[S Sheflin]

Gentlemen,

John Beaman and others wiser than I, have addressed this G-10 Werknummer situation before. The two aircraft in question are G-10/U4’s. Both are new build WNF airframes and not rebuilds. The number quoted, 127914, is most likely a fuselage Werknummer and not the final aircraft Werknummer.

I have collected data on late-war Fw 190s that clearly demonstrate that fuselages, tail units, landing gear and wings each have a unique six-digit (or more) “Werknummer.” While collecting information on captured or destroyed Luftwaffe aircraft, Allied units often mistook these for complete aircraft Werknummern and duly reported them as such.

Regarding Mr. Lake’s comments, I too have been suspicious of the WNr. 610824 because it falls outside of known G-10 Werknummer ranges. However, we have all seen absolute “facts” about Luftwaffe aircraft fall to new information.

Finally, to no avail, I also wrote to the AFM staff and offered them input regarding the correct markings of their Bf 109 G-10/U4. A lower level staffer actually admitted that the guy running the place at the time wasn’t interested in our help.

Steve Sheflin