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Post by zooke581 on Jul 19, 2015 9:22:47 GMT -5
Yesterday I had the honor along with my friend Lester Hayden Smith III of picking up WWII veteran and crewman for the Flying Tigers and taking him to Family Day at The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. He did not know we were picking him up in a WWII Jeep.
Norman (crew for the P40s and later P51s) is probably the last surviving member of the Flying Tigers, he cannot locate any others.
During our conversation we talked about models and how the P40 was one of my first ones. He said he never had one. So on a Model page on Facebook I am part of they have donated a P40 in 1/48 scale for me to build and present to him when done.
Here is a small video on our way to the National D-Day Memorial.
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Post by zooke581 on Jul 19, 2015 9:26:04 GMT -5
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Post by zooke581 on Jul 19, 2015 9:37:52 GMT -5
I picture I found online of Norman Pedigo during the war.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2015 13:33:00 GMT -5
Very cool Zookie!, what an honor to meet Norman.
Lee
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Post by jeffwho on Jul 19, 2015 18:49:40 GMT -5
If you've not already located Daniel Ford via Google, he did a great book on the AVG. It'd be cool to send him that thread about you picking up Norm in your jeep, and who knows he might have more information or want to get in touch with Norm if he is in contact with more AVG veterans! cub06h@gmail.com You can read more about Mr. Ford and his books, as well as subscribe to his AVG newsletter here: warbirdforum.comWouldn't it be great to help locate other surviving AVG members and put them in touch, or even better facilitate a reunion?! |
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Post by zooke581 on Jul 19, 2015 19:09:34 GMT -5
Just did a little more research and Norman Pedigo actually came in just as the USAAF took over the Flying Tigers into the 14th Air Corp. So while a Flying Tiger, not of the AVG. Norman with the plane he crewed.  |
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Post by zooke581 on Jul 28, 2015 20:31:04 GMT -5
I am on a modeling group on Facebook and a member sent me this P40 that I am going to build similar to the picture of the one with Norman standing by the plane. I will post up periodic progress and the final presentation to Norman when it is done.  |
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Post by zooke581 on Aug 9, 2015 22:05:01 GMT -5
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Post by Haines Garage on Aug 9, 2015 22:23:18 GMT -5
That is really awesome. It's amazing. When I saw these pics of the model you are building.
It reminds me of the giving spirit you have. When you are doing something kind, for somebody else, and they have no idea that you are. It is a very powerful thing. Your hands move more steady, you are focused, it is easy , even the most stressful task. When you are doing something for gain, personal recognition , looking for attention, for all the wrong reasons...it just falls apart. I admire your tenacity, and your heartfelt things you do for others. It is a very respectable and honorable trait.
I can't wait to see the presentation.
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Post by zooke581 on Aug 29, 2015 7:45:29 GMT -5
A little more work on the Norman Pedigo P40.   |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2015 10:10:08 GMT -5
OUTSTANDING!!  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2015 11:34:49 GMT -5
PURDY!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2015 12:09:37 GMT -5
Very nice Lee |
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Post by zooke581 on Aug 29, 2015 12:24:13 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Trying to find an old piece of WWII jeep to use as a base.
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Post by zooke581 on Aug 30, 2015 17:40:44 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 19:00:26 GMT -5
Getting there! 
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2015 5:49:46 GMT -5
No Oil leaks or bullet holes? Exhaust trail sign? When will you test the engine?  Look good Eric. You go beyond the call of duty to honor these vets. Well done. Did he know Chenault? The commander? Pappy Boyington? Didn't Pappy learn his tactics to fight the Japanese with the Tigers? Later used the tactics with Corsairs? The flying Tigers were what put us on a friendly relationship with the Chinese. I think that helped with the Tokyo Doolittle Raid crews when they had to ditch after the raid. Tough times. Oilly |
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Post by zooke581 on Aug 31, 2015 6:02:22 GMT -5
Oily, Yes he knew Chenault. Don't know about Pappy. Great Veteran to listen to. Looking forward to the presentation.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2015 9:10:29 GMT -5
The weathered paint detail is authentic as it gets.
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Post by zooke581 on Sept 6, 2015 20:00:49 GMT -5
Almost done. Canopy, Machine Guns and Pitot Tube left to do. Base is complete. Anyone have a 12"W x 12"L X 6"H glass case they might be willing to donate?   |
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Post by Haines Garage on Sept 8, 2015 17:15:07 GMT -5
That plane looks real! Very nice attention to detail.
Have you ever done a model jeep?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2015 18:54:47 GMT -5
He drives his models!
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Post by zooke581 on Sept 8, 2015 20:27:35 GMT -5
That plane looks real! Very nice attention to detail. Have you ever done a model jeep? I did an M151 37 years ago. Not as nice as this. |
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Post by Haines Garage on Sept 8, 2015 20:48:28 GMT -5
That plane looks real! Very nice attention to detail. Have you ever done a model jeep? I did an M151 37 years ago. Not as nice as this. My wife was watching me paint something very important about a week or so ago. She told me that she knew I was working on something for someone else. What a compliment....You can see it in my face? There is a God installed part to us all that make our hearts happy when we do something special for others. Perhaps a simple smile, a model, a painting, a thought. Happy is the man who's services need no pay... Once again, I find it fantastic how you represent the Veterans of this country ...In your very own and personal way. A Case? is there one on Ebay? Perhaps one that could be bought and sent to you? I should love to be a part of this one...Unnamed... |
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Post by zooke581 on Sept 8, 2015 21:53:50 GMT -5
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Look good Eric. You go beyond the call of duty to honor these vets. Well done. Did he know Chenault? The commander? Pappy Boyington? Didn't Pappy learn his tactics to fight the Japanese with the Tigers? Later used the tactics with Corsairs? The flying Tigers were what put us on a friendly relationship with the Chinese. I think that helped with the Tokyo Doolittle Raid crews when they had to ditch after the raid. Tough times. Oilly