Ju88 WNr.1050

[obdl3945]

Hi,

On reading the 'Luftwaffe im Focus' article on flamethrower-equipped Ju88s (issue 19), I note on page 25, the captions for photos 28/29 note this aircraft as Ju88A-4, W.Nr.1050, coded 9K+FB. Clearly evident, however, is the early style A-1/A-5 vertical tailplane and rudder. On pages 26/27, a photo shows this aircraft again with the early style vertical tailplane, but also showing the 'blistered' rear canopy, extended wingtips and seemingly broader bladed propellors all reminiscent of the later A-4 subtype, all of which is encapsulated in Claes Sundin's excellent colour profile included with the article.

My queries are: a) was this combination of early A-1/A-5 vertical tail but otherwise A-4 characteristics common and b) was W.Nr.1050 originally built with this mixture of parts or might it have been an upgrade?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Regards,

Paul