by Steve Mackenzie

Noorduyn Norseman A71-4 taken at Cairns airstrip in 1945 by LAC Bruce Galbraith Downie 147586.

OK now I get to talk a bit about Colours and Markings of the Norseman in RAAF Service. There are a number of sources (articles and models) which represent the colours as being overall Foliage Green. Looking at the photo above, one can see where this notion comes from, as the angle that the light is coming from here could make it easy to think so. In actuality the airframes were delivered from the U.S in standard USAAF colours of Olive Drab over Neutral Grey and were never repainted in Australian service.

Unfortunately unidentified RAAF Noorduyn Norseman showing a lot of good detail.

One can occasionally see small patches of Foliage Green in a couple of photos where the original markings were overpainted with RAAF roundels and fin flashes. There are small detail differences between the airframes in the size of the national markings and colouring of code letters and serials. Also the exact positioning of the later can vary a little, so observe the details of which airframe you are interested in carefully.

Noorduyn Norseman A71-4, 5CU, KF-B, Townsville QLD (Frank F. Smith Collection). The best photographed airframes appear to be those of 5 CU (Communications Unit) as there are a number available of their 'KF' marked machines.

Overall Olive Drab and Neutral Grey. Standard Blue/White roundels are fin flashes. Codes are liely Sky Blue with Med Grey serials (plain style but with stencil breaks).

Noorduyn Norseman A71-7 at Tocumwal awaiting disposal postwar. Note the larger roundel and different fin flash. The under surface demarcation is higher and the under surface colour faded with age. Also serial is Med Grey here. (Frank F. Smith Collection).