Seeking info on colored cowling rings on 18 SQ Blenheim during July 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

For profiling purposes, I'm trying to determine the color of the cowling rings on 18 SQ Blenheim WVoT R3662 that FL on the beach at Calais, France, on 06.07.40. Pilot was Pilot Officer B.A. Davidson. Photos show that this a/c had colored cowling rings on both sides. These look red, but may be another color. Does anyone know if this was a SQ insignia, flight insignia or personal marking? Did other a/c of 18 SQ or other Blenheim Squadrons during this period also carry colored cowling rings?


Here is example presently up for auction on eBay:

I cant get this to post with full auction code: this is eBay#111335341387.

[Graham Boak]

If this is the same photo as I've seen, then the "cowling rings" are not paint but the exhaust collector ring common to Bristol engines of the period, and are discoloured 'bronzed' stainless steel.

[Larry Hickey]

Graham,

This is definitely plausible. But why don't the cowling rings on other Blenheims appear similar? Were they normally camouflaged with the rest of the a/c?

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
I think that this link may work

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Foto-abgesturztes-Flugzeug-der-Franzosen-Kennung-T-WV-Calais-Frankreich-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/X58AAOxyBvZTWTyA/$_57.JPG

Alex

[Larry Hickey]

Alex,

Yes, that's the photo reference I couldn't get to work in my post.

[Alex Smart]

Glad to help

[Graham Boak]

The collector rings were not camouflaged because the paint would be burnt off by the heat. They are usually distinguishable in other photos. I've no explanation why this example appears different - perhaps it's new?

Later in the war some attempt was made to camouflage the collector rings, initially using black on night bombers but later a special white paint was used on coastal patrol and strike types. That's too late for Blenheims, however.

[Larry Hickey]

Graham,

So would these just appear to be a metallic bronze color?

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

You can read a bit more on the pilot of No.18 Sqn Blenheim IV R3662:WV-T, 42699 P/O (Pilot) Barry Anderson DAVIDSON RAF, here:

http://www.clandavidsonusa.com/archi...anuary%20Color

see pp.25-29 of 48

Note the blooper in the markings in the painting of R3662.

Col.

[Graham Boak]

There's been a lot of discussion on model forums about the best description of these collector rings: I think I'd better stick with burnished metal!

For more photos of such rings look in http://www.luftwaffe-experten.org/fo...wtopic=307&hl= which is dedicated to Blenheims in various stages of decrepitude.