Airfix B-24 queries

[Syke]

I am currently building the Airfix B-24 in natural metal finish and comparing kit instructions with the following photo, there are a few points I'd like cleared up if possible:

http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/19613

1 In the photo, the aircraft does not appear to have de-icers fitted.

2 The "greyed-out" markings don't seem to apply to the port wing uppersurface.

3 The cowlings in the photo seem to be painted.

4 The starboard upper wing surface appears to show a Bomb Group marking, but this doesn't in the kit instructions.

Another puzzle is that in many photos of B-24s taken on the ground, the aircraft appear to have had the nosewheel doors removed

Any comments on these matters would be welcome

Syke

[Graham Boak]

I can answer the last one: on many B-24s the nosewheel doors retracted into the well.

[Work In Progress]

There are two kinds of B-24 nosewheel door. On early ones, up to and including the D, they open inwards and therefore appear to vanish. On later types they open outwards.

Removal of de-icer boots was not uncommon.

[Graham Boak]

The inward retracting nose wheel doors lasted longer than the Ds. I recall it being said (incorrectly) that it was a way of telling an RAF Mk.VI from a Mk.VIII.

[dubster72]

The B-24 commonly flew at a lower altitude than the B-17, so the de-icing boots were often removed.

The sides of the cowlings nearest the cockpit were usually painted Olive Drab on BMF aircraft to avoid sun glare.

[Troy Smith]

the cowl rings are probably the squadron colour, this information is out there. Dana Bell's USAAF Camo and Markings ETO-MTO, would probably have details, mine is not to hand or I'd have a look.

The other points, well,go with the reference photo, not the kit guide, though over an 80 mission life changes will occur, including say introduction of cowl colours.

Nose doors,? Depends on turret fitted, here's an over view from here

http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/thread/1203567125

Format: Series/block/mfgr; nose turret; finish ( C= camo; N= NMF), NLG Doors*.

C/D-CO/CF/DT ;none; camo; Up (inward).
E-FO/DT/CF; none; camo; up.
B-24G-NT; none; camo; up.
B-24G-1-NT; A-15(Emerson);camo; up.
B-24G-5-NT; A-15 : Camo then NMF at mid -10; DOWN.
B-24H-FO/DT/CF: A-15; camo then NMF; down
B-24J-FO/DT/CF block 401; A-15; NMF; down
B-24J-CO/CF; A6A then A6-B; camo until NMF Block 145-CO(A6- UP.
B-24J-185-CO, L/M-CO: A-15; NMF; DOWN
B-24J-45 /65-CF; A-15; Camo for LL; NMF for AAF; UP
B-24J-70/ 105-CF: A-15; NMF block 70 AAF; rest camo; DOWN
B-24L/M-FO: A-15; NMF; Down.

Line totals: six -up; six down.

*Above is as planes left factory and excludes nose turret mods and special mission paint or field stripping.

what goes on what is hideously complex subject, THE book on the subject is Consolidated Mess, the above should give you an idea, 3 different nose turrets, different nose, side windows, 2 types of ball turrets, different tail turrets etc etc etc but given the Airfix kit is not one of their best, you are probably best of not worrying....

nearly forgot, this may have some answers

scans of the whole thing up here

http://www.boxartden.com/gallery/index.php/Profiles/Camoflage-Markings/17-Consolidated-B-24

HTH

T

[Mike Starmer]

From 'The Mighty Eighth' 706 BS, 446 BG, fin/rudder outer surfaces only, yellow with black horizontal bar. Cowlings are white but the inner 1/4 faces are Olive Drab antiglare. White H on black disc on starboard wing. A 'greyed' fuselage only marking was not uncommon.

[waistgunner]

Here is an interesting look at the B-24 . It's my prayer you all will check this out . I think you will find it very enjoyab

Edited February 20, 2016 by waistgunner

[woody37]

I believe that the rubber de-icing boots were often removed because they easily shredded, so you may find the same aircraft in photos with and without them.