Dates

Event

Constructed as a P-51D-25-NT by North American at Dallas, Texas, USA.

Circa 1944

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 44-84961.

Transferred to McClellan AFB, CA.

February 1958

Sold as surplus at McClellan.

From February 1958 to By 1964

To Air Sales/Capitol Airways, Nashville, TN with new c/r N7715C {1}.

From July 1964 to By 1967

To Charles F. Willis, Frank Lynott Charles R. Hall, Seattle, WA keeping c/r N7715C {1}.

21 November 1964

Involved in an incident.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report for event ID 78120: There were no fatalities. Incident occurred at 14:45 hours. The damage was substantial. The engine failed or malfunctioned while cruising. Landed wheels up on touch down. There was complete power loss in the failure of one engine. The emergency circumstances included; forced off-airport landing on land. Incident occurred at or near Enumclaw, WA.
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

Circa 1966

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

From 21 September 1966 to 26 September 1966

Raced as #5.
This was essentially a stock P-51D. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Qualified in 10th place with an average speed of 283.77 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 297.62 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 315.07 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 304.99 mph.

Circa 21 September 1966

Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: 1966 was the first year that this Mustang, N7715C would be seen in Unlimited Class Competition at Reno. It was flown that year and through 1970 by Chuck Hall. Of course this same airplane would become Roto Finish Special and then the Red Baron.

From 1967 to By 1971

To Charles R. Hall, Seattle, WA keeping c/r N7715C {1}.

From 20 September 1967 to 24 September 1967

Raced as #5.
A P-51H Aeroproducts propeller had been installed in addition to general airframe cleanup. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 373.47 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 363.07 mph.

Circa 20 September 1967

Photographer: Dustin W. Carter
Notes: 1967 was the 2nd year that Chuck Hall flew this Mustang in Unlimited competition at Reno.

24 September 1967

Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: 1967 would be the 2nd year that Chuck Hall would participate in Unlimited Class racing. He would finish in 4th place in the Unlimited Gold Final at Reno in 1967.

From 15 September 1968 to 22 September 1968

Raced as #5, named Miss R.J..
Addition modifications were made including a reduced wing span and Hoerner tips installed. The wing surface had also been covered with flexible fibreglass and smoothed. The Merlin had been high turned and a water injection system was installed. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 379.65 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 384.83 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 386.85 mph. Had led the race until the last lap when his propeller governor broke a seal and he had to throttle back. Hydraulic fluid sprayed over the engine cowl and windshield. There was an immediate loss of power. By the time Chuck Hall crossed the finish line he had slipped to third position, but a pylon cut by another racer placed him in second.

Circa 15 September 1968

Photographer: Al Chute
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

22 September 1968

Photographer: Ron Olsen

22 September 1968

Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: Timothy Weinschenker comments: Besides the prop governor seal Chuck Hall also burned some exhaust stacks off his Merlin. Bob Pauley took this photo after the championship race. He used some type of infra red film which is why it looks a little unusual!

From 14 September 1969 to 21 September 1969

Raced as #5, named miss R.J..
The stock P-51D windshield and canopy were removed and replaced with a custom low-profile piece faired to the rear fuselage. A sharp point spinner was also installed. The Merlin was also modified with light-weight high-compression pistons. Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 358.65 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 377.23 mph. During qualifying the one of the pistons failed. The engine could not be replaced in time for qualifying, but the other pilots voted to waive the qualification requirements and was allows to start in the last position of the preliminary heat races. Chuck Hall was able to work up to a second place finish in the Championship race.

From 13 September 1970 to 20 September 1970

Raced as #5, named miss R.J..
No further modifications were made to the airframe. The engine was essentially unchanged as well. Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Unable to qualify due to engine problems.

From 13 November 1970 to 15 November 1970

Raced as #5, named miss R.J..
The ADI tank had been replaced with an auxiallary fuel tank for increased range. Competed in the California 1000 Air Races event. The primary pilot was Charles R Hall. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 306.52 mph. Started the One Mile Course race, but did not finish. Left the race on lap 20 with a broken camshaft.

From July 1971 to By 1973

To Gunther W. Balz, Kalamazoo, MI keeping c/r N7715C {1}.

Further raced modifications carried out.

From 21 September 1971 to 26 September 1971

Raced as #5, named Roto-Finish.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Gunther Balz. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 419.50 mph. Raced in Heat 1. No time was recorded and finished in 3rd place. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 412.10 mph.

Circa 21 September 1971

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 21 September 1971

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

From 1 January 1972 to 1 January 1972

Raced as #5.
Competed at the Miami International Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Gunther Balz. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 416.160 mph.

From 12 September 1972 to 17 September 1972

Raced as #5, named Roto-Finish.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Gunther Balz. Qualified in 22nd place with an average speed of 393.75 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 395.59 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 416.16 mph.

Photographer: Mike Henniger

Circa 12 September 1972

Photographer: Al Chute
Notes: 1972 finally saw a highly modified Mustang victorious over Darryl Greenamyers Bearcat Conquest 1. Gunther Balz really seemed to be a somewhat reluctant Unlimited Class pilot. He flew the ex Chuck Hall Mustang to a solid victory over the very fast Conquest 1 being flown that year by Richard Laidley. Al Chute took this photo at Reno in 1972.

Circa 12 September 1972

Photographer: Jim Larsen

From 11 September 1973 to 16 September 1973

Raced as #5, named RED BARON.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Wright. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 410.23 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 380.31 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 407.50 mph.

Converted to a RB-51 by Red Baron Racing Team.

From October 1973 to By 1974

To John M. Sliker, Wadley, GA keeping c/r N7715C {1}.

From February 1974 to By 1979

To Brownings Inc/Ed Browning, Idaho Falls, ID keeping c/r N7715C {1}.

Operated by Red Baron Racing Team.

Converted to a RB-51 by Red Baron Racing Team.
Rebuilt at Van Nuys, CA, with the installation of a Griffon 54 and a contra-rotating prop.

From 10 September 1974 to 15 September 1974

Raced as #5, named RED BARON.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Roy McClain. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 417.33 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 400.37 mph. Started the Trophy race, but did not finish. Just as Roy McClain started the second lap the Mustang was trailing white smoke. As McClean rounded pylon #1 the modified Griffon engine blew. McClain pulled up and called a Mayday. He landed with an oil streked lower fuselage.

October 1974

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: 1974 Mojave Air Races, CA Pilot: Mac McClain

From 9 October 1974 to 13 October 1974

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the National Air Races Mojave in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Roy *Mac* McClain. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 389.859 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 382.207 mph.

June 1975

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Mojave Air Races, CA

3 June 1975

First flight.

From 18 June 1975 to 22 June 1975

Raced as #5, named RED BARON.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Roy *Mac* McClain. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 401.52 mph. Started the Trophy race, but did not finish. Left the Champsionship Race on Lap 2 when the canopy would not lock.

From 9 September 1975 to 14 September 1975

Raced as #5, named RED BARON.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Roy McClain. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 407.39 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 427.31 mph.

Circa 14 September 1975

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

From 19 June 1976 to 20 June 1976

Raced as #5, named RED BARON.
Modified with a Rolls-Royce Griffon engine turning contra-rotating props. Competed at the California National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Roy *Mac* McClain from Eufaula, AL. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 416.269 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 406.718 mph.

From 7 September 1976 to 12 September 1976

Raced as #5, named RED BARON.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Mac McClain from Eufaula, AL. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 436.09 mph. Started the Trophy race, but did not finish.

Circa 7 September 1976

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 7 September 1976

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 7 September 1976

Photographer: Al Chute

From 13 September 1977 to 18 September 1977

Raced as #5, named RED BARON.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Darryl Greenamyer from Idaho Falls, ID. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 385.15 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 420.25 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 430.7 mph.

Circa 1978

Photographer: Unknown Photographer

Circa 1978

Photographer: Unknown Photographer

From 12 September 1978 to 17 September 1978

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 427.15 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 406.98 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 415.46 mph.

October 1978

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Mojave air races.

From 27 October 1978 to 29 October 1978

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the National Air Races Mojave in the Speed Sprint class. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 353.62 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 362.03 mph.

From 27 October 1978 to 29 October 1978

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the National Air Races Mojave in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 408.00 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 360.95 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 371.28 mph.

From 26 February 1979 to 4 March 1979

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the Homestead Florida in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton from Claremont, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 394.984 mph. Raced in Heat 1 Silver. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 376.063 mph. Started Heat 2 Bronze, but did not finish. Raced in the Gold Semi-Final race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 384.791 mph. During the Saturday Gold Race the elevator trim-tab broken and the end of lap #5 resulting a severe vibration. Hinton pulled out, declared a may-day and landed safely.

March 1979

Photographer: Larry Johnson
Notes: At Miami Homestead General, Florida

From 22 June 1979 to 24 June 1979

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 404.815 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 393.299 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 396.181 mph.

From 22 June 1979 to 24 June 1979

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Speed Sprint class. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 392.006 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 382.007 mph.

August 1979

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Chino Airport, CA

14 August 1979

Set the world piston record of 499.018 mph at the Reno Air Races.

From 11 September 1979 to 16 September 1979

Raced as #5, named Red Baron.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 441.90 mph. Raced in the Gold race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 413.07 mph. Raced in the Gold 1 race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 417.30 mph. Raced in the Gold Semi-Final race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 415.97 mph.

Circa 11 September 1979

Photographer: Charlene Aro

Circa 11 September 1979

Photographer: Mike DeCastro

Circa 11 September 1979

Photographer: Charlene Aro

Circa 11 September 1979

Photographer: Shawn Aro

Photographer: Charlene Aro

16 September 1979

Involved in an incident.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number LAX79FXQ37: There were no fatalities. Incident occurred at 16:27 hours. The airframe was destroyed. Incident occurred at the Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV. This was a local flight from Reno, NV. The engine failed or malfunctioned while in flight. Experienced a controlled collision with terrain on touch down. The factors included; rough uneven terrain. There was complete power loss in the failure of one engine...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

To Richard Ransopher, Grapevine, TX.
Mr. Ransopher obtained the wreckage.

4 September 1985

To Steven J. Hinton, Reno, NE keeping c/r N7715C {1}.

4 September 1985

To Fighter Rebuilders/Steve J. Hinton, Chino, CA.
Mr. Hinton obtained the wreckage.

In the inventory of Fighter Rebuilders, Chino Airport, Chino, CA.
View the Location Dossier

1989

To Terry Bill Rogers, Sherman, TX keeping c/r N7715C {1}.
The Shermans obtained the hulk with the intention to restore it back to the RB-51 racer configuration.

From 25 February 1989 to 26 February 1989

Raced as #0, named Spam Can.
Competed in the Boulder City Nevada event. The primary pilot was Kevin Eldridge. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 246.611 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 267.580 mph.

From 7 June 1990 to 10 June 1990

Raced as #52, named Spam Can.
Competed in the Texas Air Races event. The primary pilot was Kevin Eldridge. Qualified in 17th place with an average speed of 294.662 mph. Raced in Bronze Heat. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 313.926 mph. Raced in the Bronze 2 race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 303.522 mph.

From 6 June 1992 to 7 June 1992

Raced as #1.
Competed in the Denver Air Races event. The primary pilot was Steve Hinton from Chino, CA. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 350.496 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 337.645 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 329.908 mph.