STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Homeward Bound" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder illustrates the return trip of a B-17G Flying Fortress across the English Channel - escorted by a "Little Friend", a watchful P-51D Mustang.

The Story Behind the Print:

This artwork, titled "Homeward Bound," captures a poignant moment during World War II when Lt. Col. William B. Bailey, piloting his P-51D Mustang "Double Trouble Two," escorted the B-17G Flying Fortress "Shady Lady" across the English Channel.

As part of the 352nd Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group, Bailey and his fellow Mustang pilots often served as protective escorts for bomber crews returning from dangerous missions over Europe.

The powerful image of the sleek Mustang flying alongside the mighty B-17G symbolizes both the teamwork and sacrifice of these brave airmen during the war.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

B-17G Flying Fortress:

This B-17G Flying Fortress wing skin originated from B-17G-95-DL 44-83872 (BuNo. 77235), known as "Texas Raiders" during a significant wing spar restoration in 2001. This particular artifact originated from the outer wing segment of the port wing. The artist was a Loadmaster and restorer of this aircraft and personally acquired this material during these restoration efforts. Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderArtist Craig Tinder with "Texas Raiders" during the Wings Over Houston Air Show

Picture of B-17G Flying Fortress relic included with canvas print.B-17G-95-DL 44-83872 aluminum panels removed during restoration process

P-51D Mustang:

This particular fragment of a P-51D-25-NA Mustang came from the fuselage panel of aircraft 44-73990 (Construction No. 122-40530). Built in 1944, it initially served with the US Army Air Force before being transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951.

After changing hands several times, the aircraft eventually joined the air racing circuit under the name "Pigeon Chaser." It was flown by the legendary R.A. "Bob" Hoover as the pace plane for the 1971 Cape May National Air Races.

From 2000 to 2015, the aircraft underwent extensive restoration and is now painted in the livery of "Alabama Rammer Jammer," representing the 353rd Fighter Group, the same unit featured in the artwork.WWII P-51D Mustang Relic Plaque - Full Color 8"x10"-Historical Display Plaques-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderAluminum skin panels from P-51D-25-NA 44-73990

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.