Nose colours of the Camels.

[Thomas Trauner]

Hello aerodromeonites,

in a German model-board the question appeared if there was a rule concerning the different colouring of the Camel´s "noses" .
Well, we all know that in some cases the metal parts are “natural” in some other cases they are “grey” or PC10. The wooden parts are found in “natural” , in grey or in green, also.

So – was there a rule or not ? Did it depend on the manufacturer, on the squadron or simply on time ? Or no rule at all ?

Thanks

Thomas

[Romani]

I have wondered the same thing myself, the following thread may be of interest

Aluminium and grey noses in British aircraft


Generally speaking, in Camels, bare metal or grey painted noses belong to the 1918 period. Examine photos and profile captions.

Hope this helps.

[bristol scout]

Originally Posted by Thomas Trauner

Hello aerodromeonites,

in a German model-board the question appeared if there was a rule concerning the different colouring of the Camel´s "noses" .
Well, we all know that in some cases the metal parts are “natural” in some other cases they are “grey” or PC10. The wooden parts are found in “natural” , in grey or in green, also.

So – was there a rule or not ? Did it depend on the manufacturer, on the squadron or simply on time ? Or no rule at all ?

Thanks

Thomas

In fact it did depend on the manufacturer--they all had their 'styles' as it were.

Sopwith built machines invariably left the factory with 'engine turned' polished whorls on aluminium cowlings and side panels---and any number of easily accessed photos. show (early and/or late) service Pups, Strutters triplanes and Camels with these polished front ends.

They were, of course often painted over at squadron or pilot whim---but just as often left--especially in R.N.A.S. use--Sopwith being an admiralty contractor.

The company making the aeroplane tended to finish it in their own style---sometimes ---like Westland or Mann-Egerton this copied Sopwith style----sometimes, like, say, Standard built Pups it differed.

Dave.

[Thomas Trauner]

Thanks, Dave and Romani.
That the manufacturer is the point, was my impression too.

Thomas