Retired in Merced, CA: USMC Lockheed TO-1 Shooting Star

 This Lockheed TO-1 Shooting Star found its honorable retirement in Merced, CA, c. 1969.  

Manufactured at Lockheed's Burbank, CA plant in 1947, this aircraft was originally ordered for the USAF as a P-80C, but was never taken up and was diverted to the USMC (BuNo 33850).  It was flown by Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, which received the first fighter aircraft to be introduced to Marine aviation, and it is probable that 33850 was among that early batch.  VMA 311 was stationed at Yokosuka at the time, and would be stationed in Pusan by 1950, flying CAS missions during the Korean War.  By 1949, however, the squadron had transitioned to the F9F2 Panther, so 33850 was re-designated as a TV-2 (trainer variant) and used for land-based training. 

33850 in her actual operational markings, 1948

By 1969, she was decommissioned and was acquired for display at McCready Field, Merced CA.  She is probably just a shell, as engines and armaments have obviously been removed, and it is likely that all of her avionics and other systems were, as well.  Her markings are fanciful, as she was never flown by the USAF.  The reason for the change is unknown.  

 

Sources: https://www.airhistory.net/   http://www.joebaugher.com/   http://www.aerialvisuals.ca