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 ?

Baz I returned it yesterday so I cannot confirm absoloutely – but the two screws were countersunk slot head – but covered in thick paint so no detail visible.

The flush fitting – low drag did not match with the thick irregular paint and the hole for pulling it open. There were also several finger prints and brush strokes in the outer paint so not sprayed and handled too soon.

Thanks to all.

I have just spoken to the chap I got it from and he will take it back as it is not B17. Very helpful!

Nicko thank you for replying. I have been spending several hours on this.

Even the early helicopters had some securing clips on panels to prevent opening from vibration.

The issue I have with internal panel is that the paint on the upper surface is dark green (with a silver edge) that suggests outer surface. It is also rather large – I have some Lancaster access hatches and they are a lot smaller.

The more i look at it the more I feel it is more likely to be from a British army vehicle – more akin to Jones the Butchers (Dads Army) fighting vehicle than B17.

Thanks Alan.

I was wondering if BL – breech loading as used on artillery. Paint colour is also more like Army than RAF grey/green or dark green. But the army never had a BL36.

Thank you Dave if you could send me pics it would be excellent