Does anyone have and refs that detail USN paint colors and schemes for aircraft of Patrol Bombing Squadron 197 during the later stages of WWII? Looking for authentic PB4Y-2 Privateer paint.
Best I can do for you is to quote the Monogram U.S.Navy and Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide. Ammendment 1 to SR-2e, 30 Dec., 1944 says all patrol bombing a/c upper and lower wings and all horizontal tail surfaces were to be painted semi-gloss Sea Blue, and the entire fuselage was to be painted nonspecular Sea Blue. 197 wasn’t formed until Dec., 1944, and didn’t get -2 Privateers until 1945. The safest assumption would be any company’s Sea Blue, FSN 25042 and 15042.
I probably have what you need. I’ll post it here later.
Do you have a specific PB4Y-2 you’re modeling? Do you have the Bu No or nose number?
My Father trained bomber pilots for VPB-197 in WWII. So I have a 45 year collection of PB4Y-1 and PB4Y-2 photos and information.
59876 is the BuNo. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
http://public.fotki.com/Kos/members_photo_galle/pb4-y-mariner--a-ph/2008--the-pb4-y/
please see the link that shows what’s being worked on.
Here’s some history on 59876
http://www.warbirdregistry.org/b24registry/pb4y-59876.html
and some info on VPB-197 http://www.vpnavy.com/vp197_history.html
Note this small pic which appears to show one of the aircraft in a dark sea blue/intermediate blue/white scheme http://www.vpnavy.com/misc_2009/vpb197_06_20aug2009.jpg
and another one http://www.vpnavy.com/misc_2009/vpb197_03_20aug2009.jpg
Oh…That PB4Y-2!!! I’m glad they’re thinking about correcting the paint job. I was hoping it was an earlier more interesting Privateer but you deal with what you’re dealt with:-).
59876 was delivered from the factory in a dull sea blue overall color. Good for you…easy to do. The last mottle’d’ PB4Y-2 I have documented is 59873. Also as you will see, many PB4Y-2s were painted post-war to an overall gloss sea blue. And often with large graphics and Day-glo orange stripes. So that gives you a little to play with.
Here are a few photos to guide you to doing an accurate PB4Y-2 scheme. Note the Bu No paint job change…
But if you want a more interesting scheme, please let me know. I’ve got a few…
BTW…59873 had a red tipped tail in that last photo…
Also note that these Privateers were delivered with the complete Bu No stenciled on the nose. The Bomb group painted over that and added their own letter/number.
Thanks for everything, if you have any interior pics, detailing layout they would be much appreciated. I can get you in touch with the gentleman who is heading up the restoration.
http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=33114&p=331134#p331134
bits and pieces ready for authentic paint!
I’d love to be a part of this restoration. PM me.
Here’s one interior shot. I have more.
