The Skyraider's Tale

Here are two Victor Pastushin Cast Metal "Ashtray" Models circa 1944. Vic Pastushin had a close working relationship with the Douglas Aircraft Corporation. All his previous A-20, DC-3 and DC-4 chrome ashtray models will attest to the commitment that Douglas had for Pastushin in promoting their aircraft. Certainly being the son-in-law of one of the Douglas Board members helped his business as well. In 1943 the Navy asked for submittals to replace their aging WW2 "Dive" Bombers. Douglas, Martin, Curtiss and Kaiser-Fleetwings all submitted designs based on the Navy's specifications. The competition was fierce with Douglas and Martin the finalists. In the end the Douglas design won out and became the illustrious AD-1 Skyraider. In an attempt to have a marketing edge in the Navy's decision, Douglas asked Pastushin to submit a scale model that could be produced in substantial quantities. The Pastushin proposed model is the hand cast painted mock-up (at left in the first picture) that was finished in the then current "Sea Blue" color. Douglas liked the model and prepared to place large orders for distribution. Victor suggested an even better version being a chrome ashtray combo and to mount the model in the dynamic nose down, dive-bombing attitude. President Donald Douglas quickly approved these proposed changes (Donald Douglas was an avid smoker!). In this rare occurance, the original proposed model (without any belly mounting holes) and a factory production version are staged together for this photo opportunity. Both may ultimately end up with the US Navy Air Museum in Pensacola, FL.