New P-39 restoration? ...

[Mark Allen M]

Almost looks like it. Beautiful photo taken around 1942/43.

Bell P-39N-1 Airacobra 42-9719 Conv to P-39N-2-BE wo 27 Apr 1944 at Cayce, SC

Last edited by Mark Allen M on Tue Oct 09, 2018 1:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[raconnel]

Ooh-la-la!

[bdk]

What is the meaning of the wing stripes? War games or testing?

I'm guessing with the star the photo dates from its earlier N-1 configuration? What did the upgrade to the N-2-BE do?

[Mark Allen M]

I'm thinking those are yellow stripes on the wings that seem faded. Not sure, but I'd also think this was a stateside trainer.
Below is what J Baugher states on the P-39N-2-BE:

http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p39_14.html

[airnutz]

Yup, I saw the Baugher page too, but after looking around a few spots I was unable to find what BE denoted. Anyone know?

[Randy Wilson]

Yup, I saw the Baugher page too, but after looking around a few spots I was unable to find what BE denoted. Anyone know?

BE is the code for the manufacturer, Bell Aircraft. I have a very old web page with some of the others, just scroll down a ways here:
http://rwebs.net/avhistory/acdesig/usarmy.htm

Note that I don't maintain the site but just leave the info available. Maybe someday I'll make a new site.

Randy

[airnutz]

Ahhh...Thanks Sir!

[Cubs2jets]

There are things about this picture that make me think it is colorized.

And there are things that don't.

However it is a great picture of a P-39!

C2j

[raconnel]

I'm inclined to think it may be a color-shifted slide that's been digitally repaired.

Richard

[Mark Allen M]

Not 'colorized. nor altered.

[avenger2504]

Great photo! Never knew the P39 had wing guns too. Still learning.

[Mark Allen M]

Here's a nice shot that is a bit unusual. Anyone's willing to correct me, but it sure looks like this stateside P-39 is all Olive Drab both top and bottom.

[Deuelly]

Except for the gray underbelly.

[C VEICH]

Very clearly appears to be OD over Neutral Gray to my eyes.

[Mark Allen M]

Hmmm! Just doesn't look grey to me. Sure looks OD on the nose wheel well doors which should be grey as well if indeed grey. But that's me.