W.Nr. block 339xxx for Fw 190 possible?

[Roger Gaemperle]

Hello,

I came across a photo of a Fw 190 with a 6-digit-number 339786 stencilled onto its cowl intake ring (see Squadron / Signal Publications Walk Around 22, p.79). It appears to be its W.Nr., however, I could not find any information about a 339xxx block for the Fw 190.

Either my references are incomplete or the number had a different meanting (e.g. power-egg assembly W.Nr.??).

Has anybody an explanation for this "W.Nr."?

Regards,
Roger

[S Sheflin]

Roger,

339786 is a BMW 801 Motornummer not an Fw 190 Werknummer.

Interestingly, it is the highest BMW 801 Werknummer I have found so far.

Steve Sheflin

[Ruy Horta]

Interesting to learn that the "power egg" came with its own WNr.
Makes sense that this was engine based.

Thanks.

[ChrisS]

Hi Ruy

Here is a preserved BMW 801 at London's Science Museum with it's original paint Werk Nummer on the cowling, sometimes also painted on one of the fan blades.

Regards

Chris

[Roger Gaemperle]

Steve,

Thanks a lot for this interesting and helpful information!

Chris,

It's nice to see a preserved example of such a marking as well as the original camouflage colors on the cowling. Just out of curiosity, have you checked the data plate to see if the numbers match?

Regards,
Roger

[S Sheflin]

Hello all,

Chris’ photo illustrates BMW 801 D-2 WNr. 306746, which was built by BMW Flugmotorenbau, München, Werke Allach. In my files it is bracketed by:

306648, 306651, 306709, 306747 and 306869.

Interestingly, this is the only BMW 801 I have documented so far with its Werknummer applied on the upper cowling oil cooler ring. The majority of Motornummern—if visible at all—are found on the lower cowling oil cooler ring or on a cooling fan blade.

Steve Sheflin