Readers' Responses:
Jim Church:
"I'm pretty sure your photo shows Dan Martin's 'Ridge Runner,' previous to its
Reno '82 incident. Now painted as 'Ridge Runner III,' and sporting a cuffed
Hamilton Standard prop following repairs. Previous to this, as your photo
shows, it had a broad chord Aeroproducts prop, although I don't recall ever
seeing the red/white prop tip markings on it before. If it is Martin's ship,
it would be P-51D-20-NT, N151DM, s/n 44-13250 with the c/n being 111-36533."
That's correct Jim, but Dan's P-51 is not 44-13250 like the FAA has on file. It is
44-72483,
story as to why is on link. The prop is certainly a different look. MM.com
Mike Luchessi: Okay, Curtis, one more. If I'm not mistaken, this is an early shot
of Dan Martin's "Ridge Runner III"! Propeller appears to be an Aeroproducts from an
"H" model Mustang, and I believe Dan used to run one prior to his accident at Reno '82.
MM.com: Actually, Mike Meek points out, and was confirmed by Dan Martin, that the
prop was off of a P-63F. The blades were about 7" longer than standard
slowing the Ridge Runner III down about 10 mph. This dates the photo to 1979. Dan also
noted that the best prop he has used over the years was from a P-51H.
Case Closed!
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