Author Topic: Mystery Avenger (Read 1303 times)

Greebo · « **on:** June 18, 2006, 09:09:28 AM »

Can anyone ID this Avenger's squadron for me? The photo comes from Osprey's TBF/TBM Avenger Units of WW2. Its caption states it was taken on the USS Petrof Bay a few days after VJ day in September 1945. It is a WW2 scheme however, so should be OK to do.

The Petrof Bay's squadron's were VC-76, VC-90 or VC-93. However the usual markings for this carrier's planes have a cloverleaf design on the tail, not the three white stripes shown here.

This scheme is unusual in that the white ID markings are carried onto both wings, not just the upper right and lower left as usual. This suits the AH TBM skin since both wings are mirrored.

Krusty · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:51:53 AM »

I can't answer your question.

Strange pattern of stripes on the tail, though. Going from rudder forward there's white, dark, white, THIN dark, THIN white.. non-uniform width... Odd that. Also looks like the stripes extend onto the tail planes.

Is it my imagination, or is there a bulbous pod under the port wing? Perhaps an ASW or radar-equipped unit? Did any of the units you listed have those kind of TBMs? Might narrow the search down a bit.

Widewing · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2006, 11:03:19 AM »

Here's some interesting paint scheme from VC-93 of Petrof Bay.

I haven't found the TBM reference yet, will keep my eyes open.

My regards,

Widewing

Greebo · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2006, 02:20:48 PM »

Thanks for your replies guys. The original photo in the book is a bit clearer than after it was scanned. The bulge under the left wing is the end of the flap, there's nothing mounted under there as far as I can tell. I don't think there are stripes on the horizontal tail, it's just the reflections of the fuselage stripes.

I've been looking at decal sheet profiles of all the different USN planes of the period, but haven't found any tail markings that match the ones on this photo.

That's a nice FM-2 scheme, don't think I've done a dark blue one of those yet.......

Kev367th · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2006, 03:49:17 PM »

Even stranger -

Another pic of a TBM taking off from "Petroff Bay", very similar to yours, but yet again not a cloverleaf.

Krusty · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2006, 03:55:11 PM »

Greebo are you sure they're not on the H-stabs? I'm seenig clear white areas ending just at the point the elevator meets the stab. They appear on both stabs. If it were reflection it would be non-uniform, dependent on the angle of the viewer/camera, and wouldn't be so perfect on both H-stabs. (That's my logic)

Kev367th · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2006, 04:04:59 PM »

Think your seeing the elevators up position and mistaking it as color differences.

Waffle · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2006, 05:03:27 PM »

It's from VC-90. The bands are two broad white stripes, then a narrow yellow band in front. They are for easy quick identification placed on planes of all escort carriers. They started marking them in June of 45. Also, there are the same markings on wing tips.

Greebo · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2006, 02:40:59 AM »

Thanks Waffle, that's a great help and thanks to everyone else who replied too.

I'm pretty sure there are no markings on the tail Krusty.

rogerdee · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2006, 10:25:01 AM »

ive also seen a fm2 painted similar that i was going to venture a try at one day

Krusty · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:16:40 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Kev367th
Think your seeing the elevators up position and mistaking it as color differences.

BINGO! That's gotta be it!

Greebo · « **Reply #11 on:** June 21, 2006, 05:48:35 AM »

This is the VC-90 Avenger, my last TBM. It's up at The AH Skin Department if anyone wants a closer look. Main issue with this scheme is the small insignia sizes which is due to problems in the AH TBM skin.

I'm in two minds about the opacity of the markings, they are at about 80% at the moment. Half the time I think they are too bright, and half not bright enough.

Majors · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2006, 09:05:25 AM »

Hi Mates

Navy Air Colors shows this marking as Escort Carrier Rudyard Bay CVE 81. Shows two narrow wing stripes as yellow with two large stripes.

Check it out.

Hope this is some help.

Majors
249 RAF

Majors · « **Reply #13 on:** June 21, 2006, 09:13:22 AM »

Looking further into my info, and considering the narrow white band ahead of the fin, it looks like CVE 82 Saginaw Bay markings. Check it out and see what you think.

Majors
249 RAF

Greebo · « **Reply #14 on:** June 21, 2006, 02:09:03 PM »

Thanks Majors, but Waffle reckons all the escort carriers had aircraft marked in this fashion from June 45. So it is quite possible all those carriers had planes similar to this one.

I've not got that book and so far haven't found any other shots of TBMs in similar schemes. Unless I can get hold of a better photo of a similar plane with markings on both wings I'll stick with the VC-90 one.