| THE BARS.
Much has been said in the past with regard to White Bar Roundels worn by RNZAF aircraft during World War 2, some of which has not only been inaccurate but also confusing.
Personal experience of measuring WW 2 roundels confirms one thing as quite certain; the dimensions are not only inconsistent but also most irregular. Roundels of the same type often varied in diameter from as little as 1/8 inch up to 5 inches, sometimes more. This also applies to White Bars whose length and width not only varied from roundel to roundel but even on occasions from one side of the roundel to the other. While these roundels and bars were meant to be of uniform size and shape; more often than not they weren’t, presumably as a result of their “in-the-field” application. Therefore, it follows that is what is true for one particular marking will not necessarily be true for others- this reinforces the old adage of scale modellers, always work to a photo.
White Bar roundels fall into three categories:
1. Overpainted US Star and Bar Insignia
2. 2. Overpainted RAF Roundels with White Bars added.
3. RNZAF White Bar Roundels.
Within these broad categories there were many variations.
The diagram traces the development of American national aircraft insignia until 1947. The dates quoted are those of when the use of each type was officially discontinued. The “Star and Bar” type, which relates to the overpainted insignia, is shown in the diagram and was in use by the US Forces from August 1943 to 14 January 1947. This marking is officially described as an “Insignia White five pointed star inside an Insignia Blue circumscribed circle, having Insignia White rectangles on each side of the star and the top edges of the two star points; the borders to be Insignia Blue.”
As US forces began operating aircraft wearing these modified insignia it was discovered that the White of the star and bars was too bright when used on a dark surface; therefore the following official amendment was made.
June 1943-Insignia White
When used on upper surfaces finished in semi Gloss Sea Blue (e.g. Corsair wings) is to be replaced by a Gray Color obtained by mixing one part Insignia White and one part Light Gray.
The official colors used in American insignia along with the Federal Standards numbers and Humbrol equivalents are as follows:
Non Specular Insignia White-FS37886 = 36-No34 + 1-HU10
Non Specular Insignia Blue- FS35044 = 2-No25 + 1-No33
Non Specular Gray mix-FS36440 + FS37866 = 1-HB6+36-No34+1HU10 |