Return to Index

Gallery: Replicas

Everyone wants a warbird. They look great in the air, get looks and waves taxiing by and honor our veterans. But what defines a “warbird”, and who decides what is “authentic”? My definitions of these two “loaded” terms are simple – a “warbird” is an aircraft with verifiable military service, and “authentic” means as close to original condition as we can get within reasonable constraints. Can a “civilian” NAvion be painted in “authentic” L-17 colors and markings? Absolutely! Does this make that aircraft a “warbird”? Unfortunately not. Does this mean that “civilian” NAvion owners shouldn’t paint their aircraft in military colors? Of course not! Any aircraft in military markings is a proud celebration of our history and pays homage to our veterans. It does mean, from my perspective, that owners of these aircraft should not describe them as “warbirds”, production L-17s, as they do not have military service history. Instead note that they share a common heritage with the military aircraft and enjoy them for what they are and their proud relationship with the 265 production L-17s.

To create a correct L-17 replica, see the L-17/U-18 Military Paint and Marking Guide V 1.0 in the Downloads Section!

Please send contributions or corrections to webmaster@warbird.org.

L-17 Replica Courtesy Bob Coiro 1947 Navion A. Beautiful replica, painted correctly in the training colors of the Army Pilot Training School at Fort Rucker, Alabama.	L-17 Replica Internet Photo Dave Desmon's Navion A.	Replica L-17 Courtesy Bruce Haskin Unknown L-17 replica. KD "buzz code" is incorrect.
Replica L-17 Courtesy Bruce Haskin KOSH	L-17 Replica Courtesy Bruce Haskin KOSH	L-17 Replica Courtesy Bruce Haskin KOSH. Very correct scheme, based on TO and carrier photos (note the GHQ logo on the nose)
L-17 Replica Courtesy Bruce Haskin KOSH	L-17 Replica Courtesy Bruce Haskin KOSH. Fairly correct scheme; note 8th Light Aviation Division crest on vertical stabilizer.	L-17 Replica Courtesy Johnny Rister www.caprok.net/warbirds/l-17.htm
L-17 Replica Internet Photo