Wellington X Camo

[s1chris]

Hello all,

Could anybody please tell me what the camo scheme possibilities for a MKX Wellington in 1943 could have been please?

The particular one that I am modelling is HE422 of 420 Squadron RCAF.

Also what colour paint for the brassy looking colour on the front of the engine cowl?
Tamiya paint code would be helpful.

Cheers Chris

 

[fubar57]

Hey Chris, check your email in about 20 minutes.

Geo

 

[s1chris]

Received loud and clear Geo.

Thanks again.

Cheers Chris

 

[s1chris]

Also if possible,


What markings would have been used on this 420 Squadron RCAF machine?
Which roundels, tail flash?

Codes for this one are PT * Q.

Cheers Chris

 

[Wurger]

Chris here is a few images of Wellingtons of the Squadron....

RCAF 420 Snowy Owl Squadron North Africa

http://www.aquatax.ca/Wellingtons.html

 

[s1chris]

Thanks Wojtec,

I have found that site a couple of times myself and think it's an excellent brief history.
Especially considering its a non aviation related site.

What I really need is just to see what colour roundels were used on RCAF machines?
I understand they were different in colour to the RAF ones?

Cheers Chris

 

[Wurger]

I don't think these were different from the RAF markings.

 

[Airframes]

Same colours as RAF Chris, although the 'ring' proportions would be dependent on time period. After late 1941, the fuselage roundels would be 'C1' Type, with the narrow yellow, outer ring. Code letters were Dull Red, as were serial numbers. Upper wing roundels Type B - Blue/red. Where an individual cde letter was carried on the nose, this was in yellow.
I'm hoping to visit the RAF Museum restoration facility at Cosford in a couple of weeks, and I'll be photographing the Wellington there, so I might have some detail shots for you.

 

[fubar57]

I forgot to ask, what's scale are you in?

Geo

 

[s1chris]

Geo, 1/72nd for multi engine. Not much scope for detail internally really although I have added a scratch control column and slightly improved the standard matchbox supplied seats.
I'm not going overboard with this one as it's just an inbetween GB build that I need to display with the already framed relics.

Terry - this particular one went down in 1943 so I guess the C1 type roundels apply.
Bonus about Cosford. I drive past it every week when I go Into our works office and it kills me that I don't have time to stop off. I went there last summer and live the place. Especially the ME163.
Photos will be great as I'm going to order the decals in a couple of weeks to get it finished.

Cheers Chris

 

[Airframes]

OK Chris, given I get there (third time this year) I'll see what I can get in the way of photos in the restoration facility. There's a lot going on there at the moment, with the Kestrel, Hampden, Wellington, Do17, and I think part of a Halifax, plus the Lambeth FW190 has been 're-done' and is on display now in the 'War Planes' hangar.
If I keep visiting Cosford enough, I might get an invitation to the staff Christmas 'do' !!!

 

[s1chris]

Ha ha, on that note make sure you keep going then.
Where is the restoration facility? Is it only recently opened for public access?

I didn't know they had part of a Halifax! I hope one day we can see an airworthy example in this country.
Unless it's "part" like the cockpit section at Duxford in which case there is no hope.

Cheers Chris

Cheers Chris

 

[Airframes]

Chris, it's the Sir Michael Beetham facility, around the back of the second hangar, and it's been there for years. It's where all the work on restoration, preservation, and exhibit maintenance is undertaken for exhibits from both Cosford and Hendon, since moving from St. Athan.
It's normally only open to Members on specific dates, normally in the evening, but I've just had the latest member's magazine (Radar), notifying of general open days, between Sunday 10th November, and Saturday 16th November, 10'15 to 13.00 hrs each day.
One of the photos in the Radar magazine covering the Wellington 'refurb' just shows what might be the fin and rudder of a Halifax in the background, looking very like the fin from the Hendon airframe recovered from Lake Hocklingen in the early 1970s.
If you haven't yet been to Elvington, near York, then it's worth going, just to see their Halifax recreation, using a Halifax fuselage with Hastings wings. Very impressive, and very big!
I posted a thread on the museum last year.

 

[s1chris]

Thanks Terry. To make my long winded reply nice and short.

How do I become a member? I guess fees go towards restorations etc?

Cheers Chris

 

[Airframes]

Go to the RAF Museum web site, and look for the membership button. It used to be the 'Friends of ..' organisation, but now it's open to all, as they realised not many 'Friends' could always get to the two sites.
There are two levels of membership, one at £25 per year, the other at, I think, £50 per year, with donations going to upkeep etc etc.
From what I saw, the higher membership is only really worth it if you're going to attend some or all of the various member's functions at each location, when discounts are available. I just got the 'Lancaster' membership (£25), just to donate, but it does give discount on the Museum shops, and I think some other things, such as access, as well as the monthly 'e-mail' newsletter and the Radar magazine, which, of course, keeps you informed of what's what.

 

[s1chris]

Sounds good to me Terry.

Will get the Missus to get me membership for Xmas.
I'm in the Sally B members club. £30 per year but gives unlimited free access to Duxford and exclusive entrance to Sally B on a Sunday. B-17 porn lol!

Cheers Chris

 

[Airframes]

You're welcome Chris. I'll let you know which day Mick and I hope to get to Cosford - just in case you can get the time off and join us. It'll be mid-week - less kids and 'anoraks' around then !!

 

[s1chris]

Great idea. I'll get the membership sorted and if I can get the time out of work I'll join you.

Back on subject-

I had to free hand the camo. (Free hand with airbrush) Honestly what are your thoughts?
I got bored of trying to make masks.

Cheers Chris

 

[Airframes]

Looks reasonable Chris. Go over the edges with a fine brush, with the Dark Green only very slightly thinned. This will give the sharper edge, and also replicate the darker line of the demarcation, sometimes seen in certain light conditions. It takes a bit of time, but isn't difficult.
Good stuff re Cosford - I might be able to sort out dates tomorrow night, depending on how many pints of Alzheimer Ale we have at the 60th Birthday party of a friend ....

 

[s1chris]

Cheers Terry, will give that a go later today and see how it turns out.
I know I'm away in Italy the week starting 18th bit other than that I should be able to swerve work.

Let's see anyway.

Cheers Chris