P-38: What are these marks?

[Crimea_River]

Noted on several pics with examples circled in red. Not all P-38s have them but many do. They show up on painted and unpainted aircraft. Anyone have a clue what these are?

 

[GTX]

They almost correspond to the access points for the control pulleys etc:

 

[Crimea_River]

Thank-you. That's true but do they represent chipped paint, some kind of stencil, or something else?

 

[mjfur]

Most likely an Inspection stamp/dot.

 

[Crimea_River]

Yellow?

 

[GrauGeist]

I suspect the cover plates weren't flat, but we're a raised surface, which either caught sunlight or may have been unpainted (if replaced during maintenance).

Compare GTX's illustration to the three photos posted.
Not only do the horizontal series of "dots" appear, but the cover at the upper rudder hinge appears in all the photos and even the lower cover at the lower rudder hinge appears as a "dot" in the second photo down (gonna have to squint for that one, but it's there).

 

[Wurger]

Here is a close up shot of the panels. Judging by other pictures I have seen these markings weren't on all planes. It seems thase could appear on the P-38s that were already in service. So it wouldn't be not the factory markings rather but a field one made by maintenance crews.

the source: the net.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

As mentioned earlier, a common practice was to put a round anti tamper adhesive "dot" over a panel to show the area was inspected and secured. If an inspector was involved he'd stamp the dot.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Slightly off topic, but I remember seeing the same thing on a picture of the XP-67 "Moonbat", taken in planform, from above while in flight. Always wondered what all these little light colored dots were around the perimeter.

Edit: Found the picture:

 

[Wurger]

As mentioned earlier, a common practice was to put a round anti tamper adhesive "dot" over a panel to show the area was inspected and secured. If an inspector was involved he'd stamp the dot.

Yep it looks like ..

 

[Snautzer01]

But why this one. I have seen countless pictures without any. What was the criteria for this?

 

[FLYBOYJ]

But why this one. I have seen countless pictures without any. What was the criteria for this?

I believe you would see more of this at a maintenance Depo or at the manufacturer. At the squadron level they may have their own criteria.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Would they have even bothered at a sweltering front line, Pacific airbase?

 

[Crimea_River]

Interesting stuff guys and thanks for the input. I will need to replicate these in my GB 50 build as they show up on my subject. I like the idea if maintenance stickers and so will maybe cut up some small pieces if decal to make them.

 

[GrauGeist]

Interesting stuff guys and thanks for the input. I will need to replicate these in my GB 50 build as they show up on my subject. I like the idea if maintenance stickers and so will maybe cut up some small pieces if decal to make them.

But do you know any qualified inspectors who'll stamp the stickers for you?

 

[Crimea_River]

Yes, his name is Tim and he's very small.

 

[Capt. Vick]

I thought Tim was a shrubber by trade?

 

[rochie]

I thought Tim was a shrubber by trade?

no that's Tim the Shrubber !

Andy is talking about Tim the tiny qualified inspector

 

[Capt. Vick]

Ah! I get them mixed up all the time.

 

[A4K]

Wait - this is THE 'Tiny Tim'??!