Originally posted by Guppy35
It got me curious so I went looking at all the color images I could find of wartime 38s and on many of them showing the prop blades, it had the same look and its just the leading edge showing silver.
Not sure why, but it's that same uniform look. Makes me want to see the leading edge of a 38 prop blade to see what it looks like up close
Dan/CorkyJr
Aluminum blades suffer erosion, first the paint wears off and then the leading edge gradually becomes pitted. Nicks, dings and minor dents will be inspected and the carefully blended in via files and sandpaper. A crew chief may elect to re-finish the entire leading edge of each blade. Hence, it will look like it does in the photo.
Should a blade suffer more significant damage, the prop would be removed and sent for overhaul (all but the most rudimentry bases had a propeller shop).
My regards,
Widewing
