Me 262 WNr. 501232, Vol 2, p. 291

[Kjetil Aakra]

I agree with your observations, Ruy.

Certainly looks like the dark starboard side checkers are the only ones present, the others being made out of camouflage. If not, I really hope someone can explain the apparent camouflage demarcation visible in one of the checkers??

It is obvious that the three versions you posted, Ruy, cannot all be portraying the truth. I would like to learn which photo is closest to the truth, if any!

Hopefully some of the Me 262 experts here can enlighten us further.

Kjetil Aakra

[Harold Lake]

Everyone is missing something. It must be understood that once an airplane falls captive, the new owners will probably mess with the original. Why? Because they have the time, the paint and maybe the inclination. The last element here is key.

The American's may have wished to complete what they thought the Germans started but did not finish. This could have meant adding the supposed missing 2nd color to the checker band, or overpainting it in one new dark color. A photo exists of another Me 262, from the same unit, that has the same one color half finished checker band! Draw your own conclusions.

Hal

[Ruy Horta]

Hi Hal,

I believe I did mention that possibility, but that does not apply to the same photo having three variants.

However I am very thankful that your mention this!

Could you please point me to a / the publication (if there is one) with this second a/c?

[Harold Lake]

Ruy,

The photo is from my friend, who got it from Jim Crow (#7032). I thiink he said it was taken at Herzogenaurach. From this thread it seems pretty clear that the original German applied checker was only 1 color. Having two Me 262s with the same sort of checker pattern suggests that that was just what they wished, or alternatively, they didn't have time or the materials to finish the band with a 2nd color. Take you pick.

Hal

[Ruy Horta]

Thanks Harold,

I find these facts pretty fascinating.

It certainly changed the way I look at these pictures.

Anyway, a single color chequer is even more interesting!