Memphis Belle Color Question

[Uncarina]

Just ordered the 1/48 HK B-17F and I had a few questions if you don’t mind:

 

1) Was the Memphis Belle painted in US Olive Drab 41 and US Neutral Gray 43?

2) Were the contol surfaces and various panels a different color because they faded, or were they painted a different color?

3) What color were the green splotches?

4) Are there any other exterior colors applied (aside from markings)?

 

Thanks!  Tom

[tomprobert]

59 minutes ago, Uncarina said:

Just ordered the 1/48 HK B-17F and I had a few questions if you don’t mind:

 

1) Was the Memphis Belle painted in US Olive Drab 41 and US Neutral Gray 43?

2) Were the contol surfaces and various panels a different color because they faded, or were they painted a different color?

3) What color were the green splotches?

4) Are there any other exterior colors applied (aside from markings)?

 

Thanks!  Tom

1) Yes. Olive Drab over Neutral Grey as you state

2) Control surfaces, being fabric-covered, faded quicker than the surrounding metal but were OD when they left the factory

3) Medium Green

4) No - but the stars were 'greyed out' to make them less visible on the upper left wing. 

 

Hope that helps, 

Tom

[Uncarina]

Thanks Tom! I would assume then that the non-fabric surfaces appearing a different shade (eg, rudder panels) were just from overpainting or replacement/repairs.

 

Cheers,  Tom

Edited March 19, 2021 by Uncarina

[Juggernut]

and also the outer wing panels.

[Uncarina]

Thanks Jennings and Tim. That's what makes these subjects to visually appealing. I am tempted to put together a exterior paint and markings tweak list for the Memphis Belle for when she had finished her 25th mission but before the bond tour. For example, that her portside fuselage star was applied slightly crookedly, and the spot touch-ups that even the restoration didn't depict.

 

Cheers,  Tom

Edited March 19, 2021 by Uncarina