17th Aero Sqdn colors

[RobW]

I'm building a Sopwith Camel and would like to paint it to resemble Lt. Samuel B. Eckert's plane while he was the commander of the 17th Aero.

I've got a pretty good picture to work from, but am puzzled by the color of the cowling... in the photo it appears to be the same green as the fuselage. Other planes in the Squadron seem to have natural aluminum cowls.

Anybody have an opinion of the proper color for the cowl?

Thanks,

Rob Waring

[TomVrille]

Originally Posted by RobW

I'm building a Sopwith Camel and would like to paint it to resemble Lt. Samuel B. Eckert's plane,.. but am puzzled by the color of the cowling... in the photo it appears to be the same green as the fuselage. Other planes in the Squadron seem to have natural aluminum cowls. ... Anybody have an opinion of the proper color for the cowl?

Hi Rob..
If you look through Camel Drivers by Reed and Roland, it is clear that many of the 17th Aero Camels had painted cowls. The only photo of Eckert's F'2164 in this reference (p.91) appears to feature a painted cowl, but from the aspect of the photo, it is unclear if the color matches the fuselage.

[RobW]

Yes, that is the reference I am using... like you, I'm stuck on the actual color...

Additionally it appears that the plywood around the cockpit is also painted the same color...

Thanks

Rob

[RobW]

Hi, one last try before I move out on the model. Does anyone have any ideas or opinions as to the colors the 17th aero squadron may have used on their camel cowls?

thanks!

rob