SBD marking detail

[OldGeezer]

There's a brief peek at an interesting marking on the tail of an SBD in the 1944 movie "The Fighting Lady" - wonder why they thought it was necessary? I haven't seen it on other SBDs but then again I haven't really gone searching for it, either.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

It might have been something at the squadron level - "deck apes" pushing the aircraft around and damaging that fairing.

 

[OldGeezer]

Whatever - put it in whichever section you like. There needs to be better guidance about this though.

 

[Barrett]

Pure speculation:

In restoring our Dauntless early-mid 70s we had excellent support from Douglas Long Beach, notably from the late-great Harry Gann. Also had some input from NavHistory office in DC. Researching markings beyond the modeling norm, I found nothing comparable to the photo.

Guesstimate: some plane handlers might have pushed on the aft portion of the fuselage where there was not much structure, leading to dimples/dents? Also, it was Death or Worse to push on control surfaces. Sort of the aviation equivalent of Ranching 101: SHUT THE DAMN GATE!

 

[Army14Bravo]

There's a brief peek at an interesting marking on the tail of an SBD in the 1944 movie "The Fighting Lady" - wonder why they thought it was necessary? I haven't seen it on other SBDs but then again I haven't really gone searching for it, either. View attachment 675074

I think it might have something to do with the elevators. They were fabric covered. Definitely "hands off"

 

[fubar57]

Somewhere I saw a photo showing the port tail section of a B-24. On the inner front of it was stencilled, "Shoot here and your pay will be docked"

 

[JerodsDad]

Hey everyone. Not certain of the origination of this picture or if it has anything to do with the original picture in this thread but I saw it and thought I'd post. The "HANDS OFF" message is on the back end of the SBD on the right side of the shot.

 

[Army14Bravo]

That's a great pic. Brings back many memories. My Dad was a Navy Pilot in WW2. Flew TBM's.

Could only guess at the "Hands off".

Cheers

14B