Hellcat cowling delivery numbers

[gregv]

hello all

question about the three-digit numbers painted on Hellcat cowlings at the factory. Are these digits the last three of the Navy bureau number? Or are they some unrelated ferrying number?

Lastly, were they painted in enamel or in some temporary paint?

cheers

image below indiscriminately stolen from the internet:


greg v.

[mike furline]

Typically they would be the last 3 digits of the BuNo. # and probably more of a temporary nature. How temporary, I don't know.
The Corsair in the Fleet Air Arm Museum still shows remnants of its factory number painted on the cowling.

Regards,
Mike

[gregv]

Mike

funny that you mention the FAAM Corsair, I was thinking the exact same thing. I guess anything becomes permanent the longer you leave it on, unless it gets washed off by weather etc. before its had a chance to "etch" in.

thanks

Greg V.