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Colour codes on 34th Bomb Group B-17s


HP42

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Hi all,

I'm doing the research on the various B-17s stationed at Mendlesham in 1944/45 as part of the 34th Bomb Group. The common colour code is a red half tail and dorsal spine (silver rudder) along with red stripes on the wings and elevators. The rest is my best guess from what I've seen, anyone else doing this research?

Now this is where it gets tricky. Many aircraft are seen with either a yellow, red, green or even white noseband and matching propeller hubs. I'm trying to figure out how the coding worked. My guess is that there were 4 colours, each representing one of the 4 squadrons based there (4th, 7th, 18th and 391st)? Of course I'm guessing this is the case? Anyone know for sure? I suspect the 4th was there to 'top up' the other squadrons as it's not listed as flying squadrons as such. (anyone know differently?)

I think this lot are the 7th with yellow: http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib/rfc/FRE_005461.jpg

...and another slide with 7th on it and a yellow nose... http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/2740

Here's Butch which flew with the 391st sporting a green nose: http://valortovictory.tripod.com/photo17/44-8271ph.htm

This one is from the 18th and has a red nose. I think it was called 'Mount Farm': http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/2741

..and again, another with a red nose that flew mainly with the 18th: http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/291

Here's 'Sweet Seventeen' with a white noseband, it flew fairly equally with the 7th, 18th and 391st, so is it an anomaly, a 'pool' cab? http://valortovictory.tripod.com/photo17/43-38991ph.htm

I know the aircraft generally flew as a squadron but did mix from time to time.

So in general terms can I say Yellow = 7th, Red =18th, Green = 391st? White is possibly 4th which is a pool aircraft?

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Hi HP42!

You've got the colours and squadrons correct, the 4th BS were a Pathfinder squadron and supplied PFF aircraft/crews to the other squadrons (and indeed other groups).

Sweet Seventeen was originally a PFF aircraft with the 4th BS before transferring to the 391st hence the change in nose colour.

Hope this helps?

Ashley

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That helps a lot, thanks! :thumbsup: I'm most of the way there with a B-17 and I'm deciding which aircraft to settle upon. The problem is there are absolutely no representations of these aircraft in decal form; a real shame as they are colourful and some of the nose art is up there with the best. A cop-out is to do one of the aircraft without nose art and simply add serials and colours, though in an ideal world I'd like to do 'Purdy Chili', as I might just about manage it freehand. :hypnotised:

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If you have some experience in printing your own decals, you could build 44-8731 Knockout Dropper of 391st BS

http://valortovictory.tripod.com/photo17/44-8731ph.htm

This is quite an easy subject as the nose art is on a white background so can be printed on clear decal film with no problem. The name can then be easily printed in black, again on clear film.

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Thanks for the suggestions chaps. I like the idea of doing the Flying Dutchmen, I might actually manage it freehand and it's easier than Purty Chili as it's only a single colour. It's also quite colourful and it survived the war! I've had a go at printing my own decals with mixed success, but it could be an option. http://valortovictory.tripod.com/photo17/43-38286ph.htm I think this colour photo was taken whilst the aircraft was at N52 13.944 E1 7.734. Stuff it into Google Earth, wind the date back to 1945 and the edge of the hard-standing appears. The thatched house in the background now sports concrete tiles and the roof timbers have bowed as a result. The T2 hangar just north of it has now gone without a trace. The direction of the shadows match up nicely with the location. I'm quite confident this is the correct location but not absolutely certain! I wouldn't have liked to have been in the house when they were 'bombing up' it must be said.

The other option would be 'Little King', again it's quite easy and I might even be able to do the artwork on Paint or similar. I think the lettering is red.

Has anyone else modelled aircraft from the 34th or is it just me alone in the Suffolk wilderness? :cold:

Edited by HP42
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In reply to your final question, I have got as far as creating a sheet of 34BG decals but in terms of getting the B17's built that is one of many long term projects! I am also in Suffolk though...

Hmm. Ashley...Suffolk...decals. Any former connections with a certain warehouse near Lake Lothing?

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Hmm. Ashley...Suffolk...decals. Any former connections with a certain warehouse near Lake Lothing?

Sorry but no, that must be another Suffolk based Ashley!

I just knock mine up on Paint.Net or Inkscape, nothing shop quality but they're good enough for my purposes!

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