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XB-35/YB-49 internal structure primer color


datguy

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I am working on a diorama to depict the crash site of the starboard outer wing section from the 2nd YB-49, which separated in flight and led to the destruction of the aircraft and loss of all crewmembers in 1948. Period photos of the torn up wing section on the ground appear to show a dark colored primer on the internal structures.

See: http://www.xb-70.com/wmaa/yb49/wing_tip_big.jpg.

I would have guessed that the primer should be untinted zinc chromate (i.e yellow), but the photo seems to show something darker than that. The internals of the hulk of a near contemporary of the Northrop line, an F-89, also looks like a dark green. See http://theronmoon.smugmug.com/Other/Static-Display-and-Flying/Northrop/F-89D-Hulk-Cable-Airport/

I have been able to find B&W, but not color, photos of Northrop production lines for the XB-35 that also suggest a dark primer,

Does anyone have any information on the primer or colors used in the Flying Wing airframes, or color photos from Northrop assembly lines in the 1944-1947 time frame?

Please note - I do not need info on the crew compartment, gear wells, etc., just the wing and elevon internals.

Thanks is advance,

- David

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