Original chippy paint scheme

[vmcdemo]

Hello everyone,

This will be my first post on this forum but have perused for quite some time.

A quick question for people in the know. I am an expat living in the USA and may have an opportunity to purchase an ex RAF UAS Dehavilland DHC1 Chipmunk.
I’m thinking of returning it to its original paint, my question is about the orange markings on the 60s era chippies, paint or vinyl wrap? Easy to replicate or purchase?

Thank you

Dave

[NutLoose]

Dave I do have a pdf file of the RAF painters and finishers manual that includes the chippie, some was dayglo tape if I remember correctly some paint, I will try to find the manual and upload it for you, in the mean time.

[vmcdemo]

NutLoose, that would be great! thank you.

[mikemmb]

You have no doubt already found the wonderful thread started by the much missed Coffmanstarter entitled “RAF Chipmunks” in the military section .....but just in case?

It is not about the painting process itself but is full of info and photos of markings throughout its service.

[Davef68]

Originally paint then replaced by tape

[oldmansquipper]

Early ones had yellow bands, IIRC? Unless it served at RAFC Cranwell, then it could have those rather nice blue ones...

The 'dopey painters manual' would be great to see.

[Davef68]

If it's solid, it's paint; if it's strips it's tape

Paint Pic from the net)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1183/83ecac490a4e20cb2f7ffd356460d2e9_91646d3b175171a648d83e22346 bc7d7840c2ac7.jpg

Tape


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/798x546/011_20church_20fenton_4e392f520b72c806e6637dbaeccdcf9e21945f af.jpg

[Mr Grimsdale]

If it's solid, it's paint; if it's strips it's tape

Paint Pic from the net)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1183/83ecac490a4e20cb2f7ffd356460d2e9_91646d3b175171a648d83e22346 bc7d7840c2ac7.jpg



Biggin Hill, Southern Apron?

[vmcdemo]

Yep, Davef68 second pic! mikemmb I have seen all the lovely pics in the "RAF chipmunks" thread. After a little research it was flown at RAF Hamble at University Air Squadron Southampton WP829 before being sold to the Kenyan Air Force in the 70s
It was basically silver with the orange dayglow stipes.

I have also seen this with a subtle light grey and the orange, which I think might look a little better, not sure though. I mean I like it, just think there are better paint jobs. But in the interest of originality...

I'll have to give this some thought.

Thanks for all the responses everyone

[Fareastdriver]

On the 8th January 1965 I picked up WP850 and flew it from Marham to Honington to be the basis of flying currency for 90 Sqn's Valiant co-pilots, the Valiant having been grounded rather suddenly.

This was finished in Grey/Green day camouflage finish owing to its previous role, before being stored at Kemble, as a reconnaissance aircraft during the Cyprus troubles.

After three months giving air experience to the squadron ground crew I left the squadron but I know this aircraft is still active , albeit in a different colour scheme, with a different cockpit hood, in the United States.

[WB627]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x555/manston_1aef_1968_7cf2400cf4e3dd77239e7df890f1ee19b39f770c.j pg

1968 WB627 silver airframe and thick sticky black plastic dayglow. There were rolls of it on the flight for minor
repairs and silhouettes of Chipmunks etc, for staffers cars.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x476/manston_1aef_1975_aba4d5d193646a9c35fbd14afc1f1017cc99c941.j pg
21st June 1975 WG458. The colour scheme had changed to red, white and grey; the flying suits had changed from
blue to green and the bone domes had changed from silver (Mk 1c?) to white (Mk 2A).

Between the two schemes, the silver and dayglow changed to grey and dayglow stipes. I believe that originally as
delivered from the factory, they were silver airframes with yellow bands around the fuselage as noted above.

[WB627]

And a link to a 1958 article in Flight on the formation of 1 AEF at Biggin Hill. Unfortunately, the photos are black and white, but silver and yellow was the standard colour scheme for RAF trainers at the time.

https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1958/1958-1-%20-%200834.html (https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1958/1958-1-%20-%200834.html)

Rolls of dayglow sticky back plastic were IIRC, about 2ft wide and several yards long; you cut to size/shape, peeled off a backing sheet and applied it to the airframe/car/bone dome etc.

[ASRAAMTOO]

Dave,

I appreciate your desire for an original paint scheme and I realise its all a matter of personal opinion but its worth researching the history of the aircraft if you do get it. You may well find that some of its life was spent in a more attractive paint scheme!

[Dora-9]

Unless it served at RAFC Cranwell, then it could have those rather nice blue ones...

Oldman, are you aware that the first batch of Chipmunks for the RAFC did NOT have the yellow wing bands either?

A quick summary of RAF Chipmunk colour schemes:

1. The introduction scheme - overall cellulose High Speed Silver with yellow bands (except as mentioned above).

2. 1958/59, yellow bands removed in favour of painted Day Glo panels (various patterns, but the layout shown in Post #7 the definitive one).

3. 1961 (ish), due to paint instability issues, the painted panels replaced by the 3M adhesive strips. There are three possible configurations of the strips on the rear fuselage: (a) 2 parallel strips with the lower strip more or less centred on the top of the roundel (post #11), (b) and additional third lower strip and (c) two strips, centred on the roundel and tapering aft. Cowl side strips appeared in two variations also, either (a) rectangular or (b) with rounded leading edges. It seems that the second nose strip configuration only ever appeared with the third rear fuselage layout.

4. 1966, the MoD introduce polyurethane paints with Light Aircraft Grey replacing Silver (they're tonally very similar; a deliberate choice). The earliest application for a Chipmunk that I can find is c.1969.

5. 1970 the new colours of Red/White & LAG appear, initially on aircraft of 2 FTS (indeed, by the time of its closure in 1974, all of its Chipmunks were in this scheme) . This is not the scheme shown in Post #11; it comprised red lower fuselage, wingtips, wind leading edges, wingroots and tailplane - all fabric horizontal surfaces were in LAG.

6. 1971 a second scheme using the same colours promulgated, this is the more familiar one with red outer wing panels, red elevators and LAG wingroots. What was wrong with the first permutation I wonder? The first examples of this scheme appeared around 1974/75, and a few aircraft subsequently could be seen in a hybrid scheme, i.e. the "new" wing and elevator treatment but retaining the red wingroots. The last example of this I can find was in 1978.

A few more things to think about - the advertised "life" of the polyurethane paints was 7 years, the cellulose paint obviously less, given the low utilization rate of the RAF's Chipmunk fleet some aircraft would have "skipped" one or even two of the schemes, so around the mid 1970's it would have been possible to see Chipmunks in all four of the schemes (silver, grey and the 2 R/W/LAG schemes). Adding a further complication, in B&W photos it can be hard to tell if it's silver or grey (remember what I said about tonal similarities?).

It's a surprisingly complex subject...

[vmcdemo]

Dora,

Thanks, I can't post pics until I have 10 posts but I'll post past and present paint schemes when I have the number of posts

[weemonkey]

[QUOTE=Davef68;10607651]If it's solid, it's paint; if it's strips it's tape

Paint Pic from the net)

Davef68..

In the top picture, one does appreciate the two air cadets guarding "their" aircraft, the redcap with his white sleeves and the two other red caps [one a witness 'natch] watching him !!

{sorry I can't show your image, one is on "restrictions" at the moment. ;) }

[Warmtoast]

As Dora-9 mentioned in #14

1. The introduction scheme - overall cellulose High Speed Silver with yellow bands (except as mentioned above).

Here's two of my photos taken at 5FTS (RAF Thornhill) S. Rhodesia in 1951. The yellow band was on the fuselage from the front of the tail fin forward for about two feet.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x456/chipmunkt10_f96285bf73a55fed26bae3de1ac428647e5917fe.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x436/thornhill_chipmunk_25fe20a63adc548b9868dbeddd3104513ff76e2a. jpg

[Dora-9]

Both of these Chipmunks were with 5 FTS at Thornhill, I believe the red nose cowl was exclusive to that unit. WG351 became VH-SJD, the prototype SA29 "Spraymaster" - it survived exactly one day on the Australian Register before being written off!

[Dora-9]

I'm not very good at posting pictures, but here are a few to mull over.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/919x564/wg307_birmingham_uas_shawbury_sept_1971_ab__dfb4ef3dcda29cf8 a5fb2b5505c3185555f76e34.jpg
Chipmunks of Edinburgh UAS, c.1973 Note the two different styles of applying the fuselage DayGlo strips. Both aircraft sport white canopy frames, a feature which was not that uncommon.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1407x806/probably_taken_at_little_rissington_from_the_top_wp807_15_fr om_cfs_then_wk643_39_then_wk507_36_and_wg478_20_all_from_2_f ts_w331705437_0eacdf59d2a392682b85dba85e54e4e255db77f6.jpeg
WD347 of CFS, c.1974. Overall grey but possibly with a white canopy again, but note the variation in the strip colours on the wings.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1428x1268/chippies_18d2bf53ed7fb31f03600b8556b863a0f9ae9c31.jpg
Probably the best comparison photo I can find of the two R/W/LAG schemes. Both are restorations, but very accurate. I would say that I kinow, as I was involved with both, but I went to great pains to get them correct....

[India Four Two]

4. 1966, the MoD introduce polyurethane paints with Light Aircraft Grey replacing Silver (they're tonally very similar; a deliberate choice). The earliest application for a Chipmunk that I can find is c.1969.

Dora 9, This photo was taken at Shawbury in July 1968, during the de Havilland Trophy competition.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x564/wd353_img_2078_72846e26967f413e45ae3a3dd23a9b2a82d41432.jpg

Given the date, I'm fairly sure the UBAS Chipmunks were repainted in the grey-with-white canopy scheme during the summer of 1967. The UHF mod was fitted at the same time. A definite SA downgrade since almost all the other movements at Shawbury were using VHF - Marshall's Vampires and Piston Provosts.

Chipmunks of Edinburgh UAS, c.1973

I don't wish to seem overly pedantic ;), but those are UBAS Chipmunks, although neither of them was on the fleet in my time.

[Dora-9]

A total brain-fart, OF COURSE they're from UBAS! Cheers.

Thank you too, that's the earliest dated photo I've seen of the overall LAG scheme.

[India Four Two]

At our age, we are allowed the occasional brain-fart!

When I joined UBAS in early 1967, the fleet was silver with stick-on dayglo and had VHF radios. The new scheme and the UHF mod must have been applied over the Summer, which was when maintenance and painting was done, after Summer Camp (Binbrook that year) and before the Autumn Term, That would account for the colour scheme in the picture of WD353 in July 1968.

[possel]

No one has mentioned the RN Chipmunks at Roborough. I recall (while at HQRAFSC c.1987) that we had a contract with Slingsbys to repaint a number of Chipmunks including a couple of RN ones. The delivery pilot (ex RAF) told me that he thought it was odd, when he arrived there with their first aircraft after repaint, that all the ones he could see were slightly different to the one he was in. It turned out that the Navy had repainted them at some stage and made various changes to the official drawings (which were of course the ones referenced in the contract). I think the differences incuded the colour of the canopy, the amount of red on the wingtips and the position of the roundel on the wing (but there may have been more).

We also sorted replacement aircraft (WG466 & WG486) for Gatow, as they wanted the up to date radio (I forget if that was UHF or VHF) instead of the 10 channel jobs. Then they said they wanted them in grey not red and white, so I told Shawbury to use the correct drawing but to use grey where it said "red" or "white"! WG486 is with the BBMF now; it had been repainted in black but is now in grey/dayglo.

[Dora-9]

Re: WG466 and WG486 - I think overall LAG was normal for all the Chipmunks of the Gatow Station Flight, as WP850 and WZ862 also appeared in this scheme. WG478 was the exception, there in May/June 1987 and again April/May 1994, but it was only intended as a "reserve" aircraft.

I'm a little confused by the description of how Slingsby were told to do the overall LAG (maybe I shouldn't be) as this was previously well described in DH's Mod H.293 dated 24.6.1970.

[vmcdemo]

I like the 3rd colour scheme with the poly grey and the dayglo

[vmcdemo]

Or maybe I'll go with the red, white and black

[vmcdemo]

I haven't quite decided yet

[vmcdemo]

But I can show everyone

[vmcdemo]

what she used to look like

[vmcdemo]

when I have 10 posts

[vmcdemo]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/787x598/chipmunk_4b8706fe5a5fd0eea4e4172576bb1cc731bae03f.jpg
This was when she was at the UAS Southampton at RAF Hamble

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/674x450/1384259_medium_9de19481aa8673fb87efb339ee8093c8d8465d27.jpg
This is when she was gifted to the Kenyan Air Force

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1280x960/rcaf_chipmunk_wp829_f4f276244c9696435b6eda8763e8c13cd0f4dbbc .jpg
and this is what she looks like currently. I want to put back to British spec. Just still undecided on paint scheme.

[Dora-9]

Yes PLEASE put it back into "British Spec". I get very annoyed when people think that plonking on a blown canopy and painting in yellow turn it into a DHC-1B. There are a myriad of obvious differences.

And for something different and a change from the usual suspects, why not go with the Kenyan markings, particularly as you have a really good reference photo?

[vmcdemo]

Dora-9

Not a lot of difference between the original UK paint and the Kenyan apart from the obvious. Me being English, I am inclined to return her to original but I might go with the poly light grey with the orange as I think it looks a little better I think.

Dave

[India Four Two]

+1 for what Dora-9 said. T10s masquerading as RCAF Chipmunks are awful.

You have a bit of a dilemma though, because of the bubble canopy. Do you have the original birdcage canopy?

[Dora-9]

vmcdemo - if you want an RAF scheme, I'd go with the one in the Southampton UAS scheme. It's rare to see (today) the overall grey/DayGlo strips combination.

[WB627]

For what it's worth IMHO, silver/dayglow looked better than grey/dayglow. I might be biased as my first flight in one was in a silver/dayglow one WB627, on the day the photo above was taken (Post #11). WB627 Senior, was the pilot.

[vmcdemo]

India Four Two, It does come with the original :"birdcage" canopy fortunately. I'm not sure if that is just a simple case of swapping them out though, might be, doubt it.

Both back to original Silver with the Orange dayglo and poly grey/ orange are considerations I think.

Thanks everyone for their thoughts and contributions and I'll let you know how it goes.

[vmcdemo]

P.S. I absolutely agree, I also hate it when a British Chipmunk is made to look like or converted into a Canadian Chipmunk.

[Big Pistons Forever]

Personally I think the Canadian Chippies are better looking not to mention a lot nicer to fly aeros or formation without having to look through all the scrap iron. Converting it back to the bird cage is just beating it with an ugly stick.

[Dora-9]

But the point is, BPF, that in its currents guise it's NOT a Canadian Chipmunk! It's very obviously, if you know the differences, just a T.10 with a blown canopy and painted yellow. Or maybe I'm just being pedantic?

I don't doubt for one moment that the blown canopy is better though....

[oldmansquipper]

Thank you Dora. A comprehensive brief on colour schemes.

I was not aware when the blue bands were painted on.

[India Four Two]

I don't doubt for one moment that the blown canopy is better though....

It is! You feel even more like you are flying a Spitfire - rather than a Hurricane. ;)

vmcdemo, cocerning your bubble canopy, the ability to retro-fit the original canopy depends on whether the current canopy was obtained from Britain or if it is a Canadian canopy, the installation of which would have required a new windshield as well.

[Dora-9]

some aircraft would have "skipped" one or even two of the schemes,

At the risk of "banging on" unnecessarily about this, here's one that seems to have worn every scheme. It's WG478 (mine!), interesting because it can only have worn the Grey scheme for a year or two (at most):
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1429/wg478_leeds_uas_1960_e1a916f5a4a6f6ea61470987a9fb3b3663c1fb0 4.jpg
WG478 with Leeds UAS, photographed at the same time as WP915 (post #8). WG478 went to Leeds UAS in 1962, so I'd say this is when the photo was taken, i.e. just before getting the DayGlo strips. The aircraft is overall silver with painted panels. Note the odd shaped "G" in the serial too. I've often thought of submitting this photo on the Caption Competition thread!
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1449/wg478_leeds_uas_1965_22ceb4ba11b3928c580da32eecacbabf6e41297 2.jpg
A 1965 photo, still with Leeds UAS, still in silver but now with the painted strips. Now the "G" is the more familiar font.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/830x560/wg478_pfs_chruch_fenton_rod_brown__d90498f72fb9c57de6e1ba3b6 889f027d68c69cc.jpg
Now in overall LAG. WG478 from either PFS or 2 FTS - it went to PFS on 24.9.1969, unit re-designated 2 FTS on 16.1.1970, but noted as a "Blue Chips" aircraft in the first R/W/LAG scheme at the BoB Display at Coltishall on 11.9.1970!

[vmcdemo]

Dora-9

Well that settles it, Grey and orange stripes it is! Looks good!
While everyone is probably correct about the bubble canopy and I will find out shortly, I remember my short time in the "birdcage" fondly.

[NutLoose]

I am still searching for the manual, it is on a hard drive somewhere,,, BTW look at the silver yellow scheme too.

[vmcdemo]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/eb6e0338_a4d0_4c60_8ed4_2423b7ec7dcf_c7cad22751b525ccc7d339b fd5d02f71d4ce4fb8.jpeg
And going back to the birdcage!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1500x2000/776617c8_e851_4c88_a834_f39c3484348f_fba9fbe0eaf3b4ea08faeb6 7ccabdaf8fba42f59.jpeg
As it should be
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/2e49e533_5efc_46da_b482_2193f1e9dad9_cfc5f48dd93a66cc3d0106d 19c467fe9ec5e3665.jpeg
👍

[India Four Two]

It looks better already! Now where's the grey paint? ;)

I see BNH behind, in the last picture. Are you currently in Canada?

[Martin the Martian]

I was once told that A&AEE evaluated the blown canopy as a possible retrofit, but recommended against it after the one they were trying out cracked while the aircraft was airborne. Anyone heard similar?

[Webby737]

Hi VMCDemo,

Slightly off topic, but if you are considering buying a Chipmunk check the maintenance records for the undercarriage mounting x-ray inspection TNS-165.
This is a repeat inspection (every 6 years I think), most are cracked but only need to be monitored for crack propagation. I no longer have a copy of the TNS so I can't tell you what the limits are.
There is also TNS-157, another 6 year repeat x-ray inspection on the tailplane structure front spar joints, I don't recall ever finding one cracked but it does require removal of the tailplane and elevators as a complete assembly to carry out the inspection.
Neither of the above would be a deal breaker but it would be better to check they've been done recently to avoid any unexpected costs.
Good luck with the purchase !
And if you do buy it, we want photos :)

[vmcdemo]

Webby737,

Yep, I have in fact bought her. The 'birdcage" canopy together with a replacement windshield has been put on at my request. Although in Canadian guise she is in fact a British Chipmunk and It has been very well looked after. She is one of only 10 in the US as Standard Category by the FAA and not experimental.

When I have flown her back to NJ I'll take more pics and not this year but next she will get a new British paint job.

Thank you

Dave

[Webby737]

Fantastic Dave !
Good luck with it, I look forward to seeing the pics of the new paint job.

Webby

[Dora-9]

Martin - no, never heard that one. There were some concerns that there no equivalent of the jettisonable side panels, so initially (until a crash axe was fitted) there was a requirement to take off and land with the canopy partially open. This must have been fun in a Canadian winter! The other issue was severe buffeting generated by the canopy when spinning, which is why these aircraft (with the blown canopy) have reduced span stalling strips.

Webby - the u/c housing X-ray requirement is every 12 years (reduced if there are cracks detected; I'm on a 6 year cycle).

[India Four Two]

I'm on a 6 year cycle

What part of you is cracking? ;)

[Dora-9]

I42 - aha, so you're a connoisseur of ambiguous postings too?

All of me is cracking, but only my Chipmunk's u/c castings have this issue...

[India Four Two]

I don't doubt for one moment that the blown canopy is better though...

dora 9,

Now that I’ve used this picture in the What Aérodrome thread, I can show you how good the view from the blown canopy is. This is from the back seat!

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/964x686/a08ce0ba_5d4e_4c92_9e53_87d01e9ee3ac_69dcc08107a38876e3a00b8 65e44f52ce9d6e887.jpeg

[Webby737]

Webby - the u/c housing X-ray requirement is every 12 years (reduced if there are cracks detected; I'm on a 6 year cycle).

Thanks for the info Dora-9,
It's been many years since I did this inspection, but I remember most of them where cracked so probably the majority of Chippies are on a 6 year repeat inspection.

[Dora-9]

but I remember most of them where cracked so probably the majority of Chippies are on a 6 year repeat inspection.

I know of two accidents here where the aircraft arrived with massive vertical velocity (destroying one; badly damaging the other). Both aircraft had pre-existing cracks in the u/c leg housing, yet neither came anywhere near actually failing!

[Webby737]

I know of two accidents here where the aircraft arrived with massive vertical velocity (destroying one; badly damaging the other). Both aircraft had pre-existing cracks in the u/c leg housing, yet neither came anywhere near actually failing!

Sounds about right !
They crack from a hole and propagate to the top of the tube so the crack is contained.

[vmcdemo]

Ok Ladies and Gents,

I think I have come to the conclusion, that WP829 is going to go back to its original style of paint scheme, with a slight twist. Instead of going back to bare metal, I think we are going to use the later poly grey scheme and perhaps paint the Dayglo orange.I believe this scheme was used briefly before the Red/white/Grey.

My question to all, if you're able to assist, and bear in mind the repaint isn't happening till later in 2020, am I able to get drawings, measurements of the paint scheme, as well as accurate colour palette from anywhere. Basically I'm wanting to replicate how it looked originally in the painting pictured earlier in this thread, with poly grey vs metal

Thank you

Dave

[John Eacott]

No one has mentioned the RN Chipmunks at Roborough. I recall (while at HQRAFSC c.1987) that we had a contract with Slingsbys to repaint a number of Chipmunks including a couple of RN ones. The delivery pilot (ex RAF) told me that he thought it was odd, when he arrived there with their first aircraft after repaint, that all the ones he could see were slightly different to the one he was in. It turned out that the Navy had repainted them at some stage and made various changes to the official drawings (which were of course the ones referenced in the contract). I think the differences incuded the colour of the canopy, the amount of red on the wingtips and the position of the roundel on the wing (but there may have been more).

We also sorted replacement aircraft (WG466 & WG486) for Gatow, as they wanted the up to date radio (I forget if that was UHF or VHF) instead of the 10 channel jobs. Then they said they wanted them in grey not red and white, so I told Shawbury to use the correct drawing but to use grey where it said "red" or "white"! WG486 is with the BBMF now; it had been repainted in black but is now in grey/dayglo.

Roborough Chipmunks over BRNC Dartmouth


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/720x943/dartmouth_chipmunks_a088686ffebe7671b00f934fecc744fd1a9f32c6 .jpg

[John Eacott]

And the Chipmunks used for RN Helicopter Pilot basic training at RAF Linton on Ouse, taken in 1968


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x662/chipmunk_n_linton_in_snow_small_78b6b255dac59f1521a1f130c274 ba719f908fa5.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/691x1024/jge_on_chipmunk_wheel_small_2d2f987eecda4c44acd39335427cd97b 55b3a970.jpg

[Martin the Martian]

For those, like me, who have an interest in both aircraft paint schemes and the Chipmunk, this could be the perfect Christmas present:

https://www.guidelinepublications.co.uk/index.php?GOTO=488&PICFILE=488&STKNR=488&STRH=&ORDN=&RNZ=149452&THISVIEWMODE=2&SUPPLIER=&FINDRETR=&WIDENET=&CATEGORY=4&SUB=2&VWW=1

[NutLoose]

I like the old


https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9395244

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9477049

https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/960332/sp-yac-private-de-havilland-canada-dhc-1-chipmunk/

[sycamore]

Absolutely immaculate,looks better than new,.....

[Warmtoast]

NutLoose
Thanks for the link, The first Chippie in link one looks almost (apart from the strake running forward from the tail plane) identical to the first Chippie I saw up-close at RAF Thornhill, S. Rhodesia, 69-years ago in 1951. See below.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x436/thornhill_chipmunk_25fe20a63adc548b9868dbeddd3104513ff76e2a_ 55236749cdc641a0c941e5b62ad9d44d028cc642.jpg

[Dora-9]

WD322 - wow, a beautiful restoration indeed, however donning my pedant's hat I would think the fuselage serial is undersized (8" high was the norm) and the aircraft lacks both the underling serials and any stencils at all.

[NutLoose]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/962x640/40f531c500000578_0_image_a_49_1496224314194_4d819d888ca52bda 4f5f2c9dd3b5d4cf217f423e.jpg

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4558262/New-book-shows-RAF-man-s-28-year-line-career.html

[Dora-9]

That's a gorgeous photo, thanks for posting. WK629 in the background was subsequently coded "R" with UBAS. Seeing that the Daily Mail article was about Phil Keeble, here's his name marked on G-BDEM (WK507) just after its disposal from the RAF in 1974. This aircraft was with UBAS in 1973. The name was deleted when the aircraft, still in these markings, was repainted in 1998.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1684x826/vh_ssj_as_g_bdem_ffaec1334f488a08f2b1f53f016c390bee17bb11.jp g

[vmcdemo]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1920x1200/de_havilland_dhc_1_chipmunk_plane_fly_1920x1200_29302b469743 cd4a2cac4a589402e9ec222b8dac.jpg
I'd like to find out peoples thoughts on this colour scheme, which is Hamble College of Air Training I believe.

[pr00ne]

Hamble College of Air Training Chipmunks were civilian registered and did not carry roundels, serials or fin flashes.

[vmcdemo]

pr00ne

I do believe you are right, I believe a couple of Chipmunks sport this scheme, not really sure of the origins.

I'm still leaning towards the original Silver/DayGlo Orange or PolyGrey and Orange for my bird

[DaveUnwin]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1674x904/43_0348_chipmunk_23_g_aotf_saltby_10_01_2020_33c73e3683d1296 e5545cbcefd7da5d7fdacfee4.jpg
Slightly different from most Chipmunks......

[NutLoose]

Was the manual any help?

[vmcdemo]

Yes, gives dimensions and colour palette which will be very useful. Thank you NutLoose.

[sedburgh]

Hamble College of Air Training Chipmunks were civilian registered and did not carry roundels, serials or fin flashes.

G-ARMG (ex WK558) was wearing its College colours when I took these pictures at Duxford in 2012.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x680/20121014_170344_001_2a93fd3a191bd29d05147cd7f8dfe3437f6bfb7a .jpg
Chipmunk 22A G-ARMG ( ex WK558) in College of AIr Training colour scheme at Duxford 14 Oct 12.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x680/20121014_113028_001_6384e7d4f9bec7f14ac2fbaba7944cb7fa67201c .jpg
Chipmunk 22A G-ARMG (ex WK558) in College of Air Training colour scheme at Duxford 14 Oct 12.

[Dora-9]

vmcdemo:

WP867 was with Southampton UAS from 1953 to 1965, and your photo depicts a fabulous restoration in that unit's markings. Given the yellow bands then it's marked as it was prior to 1959.

("vmcdemo" - love the name, have many memories of F.27 vmca demos).

[sycamore]

D-9, probably why it was `mixed` up with Hamble,same airfield...?
think the red `cheat-line` gives it a nice line`...

[vmcdemo]

vmcdemo:

WP867 was with Southampton UAS from 1953 to 1965, and your photo depicts a fabulous restoration in that unit's markings. Given the yellow bands then it's marked as it was prior to 1959.

("vmcdemo" - love the name, have many memories of F.27 vmca demos).

Dora-9

In that case would it be appropriate to possibly put WP829 in those colours? Although she was shipped to Kenya in 69, and shipped from Gatwick to the USA in 73, before that she was at Southampton UAS. I know she wasn't in originally in these colours, Just think this scheme looks pretty sharp!

[NutLoose]

de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk c/n C1-0706 ZS-IZV (http://www.dehavilland.co.za/DHC-1_Chipmunk_cn_C1-0706.htm)

[NutLoose]

It has the badge on the nose and a number on

https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/registration/G-BCXN

[NutLoose]

As w800 is numbered 2 and was in the old scheme you can discount 3, see

http://www.delscope.co.uk/aviation/hamble.htm#PHO

[NutLoose]

Here is No 8, If you contact the UAS they may be able to tie it down to a number


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/700x525/img_1380_zpsgdsjaygo_736e9ab67748fd88050d678aee1b65cea84359a c.jpg

[NutLoose]

Take it you have seen this

https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/search?q=WP867&f=registration&exact=1&type=&registration=&operator=&code_number=&construction_number=&airport=&country=&photographer=&date_taken=&airshow=&military_unit=&information=&exact=1&search_type=simple

[vmcdemo]

NutLoose,

In the painting of her at Southampton UAS she wears No 10.

[Dora-9]

D-9, probably why it was `mixed` up with Hamble,same airfield...?

I would't have thought that Her Majesties' Chipmunks could be loaned to a private organization, and vice versa - but I don't know either.

While I have Chipmunk histories I only have incomplete listings of which outfits "owned" which Chipmunks. This is very much a work in (slow) progress...

WD346 was with Southampton UAS from 1958 to 1966.
WP800 from 1956 to 1973, noted as coded "2".
WP629 from 1958 to 1966, coded "10".

[NutLoose]

Southampton UAS were based at Hamble and shared the same hangar, but were separate entities Dora.

here is 12
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fabpic-media-eu-production%2Fpictures%2Ffull_size_0285%2F1429285-large.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fabpic.co.uk%2Fpictures%2Fmilitary-unit%2FSUAS&tbnid=YVwK2OhVifsLKM&vet=12ahUKEwi1-YapwtboAhVS0oUKHZFMCGoQMygBegUIARDVAQ..i&docid=w9PtOOSQagqhcM&w=1024&h=656&itg=1&q=hamble%20suas&client=firefox-b-d&ved=2ahUKEwi1-YapwtboAhVS0oUKHZFMCGoQMygBegUIARDVAQ

and 2 and 3

delscope - Aviation at Hamble (http://www.delscope.co.uk/aviation/hamble.htm#10)

16
https://www.na3t.org/air/photo/AG11344

[NutLoose]

VME interesting 10 was also worn by

https://www.na3t.org/air/photo/MIL22556

which has several schemes, see

https://www.na3t.org/air?search=hamble

[Dora-9]

Nutloose, thanks indeed for the links, also the clarification about "shared" Chipmunks at Hamble. Good value.

But I thought vmcdemo was talking about the overall silver/yellow bands/red stripe scheme, limiting us to 1953-1959.

[NutLoose]

Yes, but when you look at some of the aircraft in the older daglo red / silver scheme that you can see their serial number, the code number on the fuselage is also the same large number you see it wearing in the later yellow / silver / red stripe scheme he is looking at.

I.e XYZ 123 would carry the same number on the side when it changes paint schemes as long as it was remaining on the same UAS otherwise paperwork could get confusing if it changed, if it went for repaint as Sn XYZ 123 code 11 It would come out with its new scheme wearing the same Serial number XYZ 123 and code number 11.

does that make sense?

[WB627]

No 2 AEF were based at Hamble from 1958 before moving to Hurn. I suspect they shared aircraft with Southampton UAS, as No 1 AEF did with London UAS at Biggin Hill then White Waltham .

[vmcdemo]

It’s interesting, there is also a photo of WP829 wearing No: 4, and I’ve seen on other pictures at Hamble that some other chipped at Southampton UAS have had several different numbers.

I believe Southampton UAS were in Silver or later Poly grey with dayglo. I was just wondering about the scheme I showed with the horizontal red stripe, I like it, I think it looks sharp. I wasn’t sure which aircraft had it and when?

[Dora-9]

I suspect they shared aircraft with Southampton UAS

I think so. I understand this went on a lot, similarly in earlier times there was some interchange between RFS and UAS aircraft based at the same location.

I wasn’t sure which aircraft had it and when?

The "when" is fairly easy as the yellow "trainer" bands were removed in 1958/1959, so prior to that.

[finncapt]

I was at Southampton UAS from late 65 until middle 68.

Originally we were based on the same (town) side as the College but, during my time, we moved to the west side of the airfield, alongside the B3397.

There was a hard standing, dedicated hangar and portakabin type offices, for briefing, admin and parachute etc stores (still there, and accessible, when I last visited (2010?)).

The AEF were also based there.

A railway line ran across the airfield and we had to taxy over it to/from dispersal (it may have been disused by then, but I think it took tankers to a refinery).

Town offices were the grand white building at the foot of Bugle st., in Southampton, which overlooks the Royal Pier.

Many a beer was quaffed standing on the balcony.

Sadly, I have no pictures from the time - too poor for a camera as a student!!

[Adrianh]

I got towed many times behind G-AOTF way back in 1972-1976 when at RAF Bicester in the RAFGSA. Halcyon days

[Procrastinus]

And this one aka The Mighty Munk
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/974x641/mighty_munk_576b7194c4c123b84e10cc24ec92edc2c4732e37.png

[NutLoose]

Psst.... ;)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-scotchcal-Dayglo-flourescent-Red-Orange-self-adhesive-vinyl-61cm-x-any-length/253623036273?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item3b0d1c6971:m:m6hqR1lBTTG5Y7kPeM5G7Hg&amdata=enc%3DAQAEAAACYIQvEcHUrT7nmUC3yY5qbPyaBN1nJEDYW8Myyps JPgXK3AqiNsU0sSphPu4g6Qid37pH2y0nKnKn%252B2YZ3OyyHUfLWe5%252 BebvvhgTVJJjLWVus1A1eFJX9PMXaaoqYiCv2wmVXZZrKG5poifIin%252BC WtWaNSK8hieUI0hodBMDwFIO4gvbBVowyUAVz5X0WlaUc5KHcEY11EbiGwNT nygTn4hNOk8NfGq%252BgLTRfcmMxPCIXAZlrcDnAInEzd4vAztNegLApc3u fDBJXHAb0IUyzlpC0%252BjuU%252F370XWj1FpMbjOq9M0Z4EBGFuthO49W 08%252BT4K7GWNCUzq19C%252Bpsfqr6JKU%252BUKPmeqBfy%252B2hecPO ZkfCrKxtIoYSet%252BgJhAdLp6jSfrRH8cgXM0N1fL80QSTDydSMCft3kMg nKQkzh3xLTmM5sULh1l3S1xm8zsuoSbkZPtS2BUuHiRgsTdsTnN4FZJCY75T 4TPql5NHhdg25vQZodXyYJBjhN6%252FqLsFr5jIO7jMGaNAQ92ffHuyERaZ 5bxoP84riL%252B0L68lukiAX%252Bo9f1d2Dw9wnms77sdbf8AoqZy32DKC D6Hbygczypc1nrZr%252FXTr%252BMdaOk2uwxSXWx0WniBqq7YhHu9No6B4 ykEanHWQPxTgMhu2le6emUCtemKwdux3oQUaQ5jjTxxrg2V9WTDUtykJOaus Ul%252FJNbzpUEZwig%252Fy5s7%252Bq6uyeA%252BB69i08zIEO%252BYf ivAwQZ4wJvD1yUA8a2M7fWDtk5q03z3A4%252BnNC%252BIq3ElWLYNM1sbu 5istvgoxwzVbUbbwbyAmydLGq%26cksum%3D253623036273b9273577a00f 42998db495365255ad45%26ampid%3DPL_CLK%26clp%3D2334524

[NutLoose]

BBMF have put theirs into the schemes

https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/battle-of-britain-memorial-flight/

https://lancasterassociation.co.uk/the-flight/

[BEagle]

Those are rather old BBMF photos! Last October WK518 was back in ULAS markings and the paint scheme worn in the early 1970s whilst at Whitw Waltham. ULAS ex-members were asked to send any photos they had, so that the repaint would be as accurate as possible.

New photos are available on BBMF's facebook.

[brakedwell]

We had two Chipmunks and an Anson for us Hastings second pilots to keep our hand in on 99 Squadron at Lyneham in 1957/9. The Chipmunks were WB 733 and WG 478. 478 now lives in Australia. I used to get more fun out of the Anson, but I do remember one of our second pilots, no names mentioned, getting a couple of bullet holes in his Chipmunk fin over the Salisbury Plain. I suspect he was doing a bit of illegal low flying as he packed in "toy" aeroplane flying after that!