This P-51 was built in Dallas but too late to see action in WWII. It was purchased by the RNZAF and flown as NZ2406 until Nov. 1955 when it was offered for sale by the New Zealand govt. The fuselage survived for many years in storage with the RNZAF Museum until bought privately and transported, initially to the UK and then on to the US for restoration. This was completed in 2009, the plane was registered N5551D and painted as 44-13737 flown by Lt. Charles Buck during WWII. The plane is now part of the Classic Trainers stable and was photographed at the Classic Trainers Hangar 3 Open Day.

NZ2406 had been in a cocoon between 1946 and 1952 when this photo was taken. It was delivered to 4 (Otago) Squadron in 1953. Photo from: RNZAF/Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Sold for scrap in 1958. Parts have surfaced in the UK this century. Photo from: RNZAF/Air Force Museum of New Zealand

'Little Rebel' seen returning after an early evening hop.

Finished as Lt Charles C 'Buck' Pattillo's 'Little Rebel', 486th FS, 352nd FG, based at Bodney, Norfolk. Buck's twin brother Cuthbert A. 'Bill' Pattillo was also a pilot with the 352nd FG, but with the 487th FS. Both brother's were at AirVenture 2009.

Built for USAAF as 45-11495 but delivered to the RNZAF as NZ2406. Returned to USA and flies as '413737'.