Apparently white paint was used to aid inspection and to reflect light to provide a brighter environment.

I recall ‘7350 was painted white (around 1988 when I saw her at BAE Warton).

Compared to the time and effort to re-apply all the national markings and RAF serial, as MJ250 in this case, stripping and painting an anti glare panel in matt Black or Olive would have been minimal.

My view is that they stripped off all the paint and probably subsequently applied a sprayed anti-dazzle area over the top cowls but perhaps not precisely masked. If they used an available colour such as Ocean Grey and the edges of this blended with the exhaust staining and tank cover fuel staining I think you would get a very similar effect to that displayed in these photos

This has been reviewed on previous Kemble threads but the enforcement notice was issued as the council consider that the ‘general aviation’ flying activities were being carried out unlawfully as the established use of the place was, in their opinion, storage and servicing of aircraft. If that view prevails at enquiry cessation of general aviation activities would result and an application for a change of use would be required. The council do not believe its acceptable to simply argue that this is an airfield, so we fly from it, it is the nature of the flying and the associated activities that is at issue here.

I go out to work for a few hours and miss all the fun! I have looked at these photos and posts carefully – I agree with M12 and Dan. It’s a bare metal aircraft with a little dirt, staining, weathering and differing shade of metal around the cowls/tank cover area. The arguments and evidence put forward to support this do seem quite clear and unambiguous. Being bare meal it’s not really an ideal scheme to replicate today unless you are prepared to be completely true to the original. There is always something a bit ‘fake’ about bare metal aircraft represented by silver painted ones (plenty of Mustangs fit this category) in my opinion, but then most schemes are to some extent a compromise and I could not say that it would not look very attractive and a little different too.

If you decide to go all authentic at least there is a willing volunteer on close hand to sort it out:

how about we polish it in bare metal? You must have some Duraglit lying around Coningsby somewhere……..:D

OK all sorted – thanks for the help 🙂

Peter – can you see from your original print/slide what the chalked writing is on the fuselage below the ‘tunnel’ between the cockpits? (and look, someone has left the ground starter socket door open, not good!)

As it’s my birthday today, hint, hint, I was curious to see who I shared it with and low and behold, Janie is 104 today, which must make her the worlds oldest Saggitarian, pilot and Forum contributor, c’mon, whats your real age, or did you teach Amy Johnston how to fly!!!!!

Rather less than half that number (can’t say any more for fear of physical attack). Many happy returns Pete.

I think there is a birthday at TFC today too 😉