CAC Mustang ex RAAF A68-199 Repaint Ongoing

The refinishing of Mustang CA-18 PR.22 A68-199 at Scone NSW is ongoing under the watchful eye of Vintage Fighter Restorations (VFR). Warbirds Online returned to Scone in early November 2019 to discover what progress had been made in the application of the color scheme.

Previously we reported (Oct 2019) on the aircrafts history, previous color schemes and stripping back to bare metal with repairs being carried out where necessary prior to the commencement of the refinishing process. Some items were very apparent upon entering the paint shop – all components of A68-199 have been refinished in standard RAAF colors of the CA-18 PR 22 Mustang and most of the detachable panels have been refitted.

The major item that was noticeable at first sight was that the decision has now been taken to restore the aircrafts configuration to that of its original manufacture to its state as a PR22 Photographic Reconnaissance Version of the CAC CA-18 Mustang. This is most noticeable in the retention of the camera ports for the F/K 24 Cameras, one ventrally mounted and one obliquely mounted. Previously these had been faired over and the aircraft finished in standard fighter color scheme. There is no firm decision yet as to the refitting of an active pair of cameras in the aircraft but it is a consideration.

Interestingly research has been conducted to ensure that all labeling and stencils appropriate to the PR Mustang have been reproduced exactly as they were applied when A68-199 left the CAC factory. The detail of these stencils is amazing and something not to be missed as it provides the enthusiast and historian with a rare and unusual insight into a unique part of the Australian Mustang story and one not seen on any other current Australian Warbird Mustang which are all finished as standard fighter configuration aircraft.

The detail also extends to the layout of the calibration marks on the aircraft in the form of black crosses and other markings on the wings which allowed the pilot to align the aircraft with aiming points for the dual cameras. This was unexpected but a nice authentic touch on what is clearly a VERY authentic color scheme.

One feature of the color scheme on Australian PR Mustangs is that the placement of the Roundel on the fuselage varies greatly from that of the standard fighter version of the aircraft and this is graphically illustrated in the refinishing of A68-199 where the roundel is now located nearly a meter forward of its previous location and higher. This realignment was in order that the PR aircraft camera port was not intruding into the roundel. Again this is recognition of the aircrafts actual heritage and provenance.

Another interesting touch on A68-199 is that it has been re registered on the Australian Civil register as VH-BOZ. VH-BOZ was the registration this Mustang wore when it was with Fawcett Aviation at Bankstown NSW where it operated in the target towing role under contract to the Department of Defence registered from the 9th of November 1960 until 12th November 1970. The new/old registration is another excellent historical touch in this mustang’s long and significant role in Australian Aviation. The owner is to be commended for his steadfast commitment to historical accuracy.

Warbirds Online is impressed by the high quality of the work being undertaken by the team at VFR and the commitment of the owner of A68-199 to refurbish this Mustang to an exacting standard of accuracy. When A68-199 returns to the air shortly it will present as one of the most accurate and exceptionally finished Warbirds in Australia. We will conclude this series next time when A68-199 rolls out of the paint shop at Scone and takes to the air again.

© John Parker 2019

   Warbirds Online