Sovietwarplanes

Hi,
I just found this photo on the net:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1086273&t=1)
I have not seen it yet.

Compare number of victory starlets and their position with those on the well-known P-39N S/N: 42-8747:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1084801)

or with P-39Q-15 S/N: 44-2547 (some say that it is the same P-39N S/N: 42-8747 but with replaced tail):
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Airacobra/th_001.jpg) (http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Airacobra/th_003.jpg) (http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Airacobra/004.jpg)

Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
seems that the new photo is of the same plane, with a few victories more.
Regards
Massimo

Hi Massimo,
all photos here in the middle and on the left show the same aircraft - P-39N-0 s/n 42-8747:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1086489&t=1)

According to the E.P. from redbanner.co.uk (for some reason the article is removed from there):
"Perhaps most importantly - and surely most frsutratingly-- the Regiemental records of the 16 GvIAP do not mention the tactical number carried by 42-8747. Is one to assume, then, that it did not feature one? Aircraft in VVS service were seen without a tactical number, but such cases were rare.
Rechkalov's last Airacobra was a P-39Q-15 model, s/n 44-2547 and this carried-- as confirmed by Regimental documents-- the most curious "tactical number" of "White RGA"."
Something like here:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1086491&t=1)
Interestingly victory starlets on the front left fuselage looks very same like those on P-39N-0 s/n 42-8747, really almost like front part of Cobra from N-0 version and rear part (or only tail) from Q-15 version ???
Regards,
   66misos

Hi all,

until now many sources state that Rechkalov flew two Airacobras during 1944: P-39N 42-8747 and  P-39Q 44-2547. According to the existing photos, these planes were always depicted with identical victory markings: to explain this, some people have suggested the hypothesis that the panel with kill board was moved from one plane to the other.

I made a long research about this P-39 and a detailed analysis of photographic evidences. In my opinion however, I think that Rechkalov actually flew the P-39N only. This plane however displayed a very strange feature (at least from July ?44 onwards): the serial number under the cockpit door was 42-8747, while, at the same time, the serial number on the tail read ?42547?.The only plausible explanation for this unique anomaly was what suggests by someone, the change of the whole tail unit (or the fixed part only) using spare parts from the P-39Q ?44-2547? (or 44-25xx).

Just for example I compared the following photos by overlaying. The matching is almost perfect; the minimal difference is only due to the slight different angle when the shots were made. All the details of the person partially visible in the left side of photo on the right (such as the cap, military ranks on shoulder,  medals,  the light corner of the frontal pocket?) match with those of Major B. Glinka on left photo. Moreover the prospective of the plane resulting on the overlaying is absolutely respected. It would be very difficult if these two photos were referring to two different situations (planes).

Note moreover on photo 2, how dark is the tail of the plane compared with the fuselage; it really seems just changed.

Flavio


(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/b-2.jpg)
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/b-3.jpg)
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/merged.jpg)

Hi Flavio,
excellent work!

Here is nicely visible how the tail was fixed to the fuselage:
(http://lend-lease.airforce.ru/english/photogallery/p39q/i_grinberg_p39q_071.jpg)

And here we can see how L-L Cobras were transported to SU - wings and tail remowed:
(http://www.mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/repaintedstar.jpg)
So fixing/assembling the tail was standard procedure. And I would say that replacing could be via the same procedure.

Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos, hi Flavio,
an original yellow number with black outline... interesting. I wonder if examples of yellow spinners and star outlines did exist too.
Regards
Massimo

Hi Massimo,
that numer "23" was originaly probably white or silver with red outline:
(http://lend-lease.airforce.ru/english/photogallery/p39q/i_grinberg_p39q_004.jpg)
regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
why do you think that the colors of the number have changed so much?
The white and red of the stars aren't much altered.
Regards
Massimo

Hi Massimo,
it was long time in the watter. Compare color with that corroded metal frame on the right. But, of course, I can be wrong.

Hi Flavio,
where is this picture from?
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/b-3.jpg)
I found it a yeas ago in E.P. article about Rechkalov (image courtesy of Flavio Silvestri).

I think that this is the same old N-version (picture provided by forum member at airforce.ru):
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/rechkalov_8b_zpsf4rpyt22.jpg)

(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/150501_Rechkalov_02_zpsjvxibdxn.jpg)
I do not know, but those additional starlets (in blue background) looks like retouch ???
Regards,
  66misos

Hi Misos,
All starlets deformed in the same way... very likely!
Regards
Massimo

This picture was published on Czech magazine "Plastik Kit Revue" n?42 (1995). It is part of an article by Frantysek Smyra and Milos Vestsik about 9.GIAD (Zahadna Cobra). Unfortunately I don't speak the Language so I am not able to understand it. Any way I tried to keep in contact with the authors in the past (no results), hoping to know more about this picture. I suspect in fact this is part of a series of photos, that (if revealed), can be very usefull for our research.

Flavio

Hi Flavio,
I have that magazin at home, I found that photo there :D Thanks a lot for refference, I understand Czech very well.
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/rechkalov_9_zpsiavrnqqx.jpg)
But there is no new info, even profile of Pokryshkin's "Sotka" is painted there with "Rechkalov's" starlets on the front fuselage. :(
Regards,
   66misos

Hi,
I used Flavio's method but with the slightly bigger photo from above:
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/rechkalov_10c_zpsi84fbva7.jpg)


IMHO those two photos were made during one photo session after July 1st, 1944 when Rechkalov was awarded with the second HSU (48 individual and 6 group victories, airaces.narod.ru), but before July 14th, 1944, when B.B.Glinka (on the right side on photo#1) was shot down and spent next months in the hospital.
Regards,
  66misos

Hi 66Misos,

could be interesting if someone know how to contact the authors of the article on PKR Frantysek Smyra and Milos Vestsik; they could have other similar photos.

Flavio

Hi Flavio,
I laready wrote to M.Vestsik, but no response until now.
However, in the meantime, another very interesting picture posted by one forum member in the discussion at airforce.ru:
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/rechkalov_11b_zpsaevpwgkt.jpg)
It is another photo from the same celebrating photo session - and serial number on the tail again starts with the digit "4".
Regards,
   66misos

Hi,
and the second digit looks 2.
Regards
Massimo

Nice founding 66Misos,

I am convinced that more interesting photos are to come to the light and finally we can see the full P39N serial 42-8747 with victory stars on the nose on serial 42547 on the tail.

Flavio

Hi,
another officer (except Rechkalov himself and Pokryshkin) photographed in front of Rechkalov's Cobra - Major B.B. Glinka, then commander of 16 giap:
(http://www.visualrian.ru/ru/images/zooms/RIAN_632307.jpg)
Regards,
    66misos

Hi Misos,
regarding the photo recently posted at the AIF:

(http://vif2ne.ru/nvi/forum/files/Viborg/(150503223428)_klubovvpilotke.jpg)

since Klubov has a "pilotka" cap, photo was probably taken on a different occasion and it could be from following series:

(http://airaces.narod.ru/all1/rechkal8.jpg)

(http://arsenal-info.ru/img/3311635955/i_024.jpg)

(http://www.stoletie.ru/upload/iblock/de5/28.jpg)

(http://airaces.narod.ru/all1/klubov4.jpg)

Hi KL,
firstly let me welcome you back after so long time :)
Thak Klubov's Cobra serial number starting with "2", so it is different plane (although could be same photo session) - each hero with his plane:
(http://airaces.narod.ru/all1/klubov3.jpg)
Regards,
    66misos

Hi,
here I made two profiles of Rechkalov's Cobra P-39N0 S/N: 42-8747, one from July 1944 and another one from August 1944. It is N-0 version, so it has wing guns, but it has tail&rudder replaced from another Cobra S/N: 44-2547, e.g Q-15 version. This interpretation is based on the discussion above. I hope new photo will appear and will finally prove or correct my outcomes from discussions:

(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1089646)

(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1089647)

Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
it's not about Klubov's or Rechkalov's Airacobras, it's about Klubov's cap.   :)

On previous photo with Rechkalov, Trud, and B. Glinka, Klubov (first from left) wears "furazhka" kap ("peaked cap" or "forage cap" according to Wikipedia).

(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/podakuni/WWII/Bell_P-39_Airacobra_RUS-1.jpg)

On the photo with Rechkalov shaking hands with B.Glinka, Klubov (second from right) wears "pilotka" cap ("side cap" or a "garrison cap" / "flight cap" in the United States, a "wedge cap" in Canada, or "field service cap" in the United Kingdom...)

(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/rechkalov_11b_zpsaevpwgkt.jpg)

Two photos were most likely made on two occasions, i.e.. on different dates.

Regards,
KL 

Hi Misos,
are there updates incoming for your page on P-39s?
Regards
Massimo

Hi Misos,
Some of the photos that you already have, but in better condition or higher resolution:

(http://tzem.info/img/photo/full/3br72iuspuzsv5jx9mngr5s282ei4phv.jpg)

http://waralbum.ru/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/0_bf96_48af9c7d_-1-orig.jpg (http://waralbum.ru/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/0_bf96_48af9c7d_-1-orig.jpg)

(http://dkw-rus.narod.ru/photo02.jpg)

(https://pp.vk.me/c625727/v625727415/2fbc8/ccb517TYn64.jpg)

Last photo was taken by photo correspondent Izrail Ozerskiy.  According to RIA Novosti (TASS) photo was taken on June 1, 1944 (could be a mistake... July 1st makes more sense).
Ozerskii is one of the famous GPW photographers - his most famous photo is called "Солдатский труд"

(http://visualrian.com/ru/images/zooms/RIAN_997.jpg)

Ozerskii also photographed female sniper Ludmila Pavlichenko

(http://visualrian.com/ru/images/zooms/RIAN_44554.jpg)

You have probably seen these photos before...

Regards,
KL

Modified by the admin:
Sorry, so large photos deform the page and cause a loss of time for loading. In future, please, replace them with a link or a lower resolution version.
Massimo

Hi,
KL, thanks a lot for your inputs.
Massimo, I will see. This Rechkalov could be there after discussions are finished.
In the meantime, another Rechakalov's Kobra. No known photo of the rear part exists, so I made original tail with original serial number:

(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1089645)

regards,
   66misos

Hi,
here is Rechakalov's Cobra with 60 victory starlets. Regarding source photo see my Reply #8 above.

(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1090002)

The "template" ot Rechakalov's Cobra is done, so why not to make this one?
And probably the last one will be his D-2 version.
Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
this  interpretation with replacement parts is definitively original. It looks that existing "photographic evidence" actually supports it - it is clear that 42-8747 had different tail number (42547) in summer 1944. Only problem that I have is that the entire tail came from another plane; IMHO, only tail fin was a replacement part while rudder was an original plane part.

Number 42547 is a composite; first 3 digits are from whatever P-39Q and the last two numbers are from an old P-39N 42-8747.

Regards,
KL    

If so, the number on the other side could  be different.
The position of 47 on the rudder fits only for a five digits code.
Regards
Massimo

Hi KL,
Yes, this is one of "working hypotheses". Also member on Czech forum who came up with this theory, preffer only fix part of the tail replaced, with original rudder, e.g. number from the right side should be different.
Why do you think so?
On this picture:
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/b-3.jpg)
the rudder seems to has different color from the fix part, but it could be matter of different angle/refflection, different material weathering etc. Unless I have photo from the right side I would preffer replacement of the whole tail, rudder included.

Here is profile how Rechkalov's P-39D-2 could appear:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1090257)
I do not know any photo of this Cobra, it is estimated according to the photos of other D-2 from the same unit and time. E.Pilawsky mentioned serial number 138547 (e.g. 41-38547) and fuselage number "40". However, "40" belonged to the other, Babak's Cobra:
(https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.xKtgHdQ4%2f%2bHLA65CgC%2bowQ&pid=15.1&P=0)
Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
it's a theory, no proofs, at one moment it looked logical, but now I am doubtful...

That yellow tail number was important ? it was used as plane's ID.  Planes were identified in official reports, etc. with that number.  Because of that the number had to be unique.  From these facts it logically follows that:

- a plane that was slightly damaged and repaired using parts from other planes had to keep its original ID number

- ID number of a plane that was damaged beyond repair and written off, couldn?t have been reused because this could have caused confusion (in administration)

- a completely rebuilt plane (or a composite plane made from parts of several other planes) would have received a new unique number.


IMHO, Rechkalov?s P-39 was a third case? or my second conclusion wasn't correct?.

Regards,
KL

Hi KL,
basically I agree with you.
On the other side there is a lot of VVS Cobras with serial number on the tail repainted/deleted, from 16 giap Sukhov's "50" as example.
And from Pokryshkin case we can see that in ZBD (Zurnal Boevych Dejstvej) they used to identify planes by board number, not serials.
However, on the another side, Tabachenko in his book identify Cobras by serial no. of the plane and serial no. of the engines, at least at the beginning. IMHO it reflects original documents. But from period cca 1944 he used serial numbers very rarely. I do not know whether it is due to lack of his interest or due to missing data in official historical documents.
Regards,
  66misos

Hi,
according to Tabachenko Cobra P-39D-2 s/n 138547 was among the first Cobras delivered to the 16 giap, but it was lost already in April 1943 during the first ten days of the Kuban battle.
The first N-0 versions are mentioned in May 15, 1943 delivery, together with Pokryshkin's 29004 "Sotka".
Unfortunately serial no. of Rechkalov's Cobra is not mentioned.

Here is copy of Zurnal boevych dejstvej (Journal of combat actions)
(http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/65.jpg)
Date 17th April 1943, Pokryshkin is the second, Cobra board number 130. Rechkalov is the fourth, no board number of his Cobra is listed ???

Dark area between star and letters RGA and behind them:
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/b-3.jpg)

(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1090950&t=1)

quite nice correspondes to the reinforced area, here done localy by Soviets in August 1944 (only latter Q versions were reinforced in Bell factory):
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uSMdZ1Gk_ds/SdWL2GsoyaI/AAAAAAAACkc/1ZtcTdTXlFs/s800/DSC05149.JPG)

Regards,
   66misos

I don't know if caption is correct
(http://s18.postimg.org/44a9v4fo9/P_39_19_Black_Sea_Fleet_21953.png)

Bear in mind the US Aircraft also have a data stencil, which lists full serial and other details.
(http://scalemodels.ru/modules/photo/galerie/w_p30q_ilmatorjuntamuseo_11.jpg)

so, yes, the serial is important, but repairs causing a change in tail number are possible.

Hi Troy,
Good point. Here is another example when serial no. on the tail differs from the real serial no. of the aircraft:

(http://www.mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/whitearrowphoto.jpg)

Regards,
   66misos

Hi,
the duscussion seems to be burnt out, so here are summarize all profiles based on discussion, how I interpret it.

Version D-2 was the first Rechkalov's Cobra. This serial no. is based on E. Pilawski article. This Cobra was among the first in 16 giap and was shot down already in April 1943. Board. number is not known.
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1091226)

Rechkalov continued to fly, not known on what Cobra. In mid May 1943 came the first N-0 versions to 16 giap. Rechkalov was awarded his first HSU on May 23, 1943 for 12 individual and 2 group victories. This is how his new N-0 possiblz could look shortly before his first HSU:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1091221)

Red stars with white and thin red outline are introduced in summer 1943. In 16 giap are introduced red propeller spinners and tail caps abit latter, in autumn 1943.

The first, oldest photo of the front part of Rechkalov's Cobra P-39N0 s/n: 42-8747:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1091222)

Rechkalov is awarded with the second HSU on July 1, 1944 for 48 individual and 6 group victories. There is several photos from this period, unfortunately non of them shows complet aircraft. Although all photos show the front part from the same N-0 version, tail shows serial from Q-15 version. This opened discoussions abot replaced tail with or without rudder. Plus darker area between star and letters RGA brings thoughts about re-inforcement of the rear fuselage, not so rear in that time. It is not known whether it could be related to the tail replacement.
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1091223)

After almost two months latter, on August 19, 1944, Pokryshkin is awarded with his third HSU. As usually he is photographed and filmed not in his, but in someone's else Cobra - this time in Rechkalov's P-39N0 s/n: 42-8747:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1091224)

And this is the last known, probably retouched photo of Rechkalov's Cobra version N-0 sometime before end of WWII.
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1091225)

He finished his WWII score with 61 individual and 4 group victories. These numbers include also 3 victories from 1941, which are in the Unit documents but were not officially asigned to Rechkalov.
Regards,
   66misos

Another great work 66misos, I am rather convinced by the change of the tail 42-8747 which becomes 44-2547...
This Kobra is also in my future projects  ;)
Cheers
Steph

Hi Steph,
thank you for nice words. I hope your build of Rechkalovs Cobra is matter of rather close than far future ;)
Regards,
   66misos

For the moment, I'm working on P-39K "white 13" SN-42-4421 flown by A. Pokryshkin during Spring 1943 and P39N "White 2" SN ? flown by . Gulaev (Gulayev) during Summer or Falls 1944.

Regards
Steph

Hi Steph,
regarding P-39K "white 13" SN-42-4421 flown by A. Pokryshkin during Spring 1943 here are some notes from http://www.mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/prof130.htm (http://www.mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/prof130.htm)
...P-39K-1, 42-4421 (24421) was delivered to 16th GIAP on 8-Apr-1943...
...According to the combat diary of the 16 GIAP, Pokryshkin flew ?130? on 17-Apr-1943...
...As the same plane ?130? was most probably flown also on 10-Apr-1943, repainting "13" to "130" does not look very probably on this plane (e.g. P-39K-1, 42-4421).
(http://www.mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/pokryshkin130prof.jpg)
Not to mix it with Rechkalov, we can discuss it (if you wish) in Pokryshkin thread.
Regards,
   66misos

Hi,
this photo was posted at http://vif2ne.ru/nvi/forum/0/co/164578.htm (http://vif2ne.ru/nvi/forum/0/co/164578.htm):
(http://forums-su.com/download/file.php?id=1096390&mode=view/.jpg)
Note - white Center of Gravity mark is on the door.

And on this photo it is not there:
(http://www.visualrian.ru/ru/images/zooms/RIAN_60372.jpg)
Apparently retouch - bright dot between heads of two heroes does not look very nice...

Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
looking at this photo, the number 125 gives the idea to be darker than white. Couldn't it be red?

http://vif2ne.ru/nvi/forum/files/Viborg/sized/(150528084708)_125.jpg (http://vif2ne.ru/nvi/forum/files/Viborg/sized/(150528084708)_125.jpg)

Regards
Massimo

Hi,
here is Cobra P-39L-1 of A.V. Fedorov from May 1943, picture is from V.Roman's book Airacobras over Kuban:
(http://airaces.narod.ru/all12/fedor_a5.jpg)
According to Tabachenko's book this Cobra was in the 16 giap since the very first moments on the front together with Rechkalov's P-39D-2 s/n 41-38547.
So if picture above is correct (e.g. if "40" was really on 42-4612), then board number "40" on Rechkalov's Cobra is even less probable.
Regards,
  66misos

Hi,
here I made 3-view of Rechkalov's Cobra to show red stars on the wings:

EDIT July 13, 2015:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1107884)

Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
very good as usual. What about the lighter ailerons undersurfaces? Was it usual?
Regards
Massimo

Hi Misos,
imho the white line under the red tail "pilotka" should be wider.  As per the photo from this thread:

(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/b-3.jpg)

Also, if Klubov's Airacobra has wide white line, why is Rechkalpv's Airacobra different?

Regards,
KL
 

Hi,
thank you a lot for your comments. 3-view picture in my Reply #42 above is corrected now.

Massimo, I saw it on some photos, but in this case it was more my mistake, making them too bright.
KL, yes, white trim should be thicker, I corrected it.

Regards,
  66misos

Hi,
this I found in the Sukhov's memoirs book Eskadrilja vedet boi (The squadron is fighting):

"Alexander Ivanovich came. Klubov's Aircraft mechanic Gregory Shevchuk reported him:
- Fighter is deformed, the fuselage is formed like "accordion", tip bent, torn flap holes ...
Klubov, in a wet tunic with salt stains, jumped off the plane and also surprisingly stares at his plane:
- Wow, how how twisted is overseas technology! I did not think that the plane will fail... said Klubov with smile.
Now it was clear why this type looked strangely - fuselage was deformed, antenna gone, the transmitter has moved from its place, the hellish congestion even cut the bolts...
End of august 1943.
Rechkalov was a bit unlucky. He hit "Ju-87", but when flying away from attacked plane, he pulled on the stick too much, very sharply and his "Cobra" deformed."

e.g. Klubov's and Rechkalov's Cobras were deformed by overload during wild flying maneuvers.
Although Sukhov's memoirs do not 100% confirm it, they at least support theory about the replacement of the tail and/or the reinforcement of the rear fuselage on the Rechkalov's Cobra.
Regards,
   66misos

Hi 66misos,

the information you found is very usefull. Unfortunately however the episode occurred at the end of August 1943, 11 months earlier compared to the photo session of P-39N "RGA"; probably a long time for a single plane used by Rechkalov.

Have a look to russian forum http://vif2ne.ru/nvi/forum/0/0.htm ; it seems a new photo about Rechkalov has came to the light.

Flavio

Hi Flavio,
can you please post new photo on this forum?

It looks from later discussion that the photo was taken in summer 1944, we'll see if experts can agree...

Regards,
KL

Hi,
here is that photo:
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Airacobra/P-39%20piloti%2016%20giap_02_zpsjgzgurpx.jpg)

Not very much visible from Rechkalov's Cobra. However, red victory starlets without white outline are visible behind the head of the third guy from the left, so this picture can be dated to July/August 1844 like this one:
(http://www.mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/rechkalov/Pict14.jpg)

Regards,
  66misos

PS: Someone has really strange sense of humor ???

Thanks Misos,

It isn't July/August... it is almost certainly June 1944.  Several photo sessions were made at the airfield with caponiers covered in sodding.  Either Stefaneshti (first half of June) or Todirani (second half of June) airfields, more likely Stefaneshti.

For those who didn't read Tabachenko's book:  at the beginning of July, Pokrishkin's 9 giad was transferred from 2nd Ukrainian Front to 1st Ukranian Front.
First week or so in July, 9 giad regiments changed several airfields to mask its movement, and then from mid July 9 giad has been stationed at the Mihaluvka airbase. There were NO caponiers at Mihaluvka airfields.....

HTH,
KL

I found another version of this photo:

(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s499/Flaviosil/b-8.jpg)

Unfortunately the quality is very bad and the nose of the plane is cropped.
Just usefull to confirm the red victory starlets without white border.

Flavio

New image of P-39N 42-8747 with Pokryshkin at the control (scroll down the page: http://www.sevmb.com/recomend/kalendar/p_1_at794_id757/ )

Here the wing cannon are clearly visible.

Flavio

New, never seen before series of photos made in late August 1944 when Pokrishkin received his 3rd HSU gold star:

(https://187011.selcdn.ru/thumbnails/photos/a/b/f/abff8f89e9b283dc_1024.jpg)

(https://187011.selcdn.ru/thumbnails/photos/7/0/2/70262e74677045a5_1024.jpg)

(https://187011.selcdn.ru/thumbnails/photos/2/7/f/27fb0ba3be01b4a1_1024.jpg)

(https://187011.selcdn.ru/thumbnails/photos/3/c/3/3c34b17bd43296c0_1024.jpg)

Film/photo correspondents:

(https://187011.selcdn.ru/thumbnails/photos/b/2/a/b2a48f12ad35ca27_1024.jpg)


When compared with the best profile made so far, by Misos

(http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/misos/rechkalov/Pict24.jpg)

Photos above are made by the famous photo correspondent Arkadiy Shaihet.
 

The new images reveal following corrections:

- there are three dots after each RGA letter 
- fuselage star is much larger than original red star painted by Americans
- there are no remnants of the overpainted white disc around the fuselage star
- entire fuselage behind the engine might have been overpainted with paint darker than OD
- white line under the red tail pilotka should be wider

Hope Misos is still around...  :)

Regards,
KL

Hi KL,
thank you a lot for excelent photos. :o May I ask where are they from?
I am still around. But real life circumstancies have caused that I had to slow down my hobby activities.
Anyhow, these photos are well worth to reopen Rechkalov file ;)


Here are my two cents:
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/Rechkalov_P-39_37_zpsuowezw7b.jpg)
- I would say that there are remnants of the overpainted white disc around the fuselage star, but much less prominent than on the left upperwing. Probably original blue disc was during repair oversprayed with some VVS green paint in the thin layer, not strong enough to completly cover blue color. And it is excactly there where one would expect blue disc (compare to the white disc on Sukhov's 50 bellow)
- letters RGA are closer to the horizontal stabilizer, half of the letter A is bellow its,
- not sure whether rudder is of lighter color than rest of the tail, or it is only a game of the light/shadow.

(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Rechkalov/Rechkalov_P-39_38_zpsrkbdkjgu.jpg)
- note baggy panel around rivets lines (blue arrows) on the sides of the top arm of the star, compare it with the same area on Sukhov's 50,
- note repainting on the engine cover (red arrows),

These pictures really support (if not confirm) theory that whole rear part of Rechkalov's Cobra was substantially repaired and repainted. And fuselage red star was without blue disc while blue disc on the wing was kept there.
I will rework the profile of this Cobra after we come to consenzus about its new appearance.
Regards,
   66misos


PS:
Thank you for kind words :D:

Hi Misos,
I think that the spinner should be revised. In first place, I can't see any step between the spinner itself and the tube in front of it. Besides, I can't see any evidence that it was of different color than the nose or that it had a glossy finish.
Regards
Massimo

Hi Massimo,
spinner is OK, there is a step, but photo is not sharp enough to show it clearly.
However, color of the spinner is a good question - it has the same shade of grey as the front fuselage. On the other side, the red star is brighter than the aft fuselage but the top of the tail is darker than rest of the tail, it looks like two different shades of the red color. Almost like in scale modeling - red airbrushed in the thin layer over white backround (e.g. original white star) is brighter than red airbrushed over dark backround (Olive Drab).
Regards,
   66misos

For the given lighting conditions, film used by Shaihet had the same sensitivity for brownish OD and red colour... so the film produced same shade of gray for two colours...

We have discussed this many times: b/w photos cannot be used as evidence for any colour... Rechkalov's Airacoba could have been orange with green spinner and on b/w photo it would look the same as the real one which was brownish OD with the red spinner.

Quick recognition markings for 16 giap were red spinner AND red tail "pilotka cap".  This was established long time ago, probably in 1970es when memoirs of many pilots who flew with Pokrishkin were published.  Paintings by 104 giap pilot Zakalyuk confirm this:

(http://airaces.narod.ru/all1/pokrish10.jpg)

(http://airaces.narod.ru/all1/pokr_ai8.jpg)

Regards,
KL   

 

Could be, but the red paint should be gloss while the OD should be matt, and we don't show any difference in shining, not only in shade. Please compare to how the shade of the fuselage star changes according to the curvature of the surface; it is completely different from the spinner.
Besides the red on the star and on the tail appear different. All this is seen not on one photo only, but on many ones.
So, I won't discuss that there are planes with red spinner on that unit, but the one on these photos doesn't seem so.
Regards
Massimo

Hi,
I asked Alex at VIF, owner of this photo (he has original, not retouched photo):
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Airacobra/P-39%20piloti%2016%20giap_02_zpsjgzgurpx.jpg)
His answer was that on this particular bw photo there is no difference between front fuselage and spinner in terms of tonality.
I know that red spinner and top of the tail were recognition markings for 16 giap.

However, it seems that respective (partionally) missing regional marging was not so exeptional in 16 giad http://sovietwarplanes.com/board/index.php?topic=1367.30 (http://sovietwarplanes.com/board/index.php?topic=1367.30)
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t518/66misos/P-39%20Airacobra/GlinkaDmitriyBorisovich_Kuban1943_v04.jpg)
"Concerning labeling/marking of the plane from a newsreel, it belongs to Dmitri Glinka from 100 GvIAP, note that the regiment belongs to 9th GvIAD and was supposed to have the symbol on the tail and spinner, but it had not!"

Regards,
   66misos

Hi,
this photo was posted today at VIF - spinner has color apparently different from the front fuselage:
(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1217519)

Just for comparison - this is Fedorov's Cobra from the same unit - spinner and tail cap are red:
(http://rgakfd.altsoft.spb.ru/getImage.do?object=1009066728&original=1&compatible=1)

(http://www.airaces.narod.ru/all12/fedor_a3.jpg)

EDIT June 21st: Updated profile is in my Reply #65 bellow.

Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
this seems likely as glossy red.  Are the photos taken in different date?
regards
Massimo

Hi Massimo,
Rechkalov was awarded 2nd HSU on July 1st, 1944.
Pokryshkin was awarded 3rd HSU on August 19th, 1944. Photographed in Rechkalov's Cobra in September 1944.
So it is quite probably that those photos are from the different photosessions/time.
Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,

Awarded HSU gold star did not mean that a pilot physically received the medal on that day!

For example, Klubov was awarded HSU title on April 14, then 2-3 weeks later, in early May, he flew to division (or corpus, I can't remember) command to receive the medal - this is all described in Tabachenkov's book.  Pokrishkin flew all way to Moscow to receive his 3rd golden star medal, probably in September 1944.

On this series of photos, Rechkalov still has 1 golden star and Pokrishkin has 2 stars - everybody is cheering Pokrishkin for his 3rd HSU star, but he was still wearing only 2 stars.  The photo session was probably made sometime between August 19 when Pokrishkin was awarded 3rd golden star and September when he returned from Moscow with the medal.

HTH,
KL     

Hi Misos,

Movie with D. Glinka might have been filmed before August 1943, before quick recognition markings have been ordered?

This series of photos was taken in January 1944, some of these Airacobras are probably from Glinka's 100 giap

(http://coollib.com/i/55/313255/pic_85.jpg)

(http://waralbum.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/pg.jpg)

(http://waralbum.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Pokrishkin.jpg)

(https://dg53.mycdn.me/image?t=0&bid=816605715003&id=816605715003&plc=WEB&tkn=*skEJl4jZxZKhTL3C7sZVnYaheFs)

HTH,
KL

Hi KL,
thanks for nice photos.
Here is updated profile - some minor corrections:

(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1217910)

Regards,
   6?misos

Rechkalov with 2 golden stars above and with one star below:

(https://libpstu.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/d0b3d0b5d0bdd0b5d180d0b0d0bb-d0bcd0b0d0b9d0bed180-d0b0d0b2d0b8d0b0d186d0b8d0b8-d180d0b5d187d0bad0b0d0bbd0bed0b2-d0b3d180d0b8d0b3d0be.jpg)

on both photos spinner is different colour...  Rechkalov's Airacobra spinner has been red from August 1943, like spinners of all other 16 giap Airacobras...

It's the nature of b/w photo material:  
-  if photo shows different shades of gray, this could be the proof that there are 2 different colours
-  If photo doesn't show different shades of gray, this is not a proof that there is only one colour, because there is always the option that the film wasn't sensitive enough to record the difference between the 2 colours.

Regards,
KL

P.S. New profile is excellent, again the best existing!  Bravo Misos!!!  :)  :)  :)

Hi Misos,

it looks that the photo session (celebration of Pokrishkin's 3rd gold star) has been organized shortly after August 19. Pokrishkin left front in late August, together with Rechkalov and Trud.  All three, received their gold stars on September 9, in Moscov Kremlin.  Pokrishkin receved his 3rd star, Rechkalov 2nd and Trud 1st.  This (and much more at http://www.portal-slovo.ru/history/35406.php?ELEMENT_ID=35406&PAGEN_1=3

(http://cdnimg.rg.ru/i/gallery/8eb86a93/e53ec409.jpg)
Pokrishkin receives medal from Shvernik...

(http://www.ljplus.ru/img4/m/e/medvedb88/P-RGA_02.jpg)
Rechkalov attaches medal...

(http://www.zemlyanka-v.ru/upload/shop_1/5/1/6/item_51634/shop_items_catalog_image51634.jpg)
Pokrishkin, Rechkalov, Gulaev and Trud, Kremlin in background...

So, your profile should be dated August 1944.

HTH,
KL

Hi KL,
Thanks a lot for appretiation ;D and additional info.
Between August 19th and September 9th there is 11 days in August and 9 days in September, e.g. it is almost 1:1 for Aug or Sep. Therefore unles there is not known exact date of that photosession, IMHO my description "August/September 1944" is not incorrect.
Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
it looks that August/September is actually OK date for that particular appearence of Rechkalov's Airacobra (55 victory stars)...  

Check Rechkalov's victories at http://airaces.narod.ru/all1/rechkal.htm

Since first 3 victories scored in 1941 were never officially recognized, the 55th officially recognized victory was scored on August 2nd.  Rechkalov didn't score any victories by August 19th so on photos which were taken during the session his Airacobra had 55 victories and that is what your profile shows.  56th victory was scored on August 31st, just before Rechkalov left combat and flew to Moscow - so Rechkalov's Airacobra should have had 56 victory stars during his leave in September 1944...

To make this clear:  Photo with 1 HSU gold star medal was taken in August 1944, before the trip in Moscow and Airacobra has 55 victory stars painted

(https://libpstu.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/d0b3d0b5d0bdd0b5d180d0b0d0bb-d0bcd0b0d0b9d0bed180-d0b0d0b2d0b8d0b0d186d0b8d0b8-d180d0b5d187d0bad0b0d0bbd0bed0b2-d0b3d180d0b8d0b3d0be.jpg)

Rechkalov's photo with 2 golden star medals was taken after the Moscow trip, probably in October 1944.  Airacobra should have had 56 victory stars painted...

(http://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1217519)

Following 2 photos are problematic; it's not clear one or two golden star medals

(http://www.wio.ru/aces/gal2/rechkalov.jpg)

(https://cont.ws/uploads/posts2/263668.jpg)

Two photos above clearly show 55 victory stars!!! If taken after the Moscow trip, even October 1944 would be possible dating for your profile...

HTH,
KL
 

Hi all,

a further nice shot and never seen before of Rechkalov's P-39 from Mansur Mustafin website on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/1138695823/posts/10213178044702564/

Flavio

for ease of reference, might be worth saving as Facebook is not the best platform
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/51216200_10213178041822492_5273836466412191744_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/51216200_10213178041822492_5273836466412191744_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=ba5a45a1cdef0b93ff50debc5d9ae63d&oe=5CB73015)

Hi,
very nice photo.
Here I made an enlarged detail from it and applied some corrections:

(https://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1473154)

- tail has a darker shade of the OD than the fuselage,
- side of the fuselage between the cockpit and the star is repainted by a darker color than the weathered/bleached old OD on the surrounding fuselage,
- there is darker area under the red star, seems circular at least at is left upper part - either original blue disc or repainted by green darker than weathered/bleached old OD,
- unfortunately not clearly visible, wheter there was a field reinforcement of the rear fuselage (under the letters PGA) or not.
Regards,
   66misos

Hi Misos,
 could it be that the dark repainting is indicative of a reinforcement on the fuselage? I think to see a rectangular repainting between the star and the letters.
Regards
Massimo