Marseille Bf109-F4 Colours

[JackG]

This might be a clue to the puzzle about yellow underside cowl - depends if original colour or is it colourized. 

 

The aircraft is sporting it's delivery codes (Stammkennzeichen) and appears to be in tropical scheme.  The background does show snow, so an airfield in Germany winter of 1941/42 as the aircraft prepares for transit to the Mediterranean?   The white wing tip in the foreground also indicates these were applied at factory, as well as the identification band.

 

 

 

 

This list of codes identifies it as an F series 109:

https://web.archive.org/web/20141010074632/http://www.luftwaffe-experten.org/stam-s.html

 

 

regards,

Jack

Edited November 27, 2020 by JackG

[Jochen Barett]

2 hours ago, JackG said:

---

This list of codes identifies it as an F series 109:regards,

Jack

"pleeeaaase"

 

The general shape says "later than Bf 109 E", and the canopy (small triangular windows in front lower portion), position of octane rating triangle (looks like "87")  and absence of extra vents for spark plugs say "This is a Bf 109 F". One may argue wether external stiffeners at the tail may be seen or not. I do not see them, but there is a hint of a dark line.

 

And even though RLM 78/79 can be seen without much doubt, there is neither the "tropical" dust filter for the air intake nor the mounting points for the umbrella visible.

 

Interesting to note that the centerline of the letters of the Stammkennzeichen is higher than the Balkenkreuz's centerline and neither upper nor lower end of the letters matches anything in the Balkenkreuz (but it looks almost parallel at least).

[Graham Boak]

It also lacks the fittings for the parasol.  At least one batch - the final one? - of tropically-camouflaged Fs were delivered to units on the Eastern Front, including JG 5 in the North.  These had either dark green or dark gray patches applied over the fuselage top and sides, later more white patches, and have been the cause of much discussion in enthusiast circles.  Some of these did retain the tropical filter, though this could perhaps have been directed at use on dusty strips, and not necessarily an oversight.

 

Someone will know whether this factory/radio code belongs to one of these aircraft.  Sadly not I.

[Hal LH]

 Hi all,       Referencing the above mentioned book by Kitchens and Beaman,   What they number as Marseille's aircraft No. 14 (in order of his use), Wk. No.8693, in use between 6-27 Feb. 1942,  had a Standard Camo. of 79 over 78, a White spinner and oil tank behind it, no White wing tips, top or bottom, standard White theatre band around rear fuselage, and after about 15th of Feb. Rudder repaired and painted overall in either Red /Brown primer or just Red, showing victories 48-52 applied.

 

, 

 Kitchens and Beaman's analysis of all known photos (at the time, 2007) is pretty comprehensive .

 

 Hope this helps,       Regards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Vesa Jussila]

1 hour ago, Jochen Barett said:

there is neither the "tropical" dust filter for the air intake nor the mounting points for the umbrella visible.

Some of "tropical" painted 109's went to Norway and were maybe painted in field depot and old painting was possible to see trough that. Maybe one of those planes?

 

Here is profile picture:

http://airassets.com/2017/08/08/92/

Edited November 27, 2020 by Vesa Jussila
Added link

[Hal LH]

   Oops Sorry, meant to include that it did have a Gelb 04 engine pannier as well.

[Graham Boak]

Low or mid demarcation?

[Hal LH]

To quote the book     " The colour demarcation line was relatively hard and ran from nose to tail along the aircraft centre-line"    So Mid .

[JackG]

The me109.info site has 'unknown'  werknummer listed for SA+NG, but on their photo example give a much more specific date of November 1942:

 

https://me109.info/web.php?lang=en&auth=e&name=skzliste&order=werkskennung

 

 

 

regards,

Jack

 

[PhilHoff]

Hello,

 

As for the umbrella mounting points,as far as I know, these were a feature of tropicalised G not F. I never saw a picture of an F with them.

 

Philippe

Edited November 29, 2020 by PhilHoff