thank you gents and yes it is bare aluminum. Boath pics are very old and I have copies. the Hellhawks site needs a massive update as much of it is old news. Not sure why no-one- webmaster has kept it up to date. Emails to the pilots are discontinued for one. the cowling bands actually changed from Janaury 45 to spring of 45. the reason why I am wanting a handle on this is a purpose for my US AF agasint the Luftwaffe jets. have Hess's book on ths ubject from the 90's and to tell you the truth my opinion makes it just plain awful......
will be chatting with G. Wagasky very soon so I can get a positive as to when the id band colours changed(and they did) for 1945 and post here, myabe he will be kind enough to send me a sample photo . . . .
E