Warbird Information Exchange

Found this in a local flea market for $10. Framing on it was quite old, and when the backing was removed, saw the following stamp in red: RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION AIRPLANE DIVISION.

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Bob

I understand that was an experimental camouflage paint job used in conjunction with Army maneuvers.

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"I can't understand it, I cut it twice and it's still too short!" Robert F. Dupre' 1923-2010 Go With God.

This is the 27th Pursuit Squadron CO's ship circa late 1939. The 27th's P-36Cs were each painted in a different temporary camo scheme specifically for the outfit's appearance at the 1939 Cleveland Air Races. These particular schemes were never actually used during wargames.

Interesting... I've seen this photo many times in publications and whatnot, but have never before noticed the US national insignia showing through the paint on the bottom of the starboard wing... fellow modelers take note!

You can see a photo from my collection showing this and other 27th ships in their temp schemes HERE, and a color shot from one of Jeff Ethell's books HERE.


Fade to Black...

Some more from my collection...






A closer look at some of the Hawks in the above shot...






I believe this is the same Hawk seen in the first photo I posted above.







A closer look...



All photos: Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection)


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Wasn't the camo water based and in some cases a real PITA to remove. Just read an article in an old aviation magazine of mine and believe it or not, the odd colors and wavy patterns were actually more effective in 'hiding' the aircraft from overhead observers and the purple helped them blend in better with the ground. Wasn't there something in RETROMECHANIX a couple of months ago about tests done on this style of camoflage and how effective it was?

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

Dana Bell went into the temporary colours in one of his books. The purple was a very effective colour, but almost impossible to remove completely.
The recommended scheme for the F-117 was purple, mauve and cornflower blue - better camo, but not as sexy as black.

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Lest Hero-worship raise it's head and cloud our vision, remember that World War II was fought and won by the same sort of twenty-something punks we wouldn't let our daughters date.