Photos 2-4 - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

edwest · #1 5th February 2008, 02:59

Stig Jarlevik · #2 5th February 2008, 20:00

Hi All

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=250212827292

Of course no Bv 222 but the sole SE 200 in Luftwaffe markings 20+01

Cheers
Stig

Modeldad · #3 6th February 2008, 15:55

Could someone please explain these small white numbers on these Ju 88s.

David E. Brown · #4 6th February 2008, 18:03

Hmm,

The large white “54” on the nose is most likely the last two digits of the aircraft’s werknummer (I have observed a few examples where this is confirmed with views of the tail). This marking appears to be not uncommon and is seen in photos on a fair number of Ju 88 As (very rarely on Gs), ranging from two to four digits of varying sizes and colours (white, and rarely black). On rare occasions it is on the ventral bola and sometimes just the aircraft’s individual number is painted there. All of these markings would be useful in facilitating aircraft identification when approached from the front and certainly in those situations when concealed in revetments and at the edge of tall vegetation. My guess is that this is a unit applied marking to facilitate rapid identification.

Another better known example of similar markings is the He 177, where three digits, with the first being ½ the size of the last two, were applied to the ventral bola in black.

I would think that the number on the motor is again, the last four digits of its serial number, with the letter J indicating “Jumo”. Presumably there would be a corresponding number on the port motor cowling in a similar location visible to the pilot and flight engineer. Some examples have postscripts; i.e., a slash with two digits, perhaps indicating the date of last overhaul?

For the other markings – R1042 / 450, I don’t know, but I have seen similar ones before, one example being some photos of Baumbach’s Ju 88. Any observed are all on the port side of the nose.

I would defer to Art’s expertise and hope he can weigh in here with some insights as to their significance.

Cheers,

David

obdl3945 · #5 7th February 2008, 02:27

Hi, Stig...

Thanks for identifying the non-German designed aircraft in the photo... and for those of you out there like myself who'd never seen an SE200 before, here's a link for a decent photo of same...

http://www.eads.com

select the 'EADS' tab on the top left side of the options bar, then History of EADS from the side bar, followed by On the Wings of Time, and same again, then 1940-1951 tab, and finally the 1942 tab, and scroll down.

Regards...

edwest · #6 7th February 2008, 03:05

Hello David,

On page 36 of Luftwaffe im Focus 11 is a view of a "Ju 88 A-17 of I. or II./KG 26, Werknr. (R) 2469..." However, even though the R is placed in parenthesis, it is not in the photo. Also, it appears to me that 450 is 458.

HTH,
Ed

David E. Brown · #7 7th February 2008, 23:54

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the additional information. I am sure that a perusal of various books etc. will turn up many more examples of these markings. I agreethat the last digit is an 8 too.

Artie Bob, your expertise is requested!

Cheers,

David

PS: Ed, Just a small word of thanks and appreciation for your scouring of the webpages all these years and sharing these little treasures with us all.

D.

edwest · #8 8th February 2008, 01:20

My pleasure David. As Peter D. Evans writes: I learn, you learn, we all learn.

Regards,
Ed

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Jagdfliegerverbande Vol. 9 #2, photos of 9./JG 3 with their new Bf 109F-4s at Crailsheim	Jim P.	Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945	13	4th March 2007 23:02
Photos 2-12	edwest	Luftwaffe and Axis Air Forces	46	21st February 2007 21:56
Photos required	alex crawford	Wanted	0	19th September 2005 18:29
Looking for photos of ARR Hurricanes	Mirek Wawrzynski	Luftwaffe and Axis Air Forces	0	12th May 2005 09:56