WWII Bomber Command squadron codes - what font?

By: Mark V - 10th December 2007 at 22:51 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

Have I asked a silly question? Maybe not phrased it correctly?

Hello Don, I think the question may be a little confusing but I will try to answer it. As I understand it you need a font type for the aircraft code letter P on a Lancaster in conjunction with a squadron code also containing a P. There is no known photo of the aircraft but you have made a good start and used ‘standard’ decal letters in Red for the squadron code.

I would say that there was no fixed ‘font’ as such for these code letters, bomber, fighter or any other. Generally the height of letters and often the stroke width was defined but the actual style of letters was not rigidly defined and tended to vary from unit to unit. Early war fighters often show great variation in styles as orders changed rapidly re-defining heights of letters, later on things settled down a bit but there was still a considerable variation in the ‘squareness’ and overall proportions of letters. Unlike the Americans, the RAF tended to stick with radiused corners to letters rather than the chamfered corners often seen on US types and this is certainly one of the characteristics that is common to most examples.

Back to your model – I would suggest you simply mimic the P you already have in the squadron code and yes it would in almost 100% probability have been Red, same as the other letters. If you had a picture of the aircraft in question or one of the other aircraft on the squadron you would be able to make a better job of replicating any idiosyncrasies it might have had but in the absence of this I would say you will get a fair result on this basis.

By: Bluebird Mike - 10th December 2007 at 22:51 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

You could get another Airfix sheet and use the P from that.

By: Duncan - 10th December 2007 at 22:52 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

I suspect that the reason you haven't had an answer is because there isn't one. Fonts belong in the printing industry and are only defined and registered in a printing context. Aircraft would have been sign written. There may (I repeat may) have been guidance published by the ministry. As it would be directed at RAF ground crew it would have comprised a grid of squares with the letter superimposd. In much the same way as the DfT used to define the lettering for traffic signs - and may still do for all I know.

Since you appear to be only looking for a 'P', wouldn't the pragmatic solution be to acquire a second decal sheet similar to the one you have used? Or is it not that simple?

By: Mark V - 10th December 2007 at 22:53 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

Well there you are Don - three responses inside a minute!

By: JDK - 11th December 2007 at 03:55 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

Back to your model – I would suggest you simply mimic the P you already have in the squadron code and yes it would in almost 100% probability have been Red, same as the other letters.

Put the question the other way up - While the individual aircraft code letter colour varied on occasion later in the war, generally the shape wouldn't vary from the squadron code - i.e. if there was a 'P' in the squadron's markings, then the aircraft's individual code 'P' would be the same shape. I'm sure there were exceptions, but generally, they matched.

Just an extra 'thought'. ;)

By: airart - 11th December 2007 at 07:31 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

I have designed a set of 'fonts' for when I do my colour drawings. However they are not fonts as such, but outline drawings in Adobe Illustrator format that you can fill in with any colour and resize.

If they are of any use for you, and have AI to work with send me a PM and I'll send you a file.

RJC

By: Roobarb - 11th December 2007 at 07:40 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

I used to use "Modeldecal" transfers when I had the time to build my aircraft models. They did complete sheets of codes, serial letters etc in various different styles, colours and sizes. They went out of business but the decals are still available through "Hannants" model supplies, who have an excellent website. They should have what you need to complete your codes, though it may be another make of decal that you have to use. Hope that helps.

Roobarb

By: 12jaguar - 11th December 2007 at 07:55 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

Slightly on a different track, what font would be generally used for re-creating cockpit warning placards in British aircraft. I've had a stab at using aerial for our Stirling panels which are similar but not quite right. Any ideas anyone?

By: mhuxt - 11th December 2007 at 21:49 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/forums/dlcat-military-fonts-19/

By: mhuxt - 12th December 2007 at 20:04 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

No worries gnome. Never actually used that site myself so really wasn't sure whether it was what you were after or not.