Repainting CAC Mustang ex RAAF A68-199 VH-URZ

Warbirds Online reported last year on the return to flight of CAC Mustang CA-18 PR.22 1524 Ex RAAF A68-199, now VH-URZ.  This is a very historic aircraft mainly because of its later civil use and was the second last CAC built Mustang its history is detailed in our previous story CAC Mustang CA-18 A68-199 September 18, 2017.

A part of the continuing restoration of this aircraft is the desire of the current owner to have the aircraft finished to a very high standard. To this end the Mustang has been undergoing a full repaint from bare metal up. The Mustang has been resident in the paint shop at Pay’s Air Service at Scone NSW for several weeks whilst it is carefully stripped of its old finishes and prepared for repainting. Pays have a reputation for the highest quality paint work on aircraft and in particular Warbird aircraft.

On the day of our visit Benni Walters at Pay’s was in the process of stripping back 68 years of accumulated paint work on this Mustang. From a historic point of view it was very interesting to note that the aircraft has never had a bare metal repaint in its life. As the paint is being stripped back it is possible to see the vestiges of all of its previous civil and even its original military RAAF schemes. It is unusual to see a Warbird of this age retain all of its previous paint work and also see the panels which have been replaced or repaired over time.

Research on the aircraft reveals that there were at least 6 different finishes on A68-199 during its previous RAAF and civilian service although there could have been more. During its time with Fawcett Aviation at Bankstown NSW where it operated in the target towing role under contract to the Department of Defence registered as VH-BOZ the Mustang was fitted with the winch which was later removed. The repair panel where the winch mount was removed is clearly visible under the stripped off paint. The aircraft is fitted with a rear facing seat for the winch operator and a modified cockpit canopy for the operator which was to say the least less attractive than the elegant original canopy.

When being used for Army and Air Force duties as a target towing aircraft the Mustang carried 5 drogues which were able to be changed in flight by the winch operator so that feedback could be given to the gun crews immediately. Apparently it was rare that the drogue was hit by the guns but it did happen on occasion.

We were recently contacted by a member of an Australian Army Gun crew who well remembers the experience of shooting at the drogues towed by A68-199 (VH-BOZ) and a another Mustang A68-39 (VH-BOY).

“As a young 19 year old I joined 9 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment at Dee Why NSW. Served my national service obligation proudly with that great regiment. Several times a year we would journey down to Bass Point just north of Kiama and fire tons of live 40mm rounds out to sea shooting at drogue targets being towed behind two awesome Mustangs !!!!  I could be wrong but if my memory is correct believe it was a husband and wife team flying those big powerful birds. We rarely hit the drogue but had great fun times trying. If anyone can add further info or pics to the above I would greatly appreciate your input”

The Mustang is to be refinished in its original RAAF A68-199 scheme as previously worn post restoration. However the quality of the finish and the detail of stencils will be to a very high standard. Given the thickness of the paint being removed, it is also likely that the Mustang will also be a bit lighter as a result of the repaint as an added bonus!

Warbirds Online kindly acknowledges the photographers of the historic images contained in this article.

© John Parker 2019