I saw one up close back in January and if there hadn't been barriers between us, (I couldn't get closer than a few feet), I would still be there caressing her.
Air Force pilots understood temperatures decreased as altitude increased. Roughly 3 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit per thousand feet depending on conditions. My uncle never mentioned ice cream but did say the P47 .50 caliber wing mags were 'close enough' to hold a few cases of beer. Like their brothers in arms, "Check rides" to ascertain and confirm maintenance necessitated high level flight. Usually 35,000 to 40,000 feet for 15 to 20 (?) minutes then clearances for landing. Ice cream was usually acquired from the Navy or more than likely through the endeavors of an enterprising Sergeant.
I'm sending that picture to my grandson ! He's getting braces soon and want to let him know how he'll look !
My uncle took his crew chief up once. Only thing he ever asked for : "I'd sure like to go up for a ride". Soooo, he had his crew chief meet him at the far end of the runway, slid back the canopy, had him sit on his lap, and they took a check ride for about 20 minutes. Sergeant would have killed for my uncle after that.
Welp, I sent the text (picture) to my grandson. He was amused. At least I think he was, sent back one of those emoji things and I'm still doing a Google search to see what it means
Naw just Kiddin'. He sent back " LOL". But I know he was really thinking SOB ! LOL stays for love you lots right ?
In case someone wants to compare: ""Compare the size of the Yamato turret with the German and British 15" twin turrets. They were not much larger (at least in size) in relation to smaller 15" and 16" triple turrets. "" (stolen from one of those nuisance pop-up sites)