New picture of a Me262 with Karoband

[Dan O'Connell]

A Me 262 A-1a, with the black/red checker band of KG(J) 6, was photographed at Herzogenauroth, (Herzogenaurach, Herzogenrath, Herzogenreuth) Germany, at the end of the war.

[Dénes Bernád]

Originally Posted by Dan O'Connell

A Me 262 A-1a

What did the small 'a' in this case represent?

[ouidjat]

Originally Posted by Dénes Bernád

What did the small 'a' in this case represent?

You too??? .

Franck.

[obdl3945]

Hi...

In answer to your question, if you check this website www.stormbirds.com and select the 'Me262 project' tab, and click through to page 3: Aircraft profiles - configuration data, it states that all operational wartime Me262s were suffix 'a' models, with Jumo 004 engines, and all experimental models were 'b'-suffixed, indicating BMW003 engines and therefore, the modern replicas but in the USA are following on with 'c'-suffixed machines, denoting the use of the modern J-85 jet engines used in the replicas.

An interesting site, although in my ignorance, I have no idea if the 'suffix-to-engine type' designation is accurate. I dare say someone more acquainted with the originals machine would be able to inform us.

Regards...

Paul

[David E. Brown]

Gents,

This Me 261 A-1a Jabo is "gelbe 3" of 3./KG(J) 54 and was found at a small airfield across the river from the town of Moosberg (NE of Munich on the Isar River). Other extant photos reveal that the lighter portions of the karoband were originally white. They were lightly but deliberately oversprayed with 81 Braunviolet to mute to contrast with the dark blue cheques and not compromise the aircraft's overall camouflage that was also oversprayed with denser wellen of 81. There is also evidence of the KG 54 "Totenkopfwappen" ahead of the windscreen. It too was overpainted with 81 but in this instance with a brush.

The overpainting of unit markings may well reflect the time when the remnants of Me 262 units operating in the Protectorate (KG(J) 6, KG(J) 54 and JG 7) were combined and folded into the ad hoc unit Gefechtsverband Hogeback in late April 1945.

BTW, the location is verified by correspondence received from a US veteran who took photos of the aircraft after release from Stalag VII A.

Cheers,

David

[SMF144]

Ahhhh, David, what source is telling you that the 81 was used to tone down the markings; other photos aside? I mean, I still retain the much vaunted Experten Decals ED-2A "Checkmate" that has since been proven otherwise.

Comments please?

Stephen

[David E. Brown]

Steve,

Well, this would be based on comparative analysis of this aircraft against other Me 262s from the unit that were similarly painted (unit-applied wellen over the factory finish). Specifically, the focus would be on those Me 262s from the same unit that were known to have been finished in 81 and 82 (via their werknummern) AND had the wellen applied over these colours. Certainly study of Luftwaffe camouflage and markings is a challenging endeavour that is acknowledged as such by those familiar with the subject. In this case, knowledge of Me 262 camouflage and markings, production practices and paint application, and the circumstances at that time, indicate that based on the balance of probabilities RLM 81 is the best match for the wellen colour.

With regards to ED-2A, we soon determined that our interpretation of the RV band colours was inconsistent with new narrative and photographic information that was unavailable to us at the time of publication (1997) though our identity of the unit was correct. This information was soon revised and included in a separate Addendum included with the book. Other than that, all other aspects of the aircraft's identity and camouflage and markings remain valid.

Cheers,

David

[Walterd]

David

Would it be possible for you to post the other pics and could you tell us where you got the info that is word of mouth or interview ect.
Karl great Pic thanks much and David the info you supplies was a great help.
Thanks again
Walt