Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin
Harrison,
the Bf 109G-6 aircraft received by the Finnish Air Force between March - August 1944 fitted with large tails were from series 411xxx, 412xxx, 163xxx, 164xxx, 165xxx, 166xxx and 167xxx as Matti stated. These aircraft were in fact manufactured between February and August 1944. Especially the 1655xx machines came off the line during June 1944. The larger tails were installed exatly to these Bf 109G-6 production ranges (Prien).
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Merlin and others...
Guys...
You are not reading my message correctly.
I am NOT debating the size or type of tail (being the tall tail).
I am discussing the material - in this case - wood.
All the aircraft in the production batches you are referring to began production in August of 1943. All the tall tails in these batches were made of ALUMINUM (not wood), unless the aircraft was at a repair facility where it could have been changed out to a wood type at that time.
Wood tails were a subcontracted part, made OUTSIDE of the main production facility, and were pre-camouflaged before delivery. As it is shown on the example we are speaking about.
The camouflage on this tail extends to BELOW where the vertical stab would have been attached. Meaning if this tail was installed at factory, there would be no camouflage in this area - only RLM02.
Therefore this tail we are discussing is 100% a subcontracted part - because 1) it is wood; and 2) it is a pre-camouflaged tail.
Also, there is little to no wear on the leading edge, and no color differential where the horizontal tab would have covered. Which means this tail had little flight time. Certainly not correct for a G6 that was built in late 1943. It could not have been lost early, etiher, as wood was not used until later in 1944/1945.
If it was installed on the G6 W.Nr. that is written, it was a newer addition as certainly it would show some age or wear...and also difference in shade where the horizontal root cover would have protected the remainder of the camouflage.
Tall tails were installed on the production batches you are speaking about...but not in the wood form, unless it was a subcontracted part.