P&W R1830 Dataplate Air Ministry

Thanks Mike

Brian, I’ve no idea as to the original paint colour as it has always been stripped and overpainted so many times during the engine’s lifetime that it is hard to tell. Certainly, after manufacture and during overhaul, almost any medium grey was used and certainly other colours such as silver, black or dark blue, presumably to characterise the work of individual overhaul shops.

An original sample may be found beneath a data plate or badge on an engine, and you could get it scanned to ascertain the accurate colour, but from what I have seen it is a medium grey/blue. However, it’s also highly likely there were variations in the original colour.

I have a couple of Twin Wasps you can have a look over for the original shade, if you wish!

Anon.

Thanks Mike – Your comments fit in with what i had assumed – that it was purchased separately rather than supplied with a US aircraft.

Also no trace of the blue/grey paint and I had expected there to be a recess for the badge but the plate is flat.

Just cleaned it and it is in good condition.

P.S. what colour is the blue/grey paint for the P&W ?

Brian,

The Twin Wasp was used in its thousands during and after WW2. Aircraft used in significant numbers by the UK which were powered by the Twin wasp include (from Wikipedia):

Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Consolidated Catalina
Douglas C-47
Grumman Wildcat
Martin Maryland

Also, some UK-produced aircraft used a great many of them too, including the Short Sunderland V and the Vickers Wellington. The part you have must be from an AM-purchased example outside of the Lend-Lease arrangements for the US-produced aircraft. It would be interesting to know how it got to where it is today and I suspect it will have been purchased from the AM and used by one of the post-war air lines, probably for use in a DC-3

Anon.