USAF stencils

[L2Driver]

All:
Looking for info on how aircraft unit markings are applied to USAF aircraft. Using the below as an example, is this shield applied using a stencil, is it a decal, etc? I'm actually looking specifically for the old 81st TFW and USAFE shields but this image illustrates the basic color/shape.



Thanks

[Ken]

WIXer Leon who goes by "usaf ssgt" was in the paint shop at Bergstrom during the RF-4 days, consider a PM to him. If you really come up short, I could probably work through some of my C-130 crew chief buddies for a contact in my old unit's paint shop.

Ken

[L2Driver]

Thanks, Ken!

[usaf ssgt]

When I was first assigned to Bergstrom, we were painting both the "wing" and "command" patches on using stencils. Later on, we were applying them using full color decals.

From the picture you posted, it looks to me that those were a stenciled emblem.

Seems to me, that we use a decal, cut into the different shapes and colors, and used them as templates, (one template for each color), to create the stencils.

The decals were a lot easier, (but they did come off, from time to time!)

Leon

[L2Driver]

Just a quick update.

I was able to find a former paint-shop tech from RAF Bentwaters who served in the 1980s and still had the full-size, subdued-colored shields used on the jets. He had both the 81st TFW and USAFE decals. I consider myself extremely fortunate that he was willing to send me full-size, high-res scans of both.

Check an item off the bucket list!

[Ken]

That's awesome news, congrats!

[cco23i]

I know our 135 markings were done with large "stickers" made on a "Gerber" machine.

Scott