Brent Owens - Experimental Aircraft Builder's Log

Brent s RV-8 Project N784DE

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Date: 4-13-2007
Number of Hours: 0.00
Manual Reference:
Brief Description: "CONTRARY MARY" - a potential name & paint scheme

By luck reading an article in Air & Space magazine on vacation I came across a picture of a P-51D that I had seen in the past, 'Contrary Mary'. My youngest daughter is 2 and fits this description perfectly, and of course her name is Mary. Danny King has a beautiful RV-8, 'Beautiful Doll' (see below) that has a similar paint scheme as his aircraft is modeled after "Big Beautiful Doll" the famous P-51D from the same Fighter Group. There is not alot of information on the internet about this particular aircraft or pilot, but here is what I found. Contrary Mary was flown by Lt Col Roy B Caviness of the 84th Fighter Squadron under the 78th Fighter Group (they have checkerboard noses). They flew out of Duxford England and this Fighter Group was known as the Duxford Eagles and were one of the shining stars of the 8th Air Force in England. I hate to copy Danny's scheme, although I wouldn't be exactly the same, but I really like 'Contrary Mary' and to make matters worse Danny's airplane is one of the most recognized and photographed RV-8s in the world. Luckily I have PLENTY of time to mull it over!!! : )

Contrary Mary of the 78th Fighter Group - note checkerboard nose, tail, & wings.

Danny King's "Beautiful Doll"

The real 'contrary Mary'

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