Tamiya 1/48 Mosquito Mk.VI 487 Sqdn

[thepureness]

Hi peeps

I've got the above kit in the stash, and after following some chat on other forum posts here, i'm trying to research that the paint guide tamiya provide is actually incorrect.

The aircraft is shown is ocean gray and dark green camo over medium sea gray, but I now have a doubt this is correct and believe the aircraft to be medium sea gray all over with dark green camo on the upper surfaces.

I'm trying to do my own research online, but thought I would delve into the britmodeller knowledge pool at the same time.

[Calum]

I assume you've seen these. IWM photos.

[JasonC]

The Dark Green / Medium Sea Grey was the typical night fighter scheme, while Dark Green / Ocean Grey / Medium Sea Grey was specified for day bombers and fighter-bombers (which includes the FB.VI). Not to say there weren't exceptions, but evidence would be required to justify the former scheme on an FB.VI.

In the case of the scheme in Tamiya's 1/48 kit, there are photos clearly showing MM417 EG-T wearing a three colour scheme, with a low demarcation.

http://aircrewremembered.com/editorial/resources/487-squadron-mosquito-w640h480.jpg

regards,

Jason

[Work In Progress]

The wobbly fuselage demarcation line is interesting on that shot.

[mhuxt]

Better shot:

http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/NZ-Mosquito/IWM_CH_12416?full=1

[JasonC]

The wobbly fuselage demarcation line is interesting on that shot.

Possible perhaps that the aircraft was originally painted with a mid-demarcation, which was then extended downwards to make it more suited to low level operations.

J.

[Work In Progress]

Yes, that is a likely explanation. Pity though, I hate making models of badly painted aeroplanes, 'cause it makes it look like a badly painted model even when it's perfect!

[Graham Boak]

The Dark Green / Medium Sea Grey was the typical night fighter scheme, while Dark Green / Ocean Grey / Medium Sea Grey was specified for day bombers and fighter-bombers (which includes the FB.VI). Not to say there weren't exceptions, but evidence would be required to justify the former scheme on an FB.VI.

Mosquito production was restricted, at this time, to either PRU Blue or the Night Fighter Scheme. The appearance of Mosquito fighter-bombers in 2 TAF carrying a variation of the Day Fighter scheme, as originally applied in earlier years to the Mosquito day bombers, was an error on the part of an MU and many photos do indeed show these fighter-bombers in the Night Fighter colours - it is the Ocean Grey/Dark Green ones which are in the minority. Fortunately that includes 487 Sq, as indicated above.

The specified Day Bomber scheme, other than Mosquitos, remained Dark Green/Dark Earth over Sky, though the majority were Lend Lease aircraft in Olive Drab/light grey by this time.

[The original Kit Builder]

However it left the factory, MM 417 EG-T was carrying three shades by the time of the photo's, now widely published.

The only logical combination is OG/DG/MSG. It also seems to be the case that the aircraft was repainted at some point, probably as much to change the colours, as to lower the demarcation line. This repainting appears to have been done freehand, as all demarcations are softer than woud be expected if masked.

Edited to correct spelling.

Edited September 14, 2015 by Kit builder

[JasonC]

Mosquito production was restricted, at this time, to either PRU Blue or the Night Fighter Scheme. The appearance of Mosquito fighter-bombers in 2 TAF carrying a variation of the Day Fighter scheme, as originally applied in earlier years to the Mosquito day bombers, was an error on the part of an MU and many photos do indeed show these fighter-bombers in the Night Fighter colours - it is the Ocean Grey/Dark Green ones which are in the minority. Fortunately that includes 487 Sq, as indicated above.

The specified Day Bomber scheme, other than Mosquitos, remained Dark Green/Dark Earth over Sky, though the majority were Lend Lease aircraft in Olive Drab/light grey by this time.

Thanks for the correction Graham. A case of confirmation bias as I scanned through a few photos online. When I mentioned day bombers I was referring to Mossies in that role, rather than in general.

regards,

Jason

[Graham Boak]

Hi Jason: a few years ago it was the case of arguing that 2nd TAF Mossies DID exist in the OG/DG/MSG scheme, in the teeth of the then-existing "establishment" view. So it did seem a little odd to be faced with someone apparently arguing the reverse.

You will still find around profiles that show a Boston in the OG/DG scheme, but no-one has ever been able to find confirmation. Neil Robinson did quote from one veteran describing 2nd TAF bombers in green and grey, but of course that would describe the Mossies. Whatever they were classified as, they were operating in the classic light bomber role.