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USAAF 219993 |
G-CEJU |
Bell P-39Q Airacobra c/n 26E-397 ex-NX793QG, N139DP |
Built at Buffalo as a P-39Q-5-BE for the USAAF with serial 42-19993. Reportedly converted to a P-39Q-6-BE and served in Far East with 71st TRG & 82nd TRS until eventually SOC 21.5.45 and abandoned at Tadji, Papua New Guinea. Recovered from Tadji in 1972-73. Taken to Auckland, New Zealand and then to Australia where, after a superficial clean-up, was displayed in Moorabbin Air Museum/Drage Air World, Victoria from 1982 to 1988. Acquired in 1989 by Warbird enthusiast, Don Whittington, and moved to Florida USA for restoration. Sold on in 1991 and restored to static display standard for Santa Monica Museum of Flying and displayed 1991-1994 as “Brooklyn Bum 2nd”. Bought in 1994 by Stephen Grey/The Fighter Collection who contracted Steve Hinton’s Fighter Rebuilders at Chino, California for rebuild to flying condition. Regd 9.1.92 as N139DP although marks were not taken up. Re-Regd 10.6.04 as N793QG (worn as NX793QG) and f/f 17.6.04. Shipped to Duxford 2004. Regd 21.02.07 AS G-CEJU. |
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