B-25A 2nd BG
The North American B-25A Mitchell (41-2B, 2nd BG, 1941) in the described livery represents an early example of this famous medium bomber during its early service in World War II. Here’s a breakdown of the aircraft’s appearance:
Camouflage and Colors:
- Upper Surfaces:
- Painted in Olive Drab (ANA 613), a standard military camouflage color used on U.S. Army Air Corps aircraft during this period. Olive Drab helped the aircraft blend into the ground from higher altitudes, providing some concealment from enemy aircraft.
- Undersides:
- The undersides are painted in Neutral Gray (ANA 603), a light gray tone used to make the aircraft less visible from below, against the sky.
- Lettering and Markings:
- All lettering is rendered in black, including the national markings and identification text.
- The national insignia (a white star inside a blue circle) is carried on the fuselage sides, and is positioned above the port wing and below the starboard wing.
- The text ‘U.S.’ appears below the starboard wing, while ‘ARMY’ is painted under the port wing, both readable from the trailing edge (rear of the wing).
Additional Details:
- Cowlings:
- The front of the engine cowlings is painted in white, possibly to serve as a quick identification feature or for easier engine servicing.
- Signs of Repainting and Weathering:
- The aircraft’s fin and rudder area shows visible signs of repainting, indicating that parts of the aircraft have been touched up or repaired.
- Weathering is also evident across the airframe, typical of aircraft that had seen operational use. This would include fading of paint, chipping, and dirt accumulation, giving the aircraft a more rugged, operational appearance.