Ju 88 D-1 4N+EH (W. Nr. 0881203) Restoration

[Del Davis]

In response to Ed North's contention that the reason the letters are still visible is due to layers of paint I would say that he is probably correct. However when he states that there are are 3 paint layers he is incorrect. As Michael Ullman has pointed out on several occaisions the Luftwaffe adopted a single coat, self priming paint system. There was no primer layer under the 70/71 finish. The paint was an epoxy designed to cover in one coat.

[Knut Larsson]

Hello Steve

The aircraft you mentioned was lost on 26th Apr 1942.
It belonged to Erprobungsstaffel KG 30

Crewmembers:

Oblt. Helmut Afflerbach (FF)
Uffz. Konrad Lahmann (BO)
Uffz. Erwin Schalleck (BF)
Uffz. Heinz Reinke (BS)


Greetings from Norway

Knut Larsson



www.rafandluftwaffe.info

[Peter Achs]

Hi Ed,

the StKz of the Ju 88 C-4/0797 was DE+SS, not SK+QS.
From the end of 1941 to Jan. 1942 Junkers rebuilt the aircraft to a so-called „Afflebach-Zerstörer“ (Afflebach-Destroyer), flights at Dessau in Jan.-Febr. 1942, acceptance flight on 13 Febr. 1942

Regards
Peter

[edNorth]

Hi all;

Thanks Peter for correction on that C-4/0797 was re-built / converted to C-4 etc., ´my´ code was ´interpolated´ from nearest known before ( and still in brackets), but interestingly this has same last letter? I know you are expert on these - and I am still a way off on finding out them all - but working hard!

Regarding number of layers Davis may be correct (generally), but the point taken by me was ´to explain´ to Modeldad ´why´ the codes still show (it´s called ´Weathering´ - and we get lot of it here in this country - f.e. 40 kts or more wih heavy rain is forecast for this evening and tomorrow; unusual for middle of summer!) but not the exact number of layers, where I may probably be wrong. I myself however have about two meters from my computer an original fuselage panel with longeron stringers and all - off an Ju 88 D-5; It has FOUR or MORE layers. But there is also two sets of codes! Both Stkz and Vbkz. I will have to have an expert examine the paint to see if it really is Epoxy? but I can count the layers myself; but consider this: If Stkz codes were painted in non-washable paint OVER the camouflage of RLM 70/71, then painted over with RLM 02 and then repainted in black... ; then you have at least three or four layers, v.s. ´single layer´ of camouflage : The RLM 70/71 camouflage is long, long, gone before the codes vanish.

Yes; I know ´First Flight´ codes were supposed to be painted with whash-able paint, but I have noticed in numerous photos that old codes were overpainted and then new applied... Note: 0797 was ´old´ and then re-built...

I just goes to show that you may never be exactly shure about anything Luftwaffe...

cheers
ed

Addenda: I have now counted the layers on my panel (left side of fuselage, forwards of cross):

1. Chemical treated aluminum (grayish ; not primer)

2. Camouflage RLM 70/71, with brittle like glass cracks just as Epoxy?

3. Code ´N´ (xN+xx)

4. Likely also 72/73 over it but can be RLM 02

5. Code ´6´ (A6+CH)

6. RLM 02 !



Conclusion : minimum of four layers of paint, possibly up to six....

[steve sheridan]

Good Evening Knut,
Many thanks for the information on JU88 W.Nr 1776 4D+DA.
its most helpful.

Rgs,
Steve.