1 to Jackie Cochran in 1949. Jackie Cochran used the aircraft to break two FIA world speed records at 437 MPH. In 1953 Jackie sold the aircraft back to Jimmy Stewart for $1.
3. In what is probably the most interesting part of the aircraft life, Thunderbird was used to bring film of Queen Elizibeth's coronation from the UK to the US in 1953. CBS hired the aircraft to carry the film across the ocean. In a side story, ABS hired another P-51 to bring their copy. CBS won the race - but ABC and NBC aired the film first. Not Thunderbird's fault.
Anyway, interesting aircraft with an interesting story. Was happy to watch it fly during the week.
A few shots of Thunderbird. Maybe more later. (Lots of other photos to process from the week of races.)

P-51C Thunderbird Low Bank


P-51C Thunderbird Ramp Taxi


P-51C Thunderbird Low Level Pass


P-51C Thunderbird Reno Finish Line

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

What a beautiful aircraft. Great set.

black mamba

Thanks for the pictures and the story. Most people don't know that Jimmy Stewart was a very accomplished aviator. He trained pilots to fly both the B-29 and the B-24 bombers in WW II. He, himself, flew many missions over Germany while piloting a B-24. Jackie Cochran was a famous female aviator who set all kinds of records in her career. She had a lot of ties to some of the very top U.S. Air Force leaders and she was instrumental in helping Chuck Yeager advance his career on way to becoming a General in the Air Force.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Great shots and background of one of my favorite aircraft - thank you!

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Great photos of a beautiful airplane. I love the sound of a P51!

I heard this is the last year of the Air Races in Reno. Why is that?

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Fantastic set

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

Sad but true. There are many possible reasons. My personal thought is that the area around Reno Stead airport is booming with population. Most of the races form up over a now very populated area. Also, the land that the airport has is now very valuable. Another reason is the airport is home to a number of fire fighting air operations. For the time of the races, these assetts have to be moved elsewhere in a time where western fires are usually burning. (This year's show was incredible clear of smoke unlike the last two years.)

From what was said by those in the know, there are six new sites that have responded to RFPs for racing in 2025. The racing will continue.

theaverlo Loc: Iowa

Great shots and thanks for the story!

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Very interesting. I can see the P-51's speed as the reason for its selection to quickly carry the film across the ocean but it didn't have the non-stop range nor did it have mid-air refueling capability. I would think all the refueling stops would have taken longer than a slower, non-stop (or fewer stops) flight.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice shots.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

GREAT subject and story/info ! .......thanks for sharing

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

That was my first question, where did they stop for fuel.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut