OT: Avro Lancaster Squadron markings.

[itifonhom]

Hi guys!

I'm into skinning a 3D model of an Avro Lancaster lately but I don't know how the Squadron markings should change from aircraft to aircraft. What I want to do is show five or six aircraft flying in formation but have no idea what their markings should look like. No need for accurate historic representation, I need just a plausible variation, a rule of thumb, anybody knows anything about this matter?

 

Many thanks in advance for any feedback!

[rjw]

The following are Canadian Squadron's but may be useful to you!

 

Hpe it helps

 

Try this link: www.canadianwings.com/Shop/products.php?cat=41

 

[rjw]

One other link you might find useful. There is reference to the "Flight" assignments in this link:

 

http://www.manitobamilitaryaviationmuseum.com/PDF/419Squadron.pdf

[rjw]

A GOOGLE search on "photos of 419 moose squadron" brings up some photos with markings of some of the Lanc's of 419

[33LIMA]

TThe first two letters - those to the left of the RAF roundel - are the squadron code and will be identical for all aircraft in any specific squadron - eg 460 Squadron's squadron code was AR. The third letter, the one to the rght of the roundel, was the individual aircraft letter and was unique for each aircarft in the squadron - eg AR-P would have been aircraft 'P for Peter' (in the phoenetic alphabet of the time), AR-G would have been 'George'. The serial number, on the fuselage to the rear of the codes, was of course unique for each aircraft. AR-G's serial number was W4783:

 

http://en.wikipedia....ki/G_for_George

 

Squadron codes for wartime Lancs were of course red., sometimes outlined in yellow but most often just red.

 

IIRC, the individual aircraft letter was often repeated, smaller, either side of the nose, behind the bomb-aimer's 'blister' window.

 

You should try to pick a serial number from a batch that was used for the Mark of Lancaster you are modelling, preferably one used by an actual aircraft in the squadron planes, easy to find an example online. No need to invent a squadron code, when you can use a real one

Edited April 8, 2012 by 33LIMA

[itifonhom]

Thanks guys, great replies and some great help here, you guys are wonderful!! Now, some short research and on to painting!!!

 

Thanks guys, great replies and some great help here, you guys are wonderful!! Now, some short research and on to painting!!!

[shredward]

http://www.btinternet.com/~lee_mail/rafcodes.html

[33LIMA]

This might be of interest too, the old Profile Publications issue on the Lancaster:

 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/4661514/Aircraft-Profile-065-The-Avro-Lancaster-I

[carrick58]

Awsome, Good reads

[itifonhom]

Yes indeed, some great info here, thanks a lot guys, really appreciated!

[Bullethead]

The first two letters - those to the left of the RAF roundel - are the squadron code and will be identical for all aircraft in any specific squadron - eg 460 Squadron's squadron code was AR. The third letter, the one to the rght of the roundel, was the individual aircraft letter and was unique for each aircarft in the squadron - eg AR-P would have been aircraft 'P for Peter' (in the phoenetic alphabet of the time)...,

 

Just remember that the plane was only AR-P on the left side. On the right side, it was P-AR, because there wasn't enough room between the roundel and the tail for 2 letters.

[33LIMA]

Just remember that the plane was only AR-P on the left side. On the right side, it was P-AR, because there wasn't enough room between the roundel and the tail for 2 letters.

 

Lancs had plenty of room on the right:

 

[Bullethead]

Lancs had plenty of room on the right:

 

With the roundel that far forward, did they have the opposite problem?