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Post by dewobz on Apr 3, 2012 11:53:43 GMT 12
 It is clear from photos like this one of NZ3116 bellied at Munda in Aug 1943 (from Air-to-Air) that RNZAF Kittyhawks in the operational area wore fuselage code letters for a time. I want to build this or one similar for kiwimodellers.com RNZAF 75th Group Build. Does anyone know exactly what colour these cole letters were? I figure NZ Sky, Lt Grey or NZ Duck Egg? (An exact size of the code letter & source of decal versions would be appreciated too...though not expected). Adf serials lists NZ3116 as being variously coded 'D' & '37', both of which, I guess, were at one time or another on the lower cowl fairing? If anyone wants to venture an opinion as to whether it would still be there while the fuselage code letter was applied I'd appreciate that too. My gut feeling is that it was. (This is apparently the earliest recorded photo of an RNZAF Kitty having a white tail). Cheers, Wally. Attachments:
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Post by trx850 on Apr 3, 2012 21:37:18 GMT 12
Hi Wally. Attached are two more P-40's with the single rear code letter. One is NZ3072 without her 'Cat' on the nose, and what appears to be either U or O on the fuselage. Letter D on the unknown aircraft in the rear. From Air To Air. NZ3072 BARAKOMA VELLA LAVELLA NOVEMBER 1943.  The second is a view of Kittyhawk NZ3066 after crash landing in shallow water on the approach to Munda airstrip, New Georgia. Aircraft flown by 17 Squadron pilot Sergeant Donald A. Williams. (pilot was too slow in selecting a new fuel tank). Aircraft on charge to number 1 Servicing Unit. Via Damon Edwards.  These letter codes appear to have been very short lived, as there are not too many pics of them. As for the colour, well, certainly not white, but probably one of the (NZ) Sky's. Cheers, Pete M. |
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Post by dewobz on Apr 4, 2012 15:34:28 GMT 12
Thanks Pete. I figure I'd be pretty safe with a light grey-ish code as close to NZ Sky (or NZ Duck Egg) as I can get. Appreciate the verification. Cheers, Wally. (PS - I'll post pics of the finished model (1/48 Hasegawa) on here if I can get my head around PhotoBucket. Otherwise I'll post one pic. It'll also go up on www.kiwimodeller.com RNZAF 75th Group Build) |
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It is clear from photos like this one of NZ3116 bellied at Munda in Aug 1943 (from Air-to-Air) that RNZAF Kittyhawks in the operational area wore fuselage code letters for a time. I want to build this or one similar for kiwimodellers.com RNZAF 75th Group Build. Does anyone know exactly what colour these cole letters were? I figure NZ Sky, Lt Grey or NZ Duck Egg? (An exact size of the code letter & source of decal versions would be appreciated too...though not expected). Adf serials lists NZ3116 as being variously coded 'D' & '37', both of which, I guess, were at one time or another on the lower cowl fairing? If anyone wants to venture an opinion as to whether it would still be there while the fuselage code letter was applied I'd appreciate that too. My gut feeling is that it was. (This is apparently the earliest recorded photo of an RNZAF Kitty having a white tail). Cheers, Wally.
