Nose colours of the Camels.

[Thomas Trauner]

Hello aerodromeonites,

in a German model-board the question appeared if there was a rule concerning the different colouring of the Camel´s "noses" .
Well, we all know that in some cases the metal parts are “natural” in some other cases they are “grey” or PC10. The wooden parts are found in “natural” , in grey or in green, also.

So – was there a rule or not ? Did it depend on the manufacturer, on the squadron or simply on time ? Or no rule at all ?

Thanks

Thomas

[Romani]

I have wondered the same thing myself, the following thread may be of interest

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/ca...-aircraft.html


Generally speaking, in Camels, bare metal or grey painted noses belong to the 1918 period. Examine photos and profile captions.

Hope this helps.

[bristol scout]

Originally Posted by Thomas Trauner

Hello aerodromeonites,

in a German model-board the question appeared if there was a rule concerning the different colouring of the Camel´s "noses" .
Well, we all know that in some cases the metal parts are “natural” in some other cases they are “grey” or PC10. The wooden parts are found in “natural” , in grey or in green, also.

So – was there a rule or not ? Did it depend on the manufacturer, on the squadron or simply on time ? Or no rule at all ?

Thanks

Thomas

In fact it did depend on the manufacturer--they all had their 'styles' as it were.

Sopwith built machines invariably left the factory with 'engine turned' polished whorls on aluminium cowlings and side panels---and any number of easily accessed photos. show (early and/or late) service Pups, Strutters triplanes and Camels with these polished front ends.

They were, of course often painted over at squadron or pilot whim---but just as often left--especially in R.N.A.S. use--Sopwith being an admiralty contractor.

The company making the aeroplane tended to finish it in their own style---sometimes ---like Westland or Mann-Egerton this copied Sopwith style----sometimes, like, say, Standard built Pups it differed.

Dave.

[Thomas Trauner]

Thanks, Dave and Romani.
That the manufacturer is the point, was my impression too.

Thomas