RNZAF Lockheed Hudson

[Stormkahn]

I like to work to a theme when build up aircraft, one of my themes atm is Cactus Air Force base, Guadal canal.

No. 3 Squadron RNZAF flying Lockheed Hudson flew out of there and Helmut do a model for that. Result!

The problem I'm having is using the WWW I'm getting sod and all back about their colour schemes and markings after many hours of hunting. What I do have seems contradictory as well.

Does anybody have any sources they can point me towards please?

Cheers,

Dave.

[richard m schwab]

Dave!

Here are some shot of Hudson's i found! The museum claims to be authentic colors!

Rich

[Stormkahn]

Thanks Richard, I'm not found anything very specific. It seems that 3 Squadron flew in RAF colours, so Dark Earth/Dark Green/Sky with RAF roundels? However it also seems many were repainted fairly promptly with a blue/grey colour replacing the Dark Earth. The blue/grey seems to be indeterminate as well, I have a reference that says PRU Blue will do the trick but others which poo poo that.

No mention of roundels although as per your pictures they changed at some point. The pictures I've found don't seem to have codes either.

Some the old model kits for this a/c have RNZAF decals but I've not been able to track a copy of the paint scheme or decals which would be ideal.

http://crimso.msk.ru/Images6/JS/Janes46-1/27-1.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/94/RNZAF_Lockheed_Hudson_MoTaT_2007.JPG

thanks for the help.
Dave.

[richard m schwab]

Dave!

There i something very important to remember! Planes built by US companies had official RAF paint schemes, but not the exact color. They were the best match for the samples supplied. If you have ever tried to research WW2 Russian paint colors there is the official color and then what the factory had to put on.

Rich

[Stormkahn]

LOL, too true Rich, and then they were mixed by colour blind mechanics from dodgy notes at the front after which they faded....

I'm not too stressed about the exact blue/grey but as of now I'm not sure if it is that or dark earth they turned upto Henderson Airfield in. NZ roundels or RAF?

I was hoping for something more unusual than standard BoB RAF :)

[Charlie3]

Dave!

Here are some shot of Hudson's i found! The museum claims to be authentic colors!

RichSnort...Don't they always?:rolleyes:...I feel your pain Stormkahn...Sometimes I wish I could get away with painting models like all the pictures we often see...3 shades of grey, black and white. Arguments about color and hue are the reason I haven't entered a model contest for about 20 years! Unless it really bothers you I guess I would pick a scheme you like the looks of and do it...If you are having trouble finding reference so is everyone else. Besides you can always repaint if you find out you were totally off, or claim the ground crew used what they had!;) Good Luck!

[Stormkahn]

Thanks Charlie, I'd hoped that some of those ANZACs out there would have something on their bookself that could shed some light ;)

I'm going to paint it up as RoYZ from Rich's 1st pic, I like the look of it :)

Job Done.

[richard m schwab]

Dave!

I PM some of our New Zealand cousins to see they could help on this issue. One confusing factor is this they planes had RAF markings factory applied, they no doubt received proper insignia in time!

Rich

[Linz]

Hi Guys WW2 no longer my field so no books on shelf but have brought up these sites for you to have a look at.
Seems we didn't go to the Red Kiwi Roundal till Mid to late 1960's so sorry you are stuck with british markings.
http://www.thescale.info/news/publish/RNZAF-Lockheed-Hudsons.shtml
http://crimso.msk.ru/Site/Arts/Art3372.htm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/willp/sets/72157624016622280/
http://motataircraft.blogspot.com/2007/12/de-havilland-dh98-mosquito-t43.html (For Blue colour)
http://www.uswarplanes.net/lockheedtwin.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RNZAF_Lockheed_Hudson_MoTaT_2007.JPG
Hope they are of some help
Linz

[Stormkahn]

Linz, you're a star! That 1st link is spot on, may have to actually order the mini now... :clap: :thumbsup:

[richard m schwab]

Lindsay!

Great finds. just what Dave needed!:clap:


Rich

[Linz]

On my trip back from Aussie I stopped in at RNZAF museum at Wigram
Heres some photos from there
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13931&d=1306668331
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13965&d=1306668563
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13961&d=1306668537
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13932&d=1306668338
Check out the rest in my Album
Linz

[richard m schwab]

Linz!

I was reading my friends Osprey book on the Hudson just yesterday. A timely post!

Rich

[Stormkahn]

Linz that's a Beaut!!

[Linz]

While not a WW2 fan Knowing you guys where interested in these had to get the pics. Hope they are of some help. I had forgotten the blue on blue roundels that where used in the pacific theatre to stop the Americans from shooting at our red centered roundels that they thought were Japanese
Linz

[Stormkahn]

They're great Linz, what colour do you feel the underside was? Looks more cream in that light?

[Linz]

Yes it is a cream check my album it has an underside of a wing photo (wigram) I would go about two shades lighter than photo to be closer to actural colour (a smiggen lighter)
Linz