However the question I have for G-AISU 40 relates to the underwing, the photos show that the number is in black on a light coloured band on the starboard side, was this repeated on either the under or upper sides of the port tip. Also would the white have wrapped round or just been on the underside of the starboard tip and upper surface of the port tip?
Pictures here at NA3T seem to show that there is a white band wrapped around the starboard tip, with numbers repeated above and bottom, whereas the port tip has no band or numbers.
About the scheme with race number 82, I’ve read this thread multiple times wondering about the two different colours for the fuselage band. But now I believe that there was only one colour, red, and different photographic processes account for the different renditions in black and white.
For an example of that, please look at this thread at Stormo about the S.79 Corsa, to see how red paint can appear near white or near black for the exact same plane, painted red, silver and green, depending on the photographic film and use of filters.
Briefly, an orthochromatic film is not sensitive to red and red parts will look almost black. Panchromatic film reacts to red light and will give a medium tone, but when enhanced with yellow, orange or red filters the red portions will be brighter and brighter. Use of these filters was a common practice in B&W photography, mostly to enhance the contrast of skies, by darkening the blue sky against the clouds.
Notice how the blue paint appears very dark on the pictures above showing “82” with an apparently clear-coloured band ; this is consistent with the effect of an orange or red filter. I would be interested to see the whole version of the picture showing the tail, a dark blue sky would give a further hint.
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