- The Airfix Tribute Forum -

Hardtarget · Posted: Tue 03 Mar 2009 17:26 pm Post subject:

Can anyone confirm when the FAA changed to the EDSG/SG/SKY colours OR the SG/SKY from the MSG/DKG/GREY.
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Roger 410 · Posted: Tue 03 Mar 2009 19:21 pm Post subject:

The initial scheme in 1939 was Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey over Sky Grey. From about September 1940 the Sky Grey was to be replaced with Sky. (For aircraft already in service this took some considerable time and it was well into 1941 before it was completed).

This was the basic scheme for the rest of the War apart from Swordfish which went to White under surfaces in 1942. Other aircraft could have Black under surfaces as and when local conditions required it and some Sea Hurricanes used White upper surfaces in 1943/44.

Aircraft from the USA could be seen in USN colours as well as RN colours, especially Corsairs and Hellcats in late 1944/45.

From about 1947 the two colour upper surfaces were changed to Extra Dark Sea Grey only, still over Sky. The Sky was finally replaced with White on Sea Hawks and Sea Venoms from about 1958.

Note: This is a very brief resume of a fairly involved subject.
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Sgt.Squarehead · Posted: Tue 03 Mar 2009 19:31 pm Post subject:

Useful stuff though.....Cheers Roger!

All the best
Sgt.S
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feanor · Posted: Tue 03 Mar 2009 19:53 pm Post subject:

Sgt.Squarehead · Posted: Tue 03 Mar 2009 20:06 pm Post subject:

Yes.....What about it? Think

All the best
Sgt.S
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feanor · Posted: Tue 03 Mar 2009 20:14 pm Post subject:

Ayup Andy...

We're not having a Rap... sorry, a 'That which must not be named' moment are we?
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Sgt.Squarehead · Posted: Tue 03 Mar 2009 22:29 pm Post subject:

Well it is a 'Wingy-Thing', so naturally it is giving me the hump.....But no, we can still speak the name 'Fulmar' aloud!

TBH I'm pratting about with a bunch of pilots (and the odd light tank), the Fulmar's observer among them. I've got a bit sidetracked messing with various versions, trying to give them a bit of character.....Did all WWII pilots always wear a flying helmet?

Do you happen to know of a handy online painting guide, for Fleet Air Arm flying gear at around the time of Operation Torch, at all? Think

All the best
Sgt.S
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Hardtarget · Posted: Wed 04 Mar 2009 09:46 am Post subject:

Roger 410 · Posted: Wed 04 Mar 2009 22:21 pm Post subject:

Possibly, the other alternative would over-all Aluminium. Do you have a photograph or serial number of the one you are intending to model?

As you mention 1950 I suspect that Aluminium is likely to be the one to select.
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Hardtarget · Posted: Thu 05 Mar 2009 10:58 am Post subject:

Hi Roger, yes it was TE705 that was in service from 1950-52 with 711sqdn. Its possible it was in the SG/SKY from '47 when the directive came in then changed to the Silver later on. Its possible that is was both but i scanned the net and couldnt find anything on this AC.There are no pics of the AC just the listings in RS's book.
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Roger 410 · Posted: Thu 05 Mar 2009 19:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Hardtarget,

There is a photograph of TE705, coded 544/FD, supposedly taken in 1952, in "Fleet Air Arm Fixed Wing Aircraft Since 1946". It is Aluminium overall with post war roundels, no fin flash and 4" Royal Navy and serial number.
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XN923 · Bronze Star Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 1176

For info on FAA colours in the first half of WW2 I can't recommend Stuart Lloyd's book on the subject (published by Verdun I think) highly enough.

As for Torch aircraft, I believe they would have worn their normal schemes with roundels overpainted with stars. 809 Squadron was the only Fulmar Squadron involved (and left the action relatively early as Victorious withdrew to escort some VIPs home) so we can be reasonably certain as to their colours. Without looking into it, a large number of Hurricanes, Seafires and Martlets were received only shortly before the invasion, so these are potentially more problematic. Was looking at some docs at the National Archives today, and what really comes through is that the Admiralty was desperate for Hurris and Seafires in the run-up to Torch.

Sgt.Squarehead · Posted: Thu 05 Mar 2009 22:51 pm Post subject:

Cheers XN923.....Unfortunately it was the aircrew's flying gear that I was hoping to find pictures of. I've been rootling through my books and browsing for pictures, but so far they have (perhaps unsurprisingly) largely been black & white.

All the best
Sgt.S
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Hardtarget · Posted: Fri 06 Mar 2009 14:47 pm Post subject:

Roger 410 · Posted: Fri 06 Mar 2009 19:50 pm Post subject:

Hi Stu,
The F.B.VIs were only in Medium Sea Grey and Dark Green as delivered and then after overhaul in Aluminium.

The T.R.33s seem to have been delivered in Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey over Sky although it is very hard to tell in B & W photographs.

The codes on the photo of TE705 are Black.

If you want one in EDSG/DSG over Sky you will have to go for a T.R.33. You will need 4 blade props, an ASH radome and arrester hook. If you can do the F.B.VI just delete the machine guns.

The best source that I have for RN Mosquitos is "The De Havilland Mosquito", An Illustrated History, by Stuart Howe and published by Aston Publications in 1992.
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Hardtarget · Posted: Sun 08 Mar 2009 10:48 am Post subject:

Hi Roger, thanks for that i think thats nailed that one. I'll finish this one in silver, and you say that ill have to remove the 4 nose cannons, correct?

Ill do the T-33 next ;). But need to get the bits. I suppose Aeroclub will do these items?

Is it possible that you could send me a picture of TE705 for finishing purposes.

Cheers
Stu
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Roger 410 · Posted: Sun 08 Mar 2009 11:36 am Post subject:

Hi Stu,
If you can find a boxing of the Airfix Mosquito N.F.XIX/J.30 this will have 4 blade props and spinners to suit. The ASH radome can be made from a small bomb and Aeroclub will have a suitable "V" hook in one of their arrestor hook packs.

You will need to delete the machine guns form the nose, not the cannon which are underneath.

Can you lay your hands on Modeldecal sheets 36A, 47 and 104? if you can this will solve your decal problems. Those on sheet 104 are not quite as the photo but are as near as you are going to get unless you print your own.

I will try to photo the photo in the book as my scanner is not working as if you can let me have your E mail address I will send it direct to avoid any problems.

If you can`t get those decal sheets please let me know and I will send you what you will need.
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Roger.

Hardtarget · Posted: Sun 08 Mar 2009 12:44 pm Post subject:

hewman100 · Posted: Tue 10 Mar 2009 10:56 am Post subject:

Decals will be in the post by end of the day Hardtarget!
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