Warbird Information Exchange

All-

Okay folks, question time! As work progresses on a scale model build of my Grandfather's B-17G from the 96th BG, I am curious about some colors on the real plane. The blind landing equipment antenna (directly in front of the astrodome) appears to be a different color than the obvious natural metal. I think it might be red, just like the nose band. It doesn't appear to be black, or olive drab. What say you? I think it's been painted red, but I have no clue really. Any input would be much appreciated! Here's a few photos:

0568.L.035 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

0568.L.055 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

0568.L.058 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

media-408595 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

- Dennis S.
Thornton, CO USA

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"We must bond together and fight as brothers or we will all die as fools."

From the factory they were flat black

I have seen numerous of these and owned a few. All of the ones I have seen are WWII Olive Drab, except the very top of the mast where all the antenna ends connect to the mast- it is black insulating rubber. I have never seen these in red, but I did see one which had red painted on the tips of the antenna ends, possibly to keep from poking an eye out.

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REMEMBER THE SERGEANT PILOTS!

Here's an NOS one for sale for a reference,

the top part is flat black on this example

https://aeroantique.com/products/antenna-as-27a-arn-5