[David E. Brown]

Jim,

Photo 305: This is certainly a late 500xxx machine but not WNr.500516. Compare the upper/lower surface demarcation line on the outer rear portion of the port Jumo 003 engine. We so far do not know this particular machine’s location or Werknummer. Other photos reveal that WNr.500516 ended up close to the easternmost building / hanger at München-Riem. Indeed, was very close to the JV 44 Fw 190 D-11 “Red 4” WNr.220010 and captured in a colour photograph.

Photo 306: This is another late 500xxx series aircraft but not WNr.500516. It is one of a group of over a dozen Me 262s from this Werknummerserie discarded at the extreme eastern end of the München-Riem aircraft dump. Unfortunately, except for one machine (WNr.500517), all show only their starboard sides. The Werknummern for this late series were applied only on the port side of the fin close to the leading edge and just above the stabilizers, and the characters very tight to each other.

Camouflage of these late 500xxx series Me 262s was a lightly-applied overall coat or RLM 82 (Hellgrün) followed with large spots of RLM 81 (Braunviolet) on the fuselage, and in the ‘standard’ pattern on the wings. Except for control surfaces, undersides were left mostly in natural metal. The nose component and engine nacelles did have an application of RLM 76 on their undersides.

Best,

David