Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. This warbird is not particularly well know.
2. Although it bears a very famous name.
3. And it was flown by a very famous ace.
4. Who scored several victories in this aircraft.
5. A couple of hundred were produced, which was a respectable number at the time.
6. This was essentially the final model of a series of three aircraft.
7. The first two of the series had their model numbers reversed; i.e., model 2 came before model 1.
8. And they were delivered to front line units about the same time.
9. The lengthened and strengthened fuselage had to be redesigned to accommodate a longer and heavier engine; and the wing of the second of the earlier models was used.
10. While the performance was improved, when compared to the earlier models, the famous ace still considered the plane to be a bit slow.
11. Added to its rather indifferent maneuverability, it wasn’t a star performer.
12. And when charges of shoddy construction were brought forward, the type quickly fell from favor.