Warbird Information Exchange

Just out of curiosity, are there any warbirds about with roughly painted invasion stripes. I did enjoy the shots of the C-47 with brush marks, and I'm further wondering if there are any preserved aircraft which replicate just how rough some of the stripes were applied?

Cheers,
Matt

_________________
Matt Austin - playing with warbirds since the early 80s.

See my Lee-Enfield videos at - http://www.youtube.com/user/Jollygreenslugg

Have a search Matt, we've discussed this on WIX at least twice! I can't search at the mo, so if you find answers, please attach the links...

From memory, the P-47 at the American air Museum, Duxford has hand-painted stripes, but not 'rough'.

HTH.

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

G'day James,

I had a search before I posted this. Indeed, I was thinking of the "Show us your stripes" thread when I posted the question. I figured that a new thread which specifically mentioned the rough stripes may trigger some other answers, while a repeated post in that thread may be overlooked. I do hope that this isn't improper forum use.

Thank you, though.

Cheers,
Matt

_________________
Matt Austin - playing with warbirds since the early 80s.

See my Lee-Enfield videos at - http://www.youtube.com/user/Jollygreenslugg

I believe the USAF Museum's Mosquito is one.

August

The problem with 'realistic' stripes is that the effect would only be appreciated by a few gee... umm cognoscenti. To most casual observers, Mom, Pop and the kids at an airshow, it would just look like a really poor paint job.

And I'd wager that none of the aircraft that wore them had anything like the gloss, polished finishes we see on today's warbirds so they (rough stripes) wouldn't be realistic anyway. Just like shiny preserved steam locomotives - they never looked like that !

WallyB you are right. The average smoe just wouldn't understand it unless the owner or someone in the know who loves talking airplanes explains this to the minions that go to airshows. That is when I am at my happiest! I love talking to people and telling the history of the plane type, the recovery and restoration of a particular plane and about aircraft in general. It could be added to the talking points board that some owners put in front of their airplane so they don't have to answer the same question over and over.

But you are right.

I recall reading that the invasion stripes were hastilly installed less than 48 hrs before the invasion ( these markings were top secret ) There was also a picture of ground cew applying them with brushes and the stripes were VERY crudely painted on. They did not even bother to mask anything off , just applied them by hand .
Wish I could remember the book I saw this in.
As stated above one must remember that 95% of the warbirds out there have finishes that look nothing like the actual aircraft finishes. This has been repeated to me over and over by surviving aircrew.
My aircraft is almost ready for a re paint but and looks it when sitting beside my friends pristine example of the same type. However, in reality mine looks much more realistic , looking like it just came off the line.
Would be interesting to discuss this with the judges at Oshkosh and hear their opinions.

_________________
...it was a plane adrift beneath the moon moving serenely thru beams like an angel of the night .....fair as a song ........aloof from mortal dreams

Here's some prior discussion on the issue (and some terrific invasion stripe photos).

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=41267