eraucubsfan Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 The jet forum has a great topic going with weathering photos for modern aircraft, thought maybe start one for Prop aircraft. I noticed the fading on the top surfaces of the Skyraiders. But noticed the outer wings are not. My guess is because of the wings being folded... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jamie Cheslo Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Great idea!! Thanks for doing this. I am sure it will become very useful. I like your hypothesis about the wing fading differential, but I have a question for you: Did the Skyraider's outer wings fold up and towards the fuselage, as the Corsair did for example? If so, would it then not follow that the folded outer wings would shade the inner wings from the sun and elements thus preventing fading?? 🤔 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 I am sure that would happen, Jamie. I suspect the Skyraider above might have had its wing replaced, taken off a less weathered bird. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jamie Cheslo Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 2 hours ago, Slartibartfast said: I am sure that would happen, Jamie. I suspect the Skyraider above might have had its wing replaced, taken off a less weathered bird. Yup. That's where I was heading as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eraucubsfan Posted May 13, 2021 Author Share Posted May 13, 2021 On 5/11/2021 at 3:43 PM, Jamie Cheslo said: Great idea!! Thanks for doing this. I am sure it will become very useful. I like your hypothesis about the wing fading differential, but I have a question for you: Did the Skyraider's outer wings fold up and towards the fuselage, as the Corsair did for example? If so, would it then not follow that the folded outer wings would shade the inner wings from the sun and elements thus preventing fading?? 🤔 They did fold upward, however, there is a sizeable gap between the wing tips, where it is possible for sunlight to shine in. It just seemed unique because all the aircraft seem to have the same pattern of weathering, or at least that's how i see it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dogsbody Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 I guess I misunderstood this topic's title. I thought it was about weathering propeller blades. My bad! Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jamie Cheslo Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 9 hours ago, eraucubsfan said: They did fold upward, however, there is a sizeable gap between the wing tips, where it is possible for sunlight to shine in. It just seemed unique because all the aircraft seem to have the same pattern of weathering, or at least that's how i see it. Yes, I see what you mean. So if the Skyraider's wingfold mechanism sits the same way as the Bearcat?? above then I can definitely see how the inner wing panels could become significantly more faded. Cheers!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 On 5/13/2021 at 10:44 AM, dogsbody said: I guess I misunderstood this topic's title. I thought it was about weathering propeller blades. My bad! You are not alone. I thought wing weathering was just a brief side topic. I had to look at the topic again to see the parallel with the weathering topics in Jets. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pigsty Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 On 5/13/2021 at 12:44 PM, eraucubsfan said: They did fold upward, however, there is a sizeable gap between the wing tips, where it is possible for sunlight to shine in Plus, the sun is hardly ever directly overhead, so light will get in obliquely from front and rear. A good test to confirm whether it's because of the folded wings would be to check the undersides of aircraft in the same colour scheme. The outer panels should be even more strongly faded than the inner panels, since they'll get no shade while the inner panels are permanently shaded. Another check could be the tailplanes - in the OP's picture they do look more faded, and they never get shaded by other parts of the airframe. However (there's always a however) you also have to bear in mind that no aircraft spends its whole life out in the sun. At sea, there usually have to be some on deck, but they'll spend a good deal of time in the hangar. Ashore, it'll depend on the airfield - how much undercover space do they have, and do they fold the wings when they park their aircraft? Another factor is that the colour difference might have as much to do with salt in the air as it does with light. So, on balance, I'm not sure those aircraft are necessarily sun-faded - but it's still an interesting feature. I wonder what in my stash would suit it ... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eraucubsfan Posted May 21, 2021 Author Share Posted May 21, 2021 Some Corsair weathering Note the lack of shine on the fabric rudder Proof your decals/stencils don't always need to be perfect.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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