RAF Thunderbolts in India & Burma - British or US bombs? (Even if you can't answer the question, please enjoy the video.)

[MikeC]

I'm the first to admit my ordnance recognition skills lag somewhat behind my aircraft recognition skills, and I wondered if the collective expertise here on LSP can help me?

 

I have a Hasegawa P-47 that I want to finish as a British Thunderbolt Mk II of 79 Sqn.  My particular subject is KJ233/NV:G of 79 Sqn in Burma, seen at  2:55 in this short film:  https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060025281

 

There are various interesting points, including shots of bombs being loaded right at the start.  Can anyone identify whether these are British bombs, or US-supplied bombs?  If the latter, I can use the items in the kit.  It would, of course, be expected that the RAF supply chain supplied British bombs: but were the mountings, fusing systems, etc compatible or even common with the US systems in the P-47?  Or would appropriate mods have been undertaken to the aircraft?  Or did they use US-supplied bombs?

 

I'll put my can (of worms) opener away now: any information would be appreciated, and as the title says, enjoy the video anyway.

Edited May 10, 2022 by MikeC

[daveculp]

They look British to me, but I'm not an expert.

 

RAF bomb loading on Typhoon

 

Great video!

[LSP_Matt]

44 minutes ago, daveculp said:

They look British to me, but I'm not an expert.

 

RAF bomb loading on Typhoon

 

Great video!

They look British to me as well. The circular ring around the tail fins on the bombs seems to be a uniquely Brit thing. The bomb's shape also tapers towards the tail in a much more pronounced fashion than the US ones.

 

Great video.

 

Matty

[waroff]

it's British bomb, there is one suspension lug only (US bomb has two lugs)

[MikeC]

Thanks folks, British they are.  I must have some suitable examples in the spares box somewhere...

[thierry laurent]

British 500lb bombs as used on the Typhoon in ETO. MDC has some in their catalogue.

[Rockie Yarwood]

Definitely British bombs, but moreover wow what a great high quality color video. Lots of good info there. Thanks for the link Mike!

 

Cheers,  Rockie

[MikeC]

7 hours ago, thierry laurent said:

MDC has some in their catalogue.

Thanks one and all, and especially Thierry, that's useful info indeed.

 

[nmayhew]

Great video - shows just how filthy these birds got.

[MikeC]

34 minutes ago, nmayhew said:

Great video - shows just how filthy these birds got.

That's one reason this subject appealed to me - a chance to have a bit of fun with some weathering.  It's interesting how on some of the aircraft (eg KL231/V at 03:11) the dark earth appears to have faded until it looks green (is that the weathering or an effect of the film itself?)

Incidentally, has anyone else spotted the lone metal-finish bird at about 03:24? 

[MikeC]

On 5/10/2022 at 10:29 PM, thierry laurent said:

British 500lb bombs as used on the Typhoon in ETO. MDC has some in their catalogue.

MDC do indeed have some in their catalogue, in fact three subtly different types.  @Bob MDC which do you think? 

https://www.modeldesignconstruction.co.uk/details-conversions/49-mc500lb-tail-26-mk3-bomb.html

or https://www.modeldesignconstruction.co.uk/details-conversions/47-mc500lb-tail-28-mk2-bomb.html

or https://www.modeldesignconstruction.co.uk/details-conversions/48-mc500lb-tail-77-mk1-bomb.html?

[thierry laurent]

It looks the pictures show that type:

 

https://www.modeldesignconstruction.co.uk/details-conversions/47-mc500lb-tail-28-mk2-bomb.html

 

Hth

 

Thierry

[thierry laurent]

This pdf is available here and there on the web. This is one of the best sources about WW2 British bombs (with an old PSL book named "bombs gone"):

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjM5KfWxdn3AhWPy4UKHV9wDzwQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstephentaylorhistorian.files.wordpress.com%2F2020%2F02%2Fusnbd-british-bombs-and-pyrotechnics.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1niCqsf2cmFDOuvfA8yxHi

 

or

 

https://www.scribd.com/doc/47562908/British-Bombs-and-Fuzes

 

This may help. There is also a wartime German analysis that shows all British bombs with their markings but I cannot remember where I found it!

[Kagemusha]

On 5/11/2022 at 9:53 AM, MikeC said:

That's one reason this subject appealed to me - a chance to have a bit of fun with some weathering.  It's interesting how on some of the aircraft (eg KL231/V at 03:11) the dark earth appears to have faded until it looks green (is that the weathering or an effect of the film itself?)

Incidentally, has anyone else spotted the lone metal-finish bird at about 03:24? 

 

I think that one's painted extra dark sea grey/dark green, as they were originally painted, if I remember correctly, the extra dark sea grey was over-painted dark earth when they were transiting Egypt. 

 

 

Great film, thanks for posting.

[John1]

Fantastic weathering reference.   Also compare the absolutely filthy bomb casings to the immaculate tailfins.    A common feature that many modelers miss.