Markings + codes of Bf 109 + Legion Condor

[Hohentwiel]

I guess I'll get no more satisfying reply to my questions.

Thanks to all.

[lritger]

Many, thanks for your kind words, and I appreciate you sharing your information... you are of course right, "never" is a strong word when dealing with such a topic as the 109. I had heard that the Schwarz props might have been license produced, but was not certain... your info seems to confirm this, so thanks for that. As regards the C models, yes, I based that on not just Laureau's info, but that of Mombeek as well- truly, the only way to identify a C model in photos is if the cowling is off, so unless a delivery record, further photos, or a logbook showing C model codes is found, it seems we only have educated opinions to go on. The whole affair with the early 109s in Spain is quite maddening to me, as there is so much uncertainty surrounding so few aircraft... the one thing of which I am absolutely certain is that my work is not the last word on the topic! I wanted to at least present a fresh look at these aircraft based on photos and what I considered reliable sources... if it helps foster further research and we uncover the "real" story, I will be very glad indeed.

Thanks again-

Lynn

[Stig Jarlevik]

Gentlemen

Early 109's are tricky to say the least!!
However if we keep in mind that in Spain the He 51 were decidedly outperformed with the Legion Condor, I am pretty convinced that for political reasons the Bf 109 were rushed over as soon as they could be built. If Willy could be stood on "trial" here, I also would be pretty certain that he would have NO idea what was an A model or B model, unless he could produce some documentation out of his back pocket. The early A models were not 100% the same, but included slight modifications as they were produced. Not even the exact same engine type was used (if Radinger/Schick are to be belived). According to both these gentlemen most of the A's were sent to Spain including its prototype WNr 760, the V3. That means we have a possible 17 A-airframes going to Spain.
I for one believe this is basically correct. Possibly the whole first batch, besides prototypes were A-models. Spain took basically a large number of what the Germans could produce at this stage. Has anyone ever sent prototypes of its future main fighter into a war conflict before? Politically it seems one was more or less possessed with winning the conflict....

By the way, can anyone produce a correct list to Patrick Laureau's 109 pages in his book Legion Condor? The first line, in the table on page 95 being out of line, makes his whole listing suspect. Anyone??

Cheers
Stig

[Many Souffan]

AMEN ! ! !

Thank you for me too.

I hope to meet you at Telford this year.