Q for MaPS

[Mayfly]

I have a mental block - what do the 2 greyhounds on 655s tail signify please?

[Sooty655]

50 Squadron.

[Ramshornvortex]

"The ‘running dogs’ emblem is said to have been designed by No 50 Sqn’s Capt G S M Insall VC and is presumed to have been inspired by the squadron’s Dingo call sign established during the early days of voice telephony in early 1918, although they actually look more like greyhounds than the wild dogs of Oz . . ."
Written by AVM Nigel Baldwin (OC 50 Sqn 1977-79)

By the way, the VRT at Southend intend to paint one side of XL426 in 50 Sqn markings, with the other side in 617 markings.....unfortunately they have decided to maintain the awful 'wrap around' camouflage that '426 and '558 have suffered since the VDF days, rather than the authentic 'light aircraft grey' undersides of the 1970s and early 80s.

[Mayfly]

Thanks - I thought it was 50 Sqn but the squadron crest show a cloak and sword for the emblem - hence the mental block




I knew 426 was having cosmetics seems strange to honour 2 Sqns then have her in display colours.

[Bovril]

i though it would be quite nice honor 101 squadron on one side as 655 spent a long time with them

[Sploosher]

Not forgetting of course that Lightning T5 XS458 is painted in two colours.

http://www.lightningt5.com/

[Xplumberlives]

Personally I'm all in favour of giving old aircraft dual identities, it makes for more photographic opportunities!

MAYFLY and MENTAL BLOCK in the same post, who would believe that?

[Gully]

the awful 'wrap around' camouflage that '426 and '558 have suffered since the VDF days,

To be fair, 14 airframes (including '426) were painted in wrap camo during operational service (from 1979 onwards), with a 15th ('558) receiving her unique gloss wrap camo during her repaint ready for VDF duties. Personally, I don't like the wrap camo, and I'm told VRT suffered some problem with the lacquer coat they applied to '426 giving a somewhat odd hue to her colours, but they are genuine paint schemes.

Not into dual liveries myself - not a problem with markings, but I don't like 'schizophrenic' aircraft!

Gully