December 8, 2017 at 3:27 pm
I am hoping somebody could point me at an illustration of a 3 FTS Harvard, based Feltwell. A Christmas present depends on it !
I think the scheme MAY be overall silver with a yellow band, a bit like the Classic Wings Harvard which gives rides at Duxford. The 3FTS Google selection seem only to be B/W.
Any leads would be much appreciated.
By: cabbage - 8th December 2017 at 19:25
My Dad flew Harvards, in the immediate post-war period, from Feltwell. In fact he appears in the group photograph on the above mentioned web site. This picture is also included in his self-penned autobiography, concerning his wartime service, flight training in Texas, and subsequent service on Yorks with both 51 and 511 Squadrons. His book also has pictures of 3 FTS Harvards, which appear to be yellow overall, with early post-war roundels and flashes, and 4 letter codes, in particular an FT*** numbered aircraft with the codes FBR-G.
He also mentions the cropping of the Harvards propeller tips, in order to reduce the noise the aircraft makes, with pictures to show the different sizes.
I can quote from his book, if any further information can be of help.
Cabbage
By: Moggy C - 8th December 2017 at 17:38
Twelve pages of Feltwell images here:
http://www.feltwell.net/raffeltwell/p3raf_memorial3.htm
None in colour though from a quick flip through
Moggy
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 8th December 2017 at 17:14
I’d probably pluck for yellow. We have photos of Harvards being overhauled at Brooklands, Sywell in 47/48 which appear to be yellow…..
By: Propstrike - 8th December 2017 at 16:46
Great leads, many thanks
Aug 1950 is the period in question. Might be yellow, but could be silver. Ummm ??
By: John Aeroclub - 8th December 2017 at 16:41
You’re going to be very much time dependent with the code change over from four letters to two and Yellow to Silver finish. 3 FTS Harvards could also carry the R replaced with O or N (Bowyer)
John
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 8th December 2017 at 16:27
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Yellow band on wing – must have been ‘bulled’ to be that shiny!
And see also
So from those photos Silver and Yellow or overall yeller old bean
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 8th December 2017 at 16:25
From – http://www.petermcleland.com/logbook_003.htm
Looks like a clear yellow band on the fuse to me…the other one looks all over yellow
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By: John Aeroclub - 8th December 2017 at 16:06
There is a photo in the Putnams Aircraft of the Royal Air Force of a 3FTS Harvard IIB FX291 code FBU * S of RAF Feltwell on page 412. It appears to be O/A Silver with (I presume) Yellow wing bands. Black anti glare panel, C type roundels and fin flash with thin white centre band.
John