LIGHTNING ENCOUNTER
(Signatures)	Artist : Nicolas Trudgian , Larry Blumer , Joseph A Dobrowolski , Robert C Milliken and Dick Willsie.
(Dimensions)	33" x 24" approx  Unframed Print
Price	£120.00

Description

German 'Kriegslok' Locomotives built specifically to haul vital armaments and supplies to the battle-front , were an important target for marauding Allied aircraft , particularly during the period leading up to and following the Normandy invasion , and the advance through Italy. Many ground attack missions were mounted against these freight trains , and it was common practice for fighters returning from all manner of battle sorties to add to the mayhem by shooting up rolling stock as it trundled across the countryside of occupied Europe. One of the primary tasks of the Fighter Groups of the 9th and 15th Air Forces during that crucial phase of the war was to impede supplies heading for the various battle fronts , and this vital role was something for which P-38 pilots gained an admirable reputation. Based in 1944 at Andover , in the southern counties of England , 485 Squadron , of the 370th Fighter Group , were in the thick of these dangerous low-level attack missions during that tumultuous episode of the war , and their pilots were typical of the many who racked up big scores of ground attack victories in the European Theater. Nicolas Trudgian's new painting LIGHTNING ENCOUNTER recreates a typical scene , with P-38 Lightning's launching a surprise attack on a German freight train as it winds its way through the hills in northern France. Caught by the P-38 pilots as it crosses a viaduct - previously damaged by Resistance saboteurs - the train will be lucky to make its destination. Already some of the wagons are on fire , the locomotive has taken some hits , and there are three more Lightnings on the way into the attack. Yet again this highly popular artist has painted an action-packed picture , full of accurate and exciting detail , that vividly encapsulates a few awesome moments of an air war fought so desperately fifty years ago. Superb fine art prints , each individually signed by four distinguished P-38 Lightning pilots who flew in Europe. From their base in Andover ,Hampshire , the P-38s of the 485th Fighter Squadron , 370th Fighter Group , have found a good target and now the best hope for the train is to run for the safety of a tunnel or deep cutting. Any ground attack mission was hazardous , but shooting at steam locomotives carried the extra risk that , should the boiler explode , it could well destroy their aircraft...Signed by the Artist : Nicolas Trudgian and Larry Blumer , Joseph A Dobrowolski , Robert C Milliken and Dick Willsie...priced @ £120.00...To complement the purchase of your fine art print, we are now able to offer a professional Picture Framing service. For further details please contact us by phone or email.