[drgondog]

First - than you both for your thoughtful replies. So far my current best source is Ken Delve's Mustang Story and is the source for the AFDU report, from which I posed the above quote referencing sliding hood and a/c number.

Steve - I was also confused regarding the reference of AG618 as a Mustang IA as my primary source (Gruenhagen) says AG345 to AG664 as Mustang I (NA-73), but reproduced the quote 'as is'.. There is no numerical range for the IA which encompasses "618' for the series FD. You are correct and the AFDU report as written can not properly identify the first sliding hood to a P-51-1/IA with "AG618". Having said that I have zero reliable reference to RAF a/c codes to NAA serial numbers so the process of sure identification is tenuous.

I did misread the memo from 3501 Servicing Unit regarding the installation on "FZ 120" (mistaking a blurry Z as an E) but it is equally not "FZ140". The memo clearly states that a four person civilian subcontract crew from Malcolm Ltd performed the work.

To your point that no work was performed at the squadron level (for RAF), I concur that so far I have seen only reference to RAF Granfield and RAF Henlow in connection with the Mustang III installation. There are vague references, but so far I have found no written documentation from either AAF Service Group or Squadron at each Mustang base to cite the Malcolm being installed at the airfield Service Group.

As to the phrase Blown Hood versus sliding hood. My terminology as you deduced Graham, refers to the shape, not the process. Having said that there is no way to deduce from the AFDU memo whether it was formed by the methods employed for "Drape Moulding" as described by Edgar Brooks, at Maidenhead/on White Waltham or by another as yet unknow method. For certain it was not a modified Spitfire or Typhoon canopy as their respective dimensional widths are too small for a Mustang.

The primary source for Warbird community is Aerotraders and apparently they build them the same way - i.e Plexiglass sheet in a frame, heat to point of melt, remove (quickly) the frame and six people drape it over the mold.

Steve - I believe the short supply was more critical to RAF than AAF as the US combat units performed the mod only when both kits and operational rhythm permitted the P-51 to be sent (either to BAD or on-base SG) whereas my sources cite the RAF installation as mandatory and preliminary to dispatching to operational squadrons.

I will solcit some insight from Aldon Freguson to see if he can shed some light on this subject.

Thank you both

Bill