Bristol Scout rudder?

AHC-ED · 13 May 2012, 06:58 PM

I've just come across a Bristol rudder with the letters "C B" and below it the numbers "14994". By the shape of it, it looks very much like it is from a Bristol Scout (the "Bristol" is in the usual font).

Can anyone tell me what the letters and numbers signify and whether it is possible to identify the actual aircraft it belonged to?

'14-'18aviationcollector · 14 May 2012, 01:42 AM

Hi Eric,

The "CB" refers to the doping scheme, almost certainly Cellon Scheme B. The numbers might also refer to the doping scheme, since they are too large a number to be a serial number, and are probably even too long to be a manufacturers' number. I have seen quite a few similar stencils but I can assure you that it's quite a task to decode them!

Is the rudder privately owned, and if so, is it for sale?

Regards,

David.

AHC-ED · 14 May 2012, 01:19 PM

Hi David,

Thanks for the info. What would the Scheme B refer to? Since the rudder already has the 3 blue, white and red stripes.

It's actually on display at the Omaka AHC, but tucked away in the background. Hence my use of "just come across"

So it is not for sale!

'14-'18aviationcollector · 14 May 2012, 05:34 PM

You're very welcome Eric!

Contrary to what seem to be commonly held beliefs, PC10 and the National colours evolved, and were manufactured by several different companies.

Cellon certainly seems to have been one of the most prolific manufacturers of British aeroplane dope, but there were others and the stencils found on components indicate which company manufactured the dope applied to each particular aeroplane, and which version was used. There must have been some compatibility issues between different schemes and / or manufacturer's products, or perhaps the scheme used was recorded in order to allow patching or replacement of parts with minimal differences in shade. Even so, I have seen plenty of photographic evidence to indicate that when aeroplanes were rebuilt or repaired they were often a real mixture of parts and probably colours, although it is impossible to be certain with black and white films, particularly the early films used at that time. They don't always show colours and shades as you would expect them to appear.

I haven't seen a lot of information written on the subject, and as I was saying it's a monumental task to try to decipher the codes used. Ian Huntley is the primary expert who comes to mind, and some clues can be found in his work. I assume that the CB refers to the version of PC10 used, even though in this case the code is applied to the rudder, although it could refer to all of the colours used - PC10, and the National colours. If I recall correctly the red and white were revised at least once and the blue was revised twice (although I might be confusing the revision of the white and blue with each other). PC10 seems to have been revised at least 3 or 4 times, and that does not include the early pigmented varnishes.

CB, if I am correct in my assumption indicates Cellon Scheme B, so presumably it would have been the second variation of dope colours manufactured by Cellon. It, and the code 14994 certainly refer to the variation of PC10 used, and possibly the version of the red, white and blue National markings.

Regards,

David.