North American A-36

A friend's father flew with the 527th FBS, 86th FBG so I had to build the Accurate Miniatures kit. This photo is often mislabeled assigning these aircraft to other units. These aircraft are definitely assigned to the 527th FBS and are lined up as part of a ceremony honoring the 5 crew chiefs who kept these planes in the air for more than 100 missions. 

The date on the letter of commendation places the date of the previous picture in early November 1943. I chose to represent the aircraft 4284071 with slightly over 100 missions and still in the national insignia with red surround. 

Here is 4284071 later in the war with additional mission markings. 

Aircraft 4284071 with slightly over 100 missions and still in the national insignia with red surround as it might have appeared for the awards ceremony. 

I always model the A-36 / P-51 aircraft with the interior gear doors in the closed position. If the aircraft has hydraulic pressure, the doors will be up.