236 Sqn Beaufighters - colour prop hubs?

[Simon]

Hello

 

I'm nearing the end of my Airfix Beaufighter build as KW280 MB-M of 236 Sqn, and I was just re-checking a few reference photos and I noticed that the fronts of the prop hub bosses seem to be a different colour to the rest of the prop hubs:

 

IWM photos:  https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205127048

 

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205126586

 

Asisbiz photo:  https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Beaufighter/CF-late/pages/Beaufighter-MkX-RAF-236Sqn-MBT-NT950-North-Coates-June-1944-02.html

 

Are the front parts of the prop bosses possibly coloured (red, maybe?), or more likely just weathered NM?

 

Simon

 

[rossm]

According to my Aviaeology decal sheet they are normally Extra Dark Sea Grey.

 

That sheet is one of the best references I know, being by @Terry @ Aviaeology who has published several articles in magazines on Beaufighter colours and details.

 

EDSG is known for weathering to paler shades quite rapidly.

[Simon]

That makes perfect sense, thank you for posting.

 

Cheers

Simon

[11bravo]

1 hour ago, rossm said:

According to my Aviaeology decal sheet they are normally Extra Dark Sea Grey.

 

That sheet is one of the best references I know, being by @Terry @ Aviaeology who has published several articles in magazines on Beaufighter colours and details.

 

EDSG is known for weathering to paler shades quite rapidly.

I second Aviaeology, I was just reading the Beaufighter instructions last night.  They are amazing, just a wealth of info on colors, technical bits on the aircraft, weathering tips, etc. 

[Simon]

Thanks for the pionters to Aviaeology. Interestingly their eBay store has the decal instructions available as pdf files for a couple of quid or so. Great if you need the references but don't need the decals.

 

Simon