Warbird Restor. 101, Wing Walkway surface...

[Triplane102]

We read & talk about the latest restorations being done to exact ( as can be ) as they were in WWII, but what about the "Walkway" area, what kind of material was used in different countries to create the rough texture walkways, AND what is being used NOW to recreate that surface ? is that judged also at OSH. ? Thanks in advance !!

[John Dupre]

I know from working on a TBM Avenger that they originally used some kind of grit impregnated fabric that I think was glued to the wing and held down at the edges by riveted strips of metal.

Nowadays the most common technique is grit impregnated paint or adhesive backed paper with a grit surface, at least for general aviation aircraft.

[airnutz]

I know from working on a TBM Avenger that they originally used some kind of grit impregnated fabric that I think was glued to the wing and held down at the edges by riveted strips of metal.

Nowadays the most common technique is grit impregnated paint or adhesive backed paper with a grit surface, at least for general aviation aircraft.

...And commonly referred to as "non-skid". Used in the Navy as well, on walkways inside and outside in areas exposed to the weather or safety areas. The whole superstructure deck of our diesel sub had non-skid applied with paint rollers. When looking at a nuke boat you'll see 2 areas of black paint, one is non-skid commonly along the spine and leading to superstructure line lockers and hatch entries...but I digress...

[Triplane102]

Thanks John & airnutz ! Who knows, maybe someday we'll learn each air forces techniques during WWII for such "Stuff"!

[airnutz]

...Who knows, maybe someday we'll learn each air forces techniques during WWII for such "Stuff"!

OH THAT! THE TOPIC! BWAAHHAAWW! Tony, in light of your insistance to have the correct answer, I called a coupla old timers until I got ahold of the guy who knows the specs and performance of the projects of the Vought historic group. He says the non-skid was brushed on per factory spec in WW2.
I'll go with that until some other OT comes along for a confirmation...
EDIT
I forgot to mention, you would define the borders with masking tape and peel it off after it set up a bit lest you fuse the masking tape to the walkway border. Very sloppy, generally frowned upon by the foreman or Leading Petty Officer causing extra duty of a less technical nature.

[Triplane102]

Thanks Airnutz ! , Now I can move on to the copper coating on some prop blades (?)
Keep Warbirding ! Everyone !!

[bdk]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/se ... PE&x=0&y=0

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/c ... kkey=49844

[Lynn Allen]

Then there is the PMA approved Tractor Supply stock...

[Triplane102]

Thanks bdk ! Cool stuff ! ( I better be careful, or I'm going to be reported to the Humane Society for " Cruelty " for beating this dead horse ! )