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Gregvan · 26 February 2004, 09:31 PM

Hi All,

The painting of Luke's plane in this thread was done by Merv Corning as part of the Leach Corporation "Heritage of the Air" series, which is discussed in another ongoing thread on the Kazakov grappling hook. Corning (I believe he's still living, and perhaps still painting) was a real pioneer in his paintings, which were as well-researched as they could be when they were done back in the late 50's and early 60's. You're right, this one (and the others) are marvelous set pieces that capture the essence of their subject, and have been widely imitated.

That being said, we now know there are several things wrong with the color scheme details in this wonderful painting (very excusable, given the state of knowledge when it was done).It is believed that Luke did indeed fly Number "26", which was a Bleriot-built Spad XIII, serial S15202, on several sorties, and this is the plane in the famous photograph. However, Corning's painting errs in showing a post-war version of the 27th Aero's eagle insignia. The wartime version was much more dramatic, showing a gray, black & white eagle with yellow beak & claws aginst a red circle. The cowling ring was blue. This airplane most likely had the 27th's wing stripes, which consisted of three black & white checkered bands which went diagonally across the left upper wing, and across the underside of the left lower wing. The "26" appeared in black & white on the opposite wing. Tim, I can suggest no better source than "Medal of Honor Aviators of World War One" by Alan Durkota, still available from Flying Machines Press. It contains an absolutely wonderful four-view of this aircraft by the excellent artist Juanita Franzi, based on Alan Durkota and Alan Toelle's research. You can't get anything better. It shows the correct camouflage pattern and all appropriate markings. Lots of excellent art showing the planes used by other MoH winners too.

Also, the replica Spad XIII which was in the Champlin Museum in Arizona, and is now in the Museum of Flight in Washington, is painted in an accurate rendition of Luke's markings, also based on Alan Toelle's work. You should be able to find photos of that fine replica. The Durkota book also contains a wonderful four-view of the Bernard-built Spad XIII S7983, which was the Spad Luke was flying when he was killed. It had only just arrived at the Squadron, thus it is shown with no special markings at all, which is very likely.

By the way, I believe that the straight-sided Balkenkreuz seen on the balloon is a small error too. I've never seen anything but Iron Crosses on German balloons, no matter the date. Even though the airplanes changed their cross styles in April 1918, I don't think this change was effected on balloons - can anyone prove me wrong with a photo ??

Greg VanWyngarden

26 February 2004, 09:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
Gregvan Forum Ace of Aces Contributor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: St. Charles, Iowa Posts: 3,626	Hi All, The painting of Luke's plane in this thread was done by Merv Corning as part of the Leach Corporation "Heritage of the Air" series, which is discussed in another ongoing thread on the Kazakov grappling hook. Corning (I believe he's still living, and perhaps still painting) was a real pioneer in his paintings, which were as well-researched as they could be when they were done back in the late 50's and early 60's. You're right, this one (and the others) are marvelous set pieces that capture the essence of their subject, and have been widely imitated. That being said, we now know there are several things wrong with the color scheme details in this wonderful painting (very excusable, given the state of knowledge when it was done).It is believed that Luke did indeed fly Number "26", which was a Bleriot-built Spad XIII, serial S15202, on several sorties, and this is the plane in the famous photograph. However, Corning's painting errs in showing a post-war version of the 27th Aero's eagle insignia. The wartime version was much more dramatic, showing a gray, black & white eagle with yellow beak & claws aginst a red circle. The cowling ring was blue. This airplane most likely had the 27th's wing stripes, which consisted of three black & white checkered bands which went diagonally across the left upper wing, and across the underside of the left lower wing. The "26" appeared in black & white on the opposite wing. Tim, I can suggest no better source than "Medal of Honor Aviators of World War One" by Alan Durkota, still available from Flying Machines Press. It contains an absolutely wonderful four-view of this aircraft by the excellent artist Juanita Franzi, based on Alan Durkota and Alan Toelle's research. You can't get anything better. It shows the correct camouflage pattern and all appropriate markings. Lots of excellent art showing the planes used by other MoH winners too. Also, the replica Spad XIII which was in the Champlin Museum in Arizona, and is now in the Museum of Flight in Washington, is painted in an accurate rendition of Luke's markings, also based on Alan Toelle's work. You should be able to find photos of that fine replica. The Durkota book also contains a wonderful four-view of the Bernard-built Spad XIII S7983, which was the Spad Luke was flying when he was killed. It had only just arrived at the Squadron, thus it is shown with no special markings at all, which is very likely. By the way, I believe that the straight-sided Balkenkreuz seen on the balloon is a small error too. I've never seen anything but Iron Crosses on German balloons, no matter the date. Even though the airplanes changed their cross styles in April 1918, I don't think this change was effected on balloons - can anyone prove me wrong with a photo ?? Greg VanWyngarden __________________ Greg VanWyngarden