After graduating from experimental test pilot school in 1942, he served at Wright Field, Ohio as an experimental test pilot and later chief test pilot until 1944. During this time he conducted prototype testing of many of the aircraft eventually used in combat operations in World War II. In 1944, he made an emergency landing on Greenland while returning to the UK from the US. The Spitfire had been testing long range tanks at Wright Field. While waiting for spare parts, a mechanic, Sgt Petta asked if he could paint nose art on the aircraft. When Col Lundquist returned, this was the result. On return to Boscombe Down, the noseart was removed and hung above the bar in the officers' mess. During June and July 1944 he flew with the 353d Fighter Group in England. His Mustang, P-51, airplane was shot down over enemy territory in July 1944 and he was a prisoner of war in Germany until May 1945.
Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force's major actions.
Forces of Valor's 1:72 scale Spitfire is constructed almost entirely from diecast metal, with exceptionally crisp panel lines and rivet details across the surface of the model. The side engine cowlings are removable, revealing a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine with fine details such as correctly-rendered exhaust stacks, riveted framing and hand-painted wires. The hand-painted pilot figure is clearly visible through the Malcolm-hood shaped canopy, and simulated fabric-stretched control surfaces can be seen at the rear of the model. The 20mm cannon barrels and antenna are flexible, making them resistant to breakage.
