Date air scoop mesh came into service?
 

Hi all,

I was just wondering as of what date the mesh for the air scoop on Aussie carriers came in and when they started putting them on carriers.

Chris

31 Aug 43 Parts List
 

Part number 1231 Screen Assembly Camoflage Air Scoop, is listed in both the 31 Aug 43 Carrier MG Spare Parts and the List of Spare Parts.

This screen was only for LP2A, as it has sections removed in the wood to align with the later air scoop and the reinforcing brace/structure on the left inner side of the air scoop. This aligns with the AA mount.

Units may have retrofitted this screen to earlier hulls; however, it requires metal tabs to be welded/fixed to the air scoop to secure it in place and some small holes drilled for the hardware kit.

Looking at my ref pics of hull 259, this is a very early LP2 that is correct. It does have a 'homemade' mesh screen fitted (more for practical reasons I presume).

I take it you now own 259 or are giving it some TLC for RM???

Hi mate,

Thanks for the answer. It helps quite a bit. I would have assumed that they were possibly put on some earlier carriers later in the war but I just wanted to make sure whether it would be on there for the time period the carrier is representing. Yes mate, just some TLC.

Chris

Also, it currently has an original one fitted. When it was obtained many years ago it also had one on it so I assume it may have been fitted later or even post war. Again, it would be interesting to know what date it actually was first produced and put on bgc's.

photos
 

Can you please put up photos and messaments

Pretty sure NZ carriers didn't have these screens Arthur. There's only one Carrier I know of in NZ that's got one fitted and I think they made it themselves from a photo of an Aussie one back before the internet existed. I've never seen a kiwi air dam that has original brackets or original holes to fit one.

Hi Arthur,

Do you still want the info after what Alex has said?

Chris

Yes please