Vonbraun

The E-7 was plumbed for the drop tank the E-4 were not, so if the aircraft has the rack for the drop tank it was an E-7. The E-7 could also carry a ETC 500 bomb rack but so could the an E-4/B. If the rack is not fitted the only way to tell is the Werk Nummer.

Steve here is a link to another discussion on Steinhilper's A/C: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/192095-Date-for-Auto-prop-pitch-Bf-109-from-combat-pilot-Forums

According to German records Steinhilper was shot down on October 27, 1940, flying Bf 109E-4 W. Nr. 2798, yellow 2.

Sean, here is a photograph purportedly of Galland and his aircraft, on September 23, 1940, the date of his 39th and 40th victories, both Hurricanes. Note the lack of the Mickey Mouse marking. The aircraft in the photo is most probably W.Nr. 5966. The evidence being the JG 26 emblem under the cockpit. There is a distinct difference in the emblem's application on 5966 and 5819. Compare the emblem in this photo with that of 5816 and the difference will be readily apparent. So clearly the machine in this photograph is not 5819 and is most likely 5966. Again it is not is conclusive proof, but it is good circumstantial evidence that Galland's 40th victory was scored in 5966.

Galland had at his disposal two similarly marked aircraft W. Nr 5819 and 5966. There were subtle differences in the markings, for example the Mickey Mouse orientation and the JG 26 emblem below the cockpit. I have seen a photo of one of these machines with Galland in the cockpit and there is a clear distinction between the tone of the amour plate and that of the rear panel at the rear of the cockpit. The rear panel being the lighter of the two. Assuming the plate is RLM 66 the most likely candidate for the panel is RLM 02. It is not conclusive evidence but... Anyway here is of an alleged color photograph of the two machines together. The camouflage is undoubtedly a spray application and it should be noted that both machines were subject to some repainting during their service.

Incredible images! Thanks for posting. Rob

Here is a link to photos of one machine W. Nr. 5819: http://www.messerschmitt-bf109.de/web.php?lang=de&auth=e&name=ausgabetabelle_wnr&aktuellekennung=5819

Here is the starboard image. The aircraft retained the hole for the crank starter in the starboard cowling and it has the navigation lamps, or their remnants, which can be seen forward of the H&H marking.

Excellent photo Gingerbob, thank you! I am not seeing evidence of a roundel under the wing, I can't tell if its obscured in the shadow or just not there. The dark undersurface is again consistent with yellow and ortho film.

Thank you Graham. I had assumed Sky undersurfaces but yellow makes more sense. Even the sunlight areas of the undersurfaces appear quite dark which is consistent with yellow in ortho film.

Thank you 303sqn that is absolutely amazing. I very much appreciate the effort it took to put that together. Between the this post and that provided by Gingerbob the history of the aircraft has been pretty well nailed down. My sincere thanks to both! Anyone care to comment on colors?

Thank you Bob, fascinating information, especially regarding the H&H marking! I could make out something circular aft of the roundel, but was not sure if it was the Circle P marking or not. Thanks for the clarification. I am assuming the aircraft was painted DG/DE over Sky with yellow Circle P stencil aft of the roundel. The H&H marking is a bit of a mystery for me...it does not match the white of the roundel and the film type does not register yellow well. My guess is blue or gray, but it is pure speculation.

Hello, can anyone help with information on Spitfire Mk I X4922. Apparently employed in testing of Vokes filter and possibly of the Merlin 45. I've posted the an alleged image have found of this aircraft. Any information and particularly photos are most welcome. TIA.

Can anyone provide dimensions for the Rotol and/or DH spinner base plates as fitted to Mk I and IIs? Rob

Sorry about the redundancy ....if the moderator wishes I'll repost in the earlier thread.

In Vladimir Sulc's editorial in the April edition of Info Eduard he states plans for a new tool Fw 190A . Here is a link to the webzine:http://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/InfoEduard/archive/2015/info-eduard-2015-04EN.pdf

I found this site informative and entertaining . Performance comparisons of various WWII fighter aircraft, just check the box and submit. http://www.gonzoville.com/ahcharts/index.php

Kit reviews should be regarded with fair degree of skepticism. My advice is to research the subject yourself using the review as a starting point. Presuming that you don't have access to the real thing, I suggest that you start with a web search. There is plenty of photographic documentation and plans of these subjects that you can evaluate and form your own conclusions. As your familiarity with the subject expands you can make your own assessment of the kits in question.

ICM has announced a new Ju 88 for 2015....

My first was the Monogram Spitfire IX, in "quarter inch scale", now commonly known as 1/48 scale. Assembled and painted with a metallic green paint. At the time I thought it looked precisely like what was portrayed on the box art. In retrospect, I am sure the imagination of an eight year old was extremely significant in that perception.

Interpreting old black and white photos is a risky venture but black is the most likely explanation. Upper surfaces are likely 70/71 with the light color overspray. Overspray could be 76, 77, white or something else.

The Airfix Vb is a masterpiece, checkout this review: http://www.hyperscale.com/2014/reviews/kits/airfix05125reviewbg_1.htm

Ju 188 D-2 8H+OH, probable W.Nr. 150579, was captured by British forces in northern Germany or Denmark. Analysis of the camouflage establishes that all three photos depict the same aircraft. At some point the Luftwaffe markings on the fuselage and wings were painted out and British roundels applied. Note that the upper wings still retain the vestiges of the German crosses outboard of the British roundels. Aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear and was pillaged to dilapidated status pictured.

According to IMPS Deutschland Eduard will retool their 1/48 scale Fw 190A. The revised edition will not have an engine or the open weapon panels. I'm not sure if this will be a new tool effort or a tweaking of the existing kit. Hopefully Eduard will address the accuracy issues with the new edition. Perhaps Eduard will address the issue in the next edition of their monthly webzine.