tom@math.ufl.edu (Thomas J Gillen) (05/28/91)
From: tom@math.ufl.edu (Thomas J Gillen) I recently came across a book of paint and marking schemes for what seemed to be every single plane in the world, and I found a B-24 Liberator ("Little Gramper") which was painted as if it belonged to Barnum & Bailey rather than the US Air Force. It was bright yellow, with, I believe, green and red spots all over it. Striking, to say the very least. The brief blurb mentioned that every bomber group (?) had their own brightly painted ship to assist in formation, uh, formation: the crazy-colored one would orbit above the field while the group formed their box around it for the flight over the Channel, while the Crazy One returned to field. Also mentioned was the fact that the plane was usually a battle-weary vet. Anyone know where I could find more information, photos, mentions, etc. about these planes and their roles? I assume the pilots rotated duty in these planes? Thanks, in advance. tom