eBay: one photo, two Bf 109 with "strange" markings.

[ouidjat]

Hi Gents,

This photo:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Orig-Foto-WKI...item257f39e754
At first I didn't get it but editing it it appears that they bear one WNr-like on fin.
It seems they are Bf 109 G-4 (Wheel fairing on top wings and "bigger" tail Wheel).
So:
Did factory(ies) start to paint WNr. on fin with Bf 109 G-4??? and, why not, earlier??
If you too think they are WNr. what do you read? (at least on the first one).

Thanks for your comments.

Regards, Franck.

[Marc-André Haldimann]

Hi there Franck,

No matter how hard I try, the scan is too light to see anything on the fins... Do you have a higher res picture?

Given the fuselage camouflage, there is a distinct probability both machines were WNF produced. As for the place, Norway could be a possibility?

Cheers
Marc

[Falcon]

I don't think that are WNr.'s, the planes got no other markings. I think that are just small tactical markings. The planes got no neck armour?! So I think that can be a school unit?!
Btw, I think that are late G-2. The plane in front got the antenna isolator on the FuG VII position on the fuselage.

[ouidjat]

Originally Posted by Falcon

I don't think that are WNr.'s, the planes got no other markings. I think that are just small tactical markings. The planes got no neck armour?! So I think that can be a school unit?!
Btw, I think that are late G-2. The plane in front got the antenna isolator on the FuG VII position on the fuselage.

Yes David,

I think you're right about late G-2.
However, The foreground plane is wearing 13422, doesn't it?...
The Background plane seems to wear a three code number too in front of tail ...

Marc, I sent you the modified picture ... we can do better I think.

Cheers, Franck.

[Merlin]

The photo was taken at the flight line of the repair shop Brinker Eisenwerke at Oslo-Kjeller. This station repaired mainly Bf 109 and Ju 52, which became damaged at Norway.

Visible are the numbers ?422 and ?3 at the rudders. This may be the two Bf109G-2 WNr.10422 und 14653 which were at the shop during the summer of 1943.

Painting temporarily the Werknumbers in large figures on the aircraft was not an uncommon practice at repair shops.

[ouidjat]

Thanks very much Merlin!
Your last sentence; do you have other examples? Photos?

Thanks again, for your comments.

Best regards, Franck.

[Marc-André Haldimann]

Thanks, Franck! Now I can see them loud an clear;-))

Glad to see the location clarified; there was something with this very special northern light... As for my producer guesses, Merlin you put them straight: W.Nr. 10433 is an Erla produced Bf 109 G-2, and 14653 is... a WNF Bf 109 G-2;-))

Cheers and thanks!
Marc

[RolandF]

WNr 10422 had been damaged 60% 13 May´43 with II./JG 5 at Alakurtti a/f,
WNr 14653 had been damaged 20% 08 Jan´43 with IV./JG 5 at Vaerloese a/f
Insofar this would fit together

Regards

Roland

[Falcon]

Nice solve, thanks Merlin. I'm also interested to see other photos with this WNr. practise.

[ouidjat]

Hi Guys,

Yes Roland, have the same coming from Andreas and LW in Norway site or something like that.

WNr.14653 is quoted, too, on 23-Dec-1943, 3./JGr. Süd, KG+WA, Fl.Pl. Nimes - 20%. Notlandung wegen Motorstörung. Source (Quoted by Lino) AERO.

I's very interested by Merlin comments while a little bit surprised that David didn't know about that ... Why not? But is it possible to have more about this?
That is:
- WNr. painted - on fin and elsewhere - while in repair shop.
- Was it a common practice for ALL repair shops?
- How much time, starting from when, ending when ... and so on???

As I wrote before I'll be glad to receive more informations - and photos, if possible - about that habit (?).

Cheers, Franck.