Bf 109F Exhaust Pipes (What kind of finish?)

[waterman]

For Bf 109Fs, fresh out of the factory, what kind of finish did the exhaust pipes have? Were they painted black, or were they done in a natural metal finish? Thanks!

 

[stona]

Black.
They were painted with a material not unlike the blacking people used to apply to stoves. The product approved by the RLM for this application was "Kernick Black". Exhaust stubs were supposed to be maintained like this but the evidence would suggest that this didn't always happen, despite a standing maintenance order;

"Exhaust pipes will be rubbed down with engine oil and painted with Kernick Black from G.Collardin, Cologne Braunsfeld"

Cheers

Steve

 

[Crimea_River]

Good on ya Steve.

 

[waterman]

Thank you Steve!!!

Deeply appreciate you guys here...your knowledge of the nitty gritty amazes me.

- Carl

 

[Airframes]

Good stuff Steve. There's also some evidence to suggest that the first (forward) stub of each side was perhaps painted in RLM 02. The lighter tone can be seen in some period photos, including colour shots, and when the '109G now in the RAF Museum was restored and flying in the UK, the front stub on each side was finished like this, with the others being black, with slight heat-stains .

 

[waterman]

Good stuff Steve. There's also some evidence to suggest that the first (forward) stub of each side was perhaps painted in RLM 02. The lighter tone can be seen in some period photos, including colour shots, and when the '109G now in the RAF Museum was restored and flying in the UK, the front stub on each side was finished like this, with the others being black, with slight heat-stains .

Very interesting observation. This probably explains the cover art work for my Hasegawa Bf109F-2 kit. The artist painted the first nub of the exhaust a grey. Doesn't look like RLM 02. But, that's probably due to the lighting and shading he portrayed (planes flying early morning, or late evening). Thanks for sharing the info.

 

[Airframes]

You're welcome.