Guys
Just had an answer from Lennart Andersson with regard to the "mystery DC-3's" seen here
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=270273617085
They ARE Russian and follow the rules stipulated from 1939. Photos are most probably taken during the winter 1939-40 and post Jan 1940.
In fact on page 189 in his History of Chinese aviation to 1949 we can read more about those DC-3/C-47 used by Hamiata (Chinese-Soviet Aviation Company). Some of the markings used are identical.
Lennart also says he has high hopes that Red Stars 6, his book about Aeroflot, will finally be published by the Finish publisher.
Cheers
Stig