A USN Aircraft Question (one for Rex?)

[Fermis]

In the interest of covering the bases, yes, on the A-7 it is all White inside wells and doors, with Red edges.

After looking through all three A-7 books that I have, I was only able to find one example that had any red on the gear doors....just on the fat, front end of the nose gear doors. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the PITA that painting red edges is!

[BlackSheep214]

An interesting question... why red on the edges of gear doors?

[RexCag]

yup, I missed that.

The ratio of white doors to red doors on USN A-7s is about 10 to or so.

I saw this photo, and answered,,,,,,and forgot to actually look at all the other A-7 books that I have.



Here's that other photo I meant to post, it shows the location on the strap from the front of the aircraft, you could already tell that it went from just behind the closed slat, around the front, then into the wing on the bottom, just behind the closed slat. That bit hanging from the front bottom of the strap is the slack when it is taken up by the adjuster. (sort of like a military web belt)

[RexCag]

Tom, Ramp Roach answer is that "the Red on the edges is to hide our blood"

The Navair answer is to warn pilots and crew that there is a pinch point there.

[Stuart]

Gents - this is some great information - thanks very much for taking the time to share it!

I think I may do red edges - part of the reason for doing a high-vis USN aircraft was to make it colourful - so a spalsh of red on the undersides would be good!

Thanks again!

[Stuart]

I would. Clearly have evidence it was there...at least in some instances. It adds lots of visual interest which always wins out over laziness IMO. A good brush and some paint that cooperates is all you need. (I like brush painting with Vallejo Model Color...even the red goes on easily).

I stilll use Humbrol - I do however have red in Enamel and Acrylic - I'll do a test peice and see how it goes.

[Medicman71]

I use a Sharpie Acrylic paint pen to to the red borders around the gear doors. Makes it super easy.