The original paint scheme of the PQ-13s is still somewhat open to discussion. William Bayne who is on the list has a photo of at least one of the PQ-13s which shows the paint scheme. I would not argue with Bills expertise on Coupes. He is much more knowledgeable then I.
The whole story of the two PQ-13s is still full of mystery. Why did the AAF every take delivery of them--they did not met the specification for the drone. The AAF had already tested the YO-55 which was found total unacceptable. In a letter dated 11/17/1941 to ERCO a Lt. Colonel writes, Two additional airplanes were procured for use a radio controlled airplane target. The performance of the model 415-C airplane was considerably under the minimum Air Corps requirements for such airplanes. The letter was dated three weeks before the aircraft were delivered.
The AAF received the PQs on Dec 8th, 1941 at a time I think they had more important things on their minds then painting them. From the AAF records the two aircraft where only flown from Wright Field to Chanute Field, IL when transferred to non-flying status. From that point on, I have not been able to trace them. They just dropped off the AAFs records and I have ordered the FAA records. This is all I have about the two.
Sold to AAF as PQ-13, 41-39099. Delivered to Wright Field, OH on 12/8/1941. Transferred to Chanute Field 5/4/41 as class 26 with less than 2.8 hours (for use as a ground training aid--off flying status). Chanute museum has no record of the aircraft being transferred there.
Sold to AAF as PQ-13, 41-25196. Delivered to Wright Field, OH on 12/8/1941. Transferred to Chanute Field 5/4/41 as class 26 with less than 3 hours (for use as a ground training aid--off flying status). Chanute museum has no record of the aircraft being transferred there. The aircraft was then transferred to Jonesboro, NC (Seymour-Johnson) on 8/17/42 (hard to read).
What I still question in my mind is Why did the AAF paint the two PQ-13 which they only had for a few weeks and never painted the YO-55 which they had about nine months? The YO-55 always flow under its NC number.
One of the problems with working with Air Force history is that it is based on units. The home unit at a base keeps the base history, which is great until the unit is deactivated.
I will send you a photo off list of the paint currently carried by N37143.
Richard.
N99904
Share in the freedom I feel when I fly.
(John Denver)
