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Propeller Color for P-40B Circa Pearl Harbor?

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GAF
  • Member since
    June 2012
  • From: Anniston, AL
Propeller Color for P-40B Circa Pearl Harbor?
Posted by GAF on Sunday, August 4, 2019 3:03 AM

I've run into a slight conundrum concerning the propeller color for P-40Bs.  According to the Airfix instructions, the propellers were "metal" on the front and black on the rear.  This is fine, except I have been unable to find exactly when the propellers were switched to black on both sides.  Did this occur before Pearl Harbor, or after?  Also, what was the color of the anti-glare coating on the back?  I have run across a reference that indicates it was more of a dark "maroon" rather than black.

To complicate matters, the famous Life photos of the P-40 assembly plant taken in early 1941 actually show some of the P-40s with black propellers with yellow tips.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/35963591@N00/sets/72157622864527612/

I'm wondering if these could be the aircraft for British service?

Just trying to nail down the most likely colors before applying stencils.  Smile

Gary

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Sunday, August 4, 2019 10:01 AM

In all honesty, you can probably go with either bare metal, or black w/yellow tips. As photos prove, both were to be found in late 1941. I can’t imagine a dark maroon being used as an anti glare color. I don’t think such a color would be in the paint inventory, whereas black would be. 

 

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Sunday, August 4, 2019 10:05 AM

And here is at Clark AAF in the PI. Look closely at the blades- bare metal on both sides

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

GAF
  • Member since
    June 2012
  • From: Anniston, AL
Posted by GAF on Sunday, August 4, 2019 10:07 AM

Thanks, Stik!  Nothing like on the spot evidence.  Smile

I do wonder if any extant photos of Welch's P-40 "160" exist?

Gary

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Sunday, August 4, 2019 10:26 AM

Of all the “famous” defenders, the only definitive photos are of Rassmussen’s P-36. All other photos show close ups with no way to identify the markings worn...

 

 

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

GAF
  • Member since
    June 2012
  • From: Anniston, AL
Posted by GAF on Sunday, August 4, 2019 10:45 AM

Sitting somewhere in a forgotten file.  Smile

Gary

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