[harrison987]

Hi Ralph,


Early G-10's as well as late G-10's varied whether or not they had the second date plate. There was no standardization.

It is very possible that there were left-over G-14/U4 fuselages, spare parts, etc. (all which were identical to the G-10) that were used in the G-10 production, but certainly they would have been used up within the first werk number batch as there was no room to store mass amounts of G-14 fuselages or major parts.

We already know DIANA made everything new on the G-10...from one tunnel to the next (G-14 fuselage aside). The G-6 in question (Australia) was certainly a "field modification", which I mentioned earlier (2 damaged fuselages to make 1 good; replacement engine of what was on hand, etc.). Modification and repairs of aircraft in the field were common, in order to get a a damaged aircraft operational.

DIANA aircraft were identical, apart from the later werk number blocks which had flettner tabs on the ailerons. All were G-10/U4, and no other subtypes were made.

If the second plate was there to "further modify" the aircraft in the field, all G-10's would have had the plate.

The only thing added onto the 2nd plate was a date, so there was no way to "differentiate between a/c of the "same" subtype, which is useful in maintenance and ordering of spare parts." - remember, aircraft of the same werk number block could have gone to any country, to any unit. A simple date entry would not have been enough information to differentiate changes done, or help in referencing what spare parts were needed for what.

I agree there must be something more to this plate...