Help wanted re Walrus NZ151

[silverfox]

I'm building a SMER Walrus as part of the IPMS(UK) NZ Aviation SIGs 75th Anniversary of the RNZAF display at Telford this year, I settled on NZ151, ex- L2222 as I have a clear picture of her in Darbys RNZAF the First Decade. This photo dated 1945 and caption as flying over Birkdale, looks to show her in two toned uppers, with a light coloured Hull all the way up to the top.

So far so good. But are the colours Dark Sea Grey/Slate Grey with Sky lower surfaces or Dark Green/Pacific Blue?

However I also have in my possession an RNZAF Museum photo of NZ151 dated 1944 showing what is the same aircraft in a worn overall silver scheme. It also looks to be taken over the same area as the first photo. This now raises doubts as to my interpretation of the picture in the Darby book

So my question is was NZ151 repainted, if so when and what colour. She was overall silver as L2222.

I need to get this model finished by 10th November for the display and any help would be gratefully received.

[afbrat]

Hi
I am reading "The Golden Age of New Zealand Flying Boats" at the moment and in the appendices it has a little statement that reads like this "When the RNZAF took over the Walruses in January 1943, the only change to the markings initially was the application of their RNZAF serial numbers in place of their FAA number. The Walruses were gradually stripped of their camouflage and returned to an overall silver scheme. Individual aircraft recognition letters, e.g. "A'' for NZ151, were applied in the same positions as the pre-war FAA squadron numbers." The book also goes on to say that NZ151 was returned to the R.N. in September 1945, so if they repainted her before return to the R.N. both photos may be correct. Hope this is of help

[davidd]

Silverfox,
I looked up "The First Decade" and on pages 18 and 19 there are photos of seven NZ Walruses. The photo you mention (NZ151 flying over Birkdale) is obviously the one on page 19, but to my eyes there is no doubt this aircraft is in overall silver (aluminium) dope, without any camouflage effect whatsoever. This in fact is one of a series of air-to-air photos taken of this aircraft in January 1945, from various angles, and it is definitely not camouflaged. One of the two last survivors in the RNZAF in 1947 WAS in camouflage, and there is no doubt that these aircraft seemed to have a good number of schemes during their ten years or so of service in New Zealand service (Navy and RNZAF). However camouflage for NZ151 in 1945 seems to me to be a non-starter from a historical viewpoint. Still there is no shortage of genuine and interesting schemes to choose from, including the one in camouflage finish with the Royal New Zealand Navy marking on rear fuselage, although from memory its serial number is unknown. This is the one moving through the water just of the slipway, with a TEAL Empire boat on the hardstanding in the background, presume Mechanics Bay.
David D

[silverfox]

Thanks guys, I think I'm conviced that NZ151 was overall aluminum and the two photos were taken on the same sortie. I'm happy with a single, but weathered scheme as time is tight for Telford.

Once again thatnks for taking the time to respond.

[A4k]

Great info guys, you just helped me too - thanks! :-)