Nose Numbers - Revision history

WikiSysop: /* Douglas Tulsa */

2021-08-14T17:29:09Z

Douglas Tulsa

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 14 August 2021
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	===Douglas Tulsa===		===Douglas Tulsa===
	[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22330.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22369.jpg\|~~center~~]]		[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22330.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22369.jpg\|500px]]

WikiSysop: /* Douglas Long Beach */

2021-08-14T17:21:16Z

Douglas Long Beach

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 14 August 2021
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	===Douglas Long Beach===		===Douglas Long Beach===
	[[File:41-~~39136~~.jpg\|500px]] [[File:41-~~39124~~.jpg\|500px]]		[[File:41-39124.jpg\|500px]] [[File:41-39136.jpg\|500px]]

	===Douglas Tulsa===		===Douglas Tulsa===
	[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22330.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22369.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22330.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22369.jpg\|center]]

WikiSysop: /* Douglas Long Beach */

2021-08-14T17:21:05Z

Douglas Long Beach

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 14 August 2021
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	===Douglas Long Beach===		===Douglas Long Beach===
	[[File:41-39136.jpg\|500px]] [[File:41-39124. ~~WM.Jjpg~~\|500px]]		[[File:41-39136.jpg\|500px]] [[File:41-39124.jpg\|500px]]

	===Douglas Tulsa===		===Douglas Tulsa===
	[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22330.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22369.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22330.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22369.jpg\|center]]

WikiSysop at 17:20, 14 August 2021

2021-08-14T17:20:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 14 August 2021
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	Here's where it got confusing. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. Initially I had made the assumption that the planes were built in order by the USAF Serial Number. However, I have since learned that this is not the case at all, especially at the Tulsa plant. They would even mix up the types of planes they built, they'd build one B-26C, then 2 B-26Bs, and so on. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was the 126th plane to roll off the line at Tulsa.		Here's where it got confusing. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. Initially I had made the assumption that the planes were built in order by the USAF Serial Number. However, I have since learned that this is not the case at all, especially at the Tulsa plant. They would even mix up the types of planes they built, they'd build one B-26C, then 2 B-26Bs, and so on. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was the 126th plane to roll off the line at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22369.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:43-22369.jpg\|500px\|center]]

			==Location of Nose Numbers==
			Since initially creating this page, the 416th Bomb Group Historical Association has clued me in to another detail: Douglas Long Beach and Douglas Tulsa displayed their nose numbers in different locations on the A-26. The Douglas Long Beach plant painted the numbers forward of Station 0, on the nose itself, while Douglas Tulsa painted the numbers aft of Station 0 on the fuselage. Let's look at some known examples.

			===Douglas Long Beach===
			[[File:41-39136.jpg\|500px]] [[File:41-39124. WM.Jjpg\|500px]]

			===Douglas Tulsa===
			[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22330.jpg\|500px]] [[File:43-22369.jpg\|center]]

WikiSysop at 17:14, 14 August 2021

2021-08-14T17:14:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:14, 14 August 2021
Line 10:		Line 10:

	Now that we've got this all out of the way, that brings us to the Nose Numbers, or Douglas Fuselage Number (DFN) as they are properly called. Some people refer to them as "Line Numbers". Let's take a look at this plane:		Now that we've got this all out of the way, that brings us to the Nose Numbers, or Douglas Fuselage Number (DFN) as they are properly called. Some people refer to them as "Line Numbers". Let's take a look at this plane:
	[[File:41-39136.jpg\|center]]		[[File:41-39136.jpg\|center\|500px]]

	Note that there is a number "37" on the nose of this plane. That does not correspond with the Construction Number (6849), or the Serial Number (41-39136). This number is essentially a "build number". As it happens, 41-39136 was the 37th plane to roll out of the Douglas Long Beach manufacturing plant. All of the Invaders built at a specific plant get assigned a fuselage number in accordance with the order that plane was constructed. The Invaders built at Tulsa get one series of numbers, and the Invaders built at Long Beach get another set. There are potential duplicates, but it would only be limited to one of two planes, one for Long Beach, and one for Tulsa.		Note that there is a number "37" on the nose of this plane. That does not correspond with the Construction Number (6849), or the Serial Number (41-39136). This number is essentially a "build number". As it happens, 41-39136 was the 37th plane to roll out of the Douglas Long Beach manufacturing plant. All of the Invaders built at a specific plant get assigned a fuselage number in accordance with the order that plane was constructed. The Invaders built at Tulsa get one series of numbers, and the Invaders built at Long Beach get another set. There are potential duplicates, but it would only be limited to one of two planes, one for Long Beach, and one for Tulsa.

	Note that this plane has the number 61 on the nose. It was the 61st plane built at the Douglas Tulsa plant (43-22312).		Note that this plane has the number 61 on the nose. It was the 61st plane built at the Douglas Tulsa plant (43-22312).
	[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|center\|500px]]

	It's followed in short order by 43-22315, which is sequentially 3 numbers larger in serial number. Lo and behold, this nose number is also 3 digits larger (64) and its the 64th plane built at Tulsa.		It's followed in short order by 43-22315, which is sequentially 3 numbers larger in serial number. Lo and behold, this nose number is also 3 digits larger (64) and its the 64th plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22315.JPG\|center]]		[[File:43-22315.JPG\|center\|500px]]

	Another example, a semi-famous plane from the 416th Bomb Group called "For Pete's Sake". It bears 79 on the nose and is the 79th plane built at Tulsa.		Another example, a semi-famous plane from the 416th Bomb Group called "For Pete's Sake". It bears 79 on the nose and is the 79th plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22330.jpg\|~~1000px~~\|~~center~~]]		[[File:43-22330.jpg\|center\|500px]]

	And one more, example. Note that this plane has 92 on the nose and it was the 92nd plane built at Tulsa.		And one more, example. Note that this plane has 92 on the nose and it was the 92nd plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22343.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22343.jpg\|center\|500px]]

	Note that the preceding planes are not in the same squadron. They are not even assigned to the same Group. 22312 is part of the 386th Bomb Group, while 22315 is part of the 419th. And although 22315 and 22330 are in the same group, they are in different squadrons. It is worth nothing that these Fuselage Numbers are best used in early pictures of Invaders. As they continued their service the numbers on the nose eventually evolved into either parts of the serial number or something like Modex numbers in the Navy.		Note that the preceding planes are not in the same squadron. They are not even assigned to the same Group. 22312 is part of the 386th Bomb Group, while 22315 is part of the 419th. And although 22315 and 22330 are in the same group, they are in different squadrons. It is worth nothing that these Fuselage Numbers are best used in early pictures of Invaders. As they continued their service the numbers on the nose eventually evolved into either parts of the serial number or something like Modex numbers in the Navy.

	Here's where it got confusing. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. Initially I had made the assumption that the planes were built in order by the USAF Serial Number. However, I have since learned that this is not the case at all, especially at the Tulsa plant. They would even mix up the types of planes they built, they'd build one B-26C, then 2 B-26Bs, and so on. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was the 126th plane to roll off the line at Tulsa.		Here's where it got confusing. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. Initially I had made the assumption that the planes were built in order by the USAF Serial Number. However, I have since learned that this is not the case at all, especially at the Tulsa plant. They would even mix up the types of planes they built, they'd build one B-26C, then 2 B-26Bs, and so on. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was the 126th plane to roll off the line at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22369.jpg\|~~1000px~~\|center]]		[[File:43-22369.jpg\|500px\|center]]

WikiSysop at 17:13, 14 August 2021

2021-08-14T17:13:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 14 August 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	I was initially very confused about these numbers, but I do understand them now. I'll explain below. My intent was to figure out the purpose of these numbers in order to help identify aircraft in photos. Before I dive into the nose numbers, allow me a moment to deliver a primer on the different types of aircraft numbers.		I was initially very confused about these numbers, but I do understand them now. I'll explain below. My intent was to figure out the purpose of these numbers in order to help identify aircraft in photos. Before I dive into the nose numbers, allow me a moment to deliver a primer on the different types of aircraft numbers.


	One number is the Construction Number (CN, C/N). This number represents the number of aircraft that was constructed by the company. The Construction Number spans all makes, models, and production facilities. It's a universal company number to keep track of what they've made and works as a type of inventory control number. For Invaders, this number begins with 6,813.		One number is the Construction Number (CN, C/N). This number represents the number of aircraft that was constructed by the company. The Construction Number spans all makes, models, and production facilities. It's a universal company number to keep track of what they've made and works as a type of inventory control number. For Invaders, this number begins with 6,813.

			Another number is the Serial Number. This is a number assigned by the Air Force. The First production model Invader had a serial number of [[41-39100]]. The first two digits represent the Fiscal Year the plane was ordered. In this case, 1941. This is an important distinction because this plane wasn't built until 1943. The rest of the serial number represents that plane in the Air Force inventory across all manufacturers and types of planes. For example, the plane right before the first production Invader was 41-39099, an experimental plane manufactured by Erco called the XPQ-13.

	Another number is the Serial Number. This is a number assigned by the Air Force. The First Invader had a serial number of 41-39100. The first two digits represent the Fiscal Year the plane was ordered. In this case, 1941. This is an important distinction because this plane wasn't built until 1944. The rest of the serial number represents that plane in the Air Force inventory across all manufacturers and types of planes. For example, the plane right before the first Invader was 41-39099, an experimental plane manufactured by Erco called the XPQ-13.		The third number is the Tail Number. The tail number is an abbreviated form of the Serial Number. For example, the first production model Invader with serial number 41-39100 would have a tail number of 139100. The first digit is omitted from the number and it is displayed without the dash. A small point of note; after the plane has been operational for more than 10 years the tail code changes, otherwise it would hypothetically be possible to mix it up with a newer plane (like 51-39100 (there really isn't one, this is just an example)). I've seen this done two ways. 0-139100 is the most common way. A zero precedes the tail number with a dash. On a couple of planes I have seen it done differently: 0-1100. In this case the first digit is the last digit of the Fiscal Year, and then the last 3 digits of the serial number. But I have only seen this rarely and in cases where there was no possibility for confusion. For example, it would be a bad idea to use this approach with 44-34257 because it might be confused with 44-35257.


	The third number is the Tail Number. The tail number is an abbreviated form of the Serial Number. For example, the first Invader with serial number 41-39100 would have a tail number of 139100. The first digit is omitted from the number and it is displayed without the dash. A small point of note; after the plane has been operational for more than 10 years the tail code changes, otherwise it would hypothetically be possible to mix it up with a newer plane (like 51-39100 (there really isn't one, this is just an example)). I've seen this done two ways. 0-139100 is the most common way. A zero precedes the tail number with a dash. On a couple of planes I have seen it done differently: 0-1100. In this case the first digit is the last digit of the Fiscal Year, and then the last 3 digits of the serial number. But I have only seen this rarely and in cases where there was no possibility for confusion. For example, it would be a bad idea to use this approach with 44-34257 because it might be confused with 44-35257.


	The last number that's common only appears on planes ~~during the Korean War and~~ after. It's called a "buzz code" and is written on the Fuselage. 41-39100 would have a Buzz Code of BC-100. Although there are repeats of the buzz codes, the logic is that two planes with the same buzz code won't be in the same place at the same time. It's a short-hand code used for easy reference.		The last number that's common only appears on planes after WWII. It's called a "buzz code" and is written on the Fuselage. 41-39100 would have a Buzz Code of AC-100 between 1946 and 1947, and then BC-100 after that (when the Invader became known as the B-26). Although there are repeats of the buzz codes, the logic is that two planes with the same buzz code won't be in the same place at the same time. It's a short-hand code used for easy reference.

			Now that we've got this all out of the way, that brings us to the Nose Numbers, or Douglas Fuselage Number (DFN) as they are properly called. Some people refer to them as "Line Numbers". Let's take a look at this plane:
	Now that we've got this all out of the way, that brings us to the Nose Numbers, or Fuselage Number as they are properly called. Let's take a look at this plane:
	[[File:41-39136.jpg\|center]]		[[File:41-39136.jpg\|center]]

			Note that there is a number "37" on the nose of this plane. That does not correspond with the Construction Number (6849), or the Serial Number (41-39136). This number is essentially a "build number". As it happens, 41-39136 was the 37th plane to roll out of the Douglas Long Beach manufacturing plant. All of the Invaders built at a specific plant get assigned a fuselage number in accordance with the order that plane was constructed. The Invaders built at Tulsa get one series of numbers, and the Invaders built at Long Beach get another set. There are potential duplicates, but it would only be limited to one of two planes, one for Long Beach, and one for Tulsa.
	Note that there is a number "37" on the nose of this plane. That does not correspond with the Construction Number (6849), or the Serial Number (41-39136). This number is essentially a "build number". As it happens, 41-39136 was the 37th plane to roll out of the Douglas Long Beach manufacturing plant. All of the Invaders built at a specific plant get assigned a fuselage number in accordance with the order that plane was constructed. The Invaders built at Tulsa get one series of numbers, and the Invaders built at Long Beach get another set. There are potential duplicates, but it would only be limited to one of two planes.


	Note that this plane has the number 61 on the nose. It was the 61st plane built at the Douglas Tulsa plant (43-22312).		Note that this plane has the number 61 on the nose. It was the 61st plane built at the Douglas Tulsa plant (43-22312).
	[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|center]]


	It's followed in short order by 43-22315, which is sequentially 3 numbers larger in serial number. Lo and behold, this nose number is also 3 digits larger (64) and its the 64th plane built at Tulsa.		It's followed in short order by 43-22315, which is sequentially 3 numbers larger in serial number. Lo and behold, this nose number is also 3 digits larger (64) and its the 64th plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22315.JPG\|center]]		[[File:43-22315.JPG\|center]]


	Another example, a semi-famous plane from the 416th Bomb Group called "For Pete's Sake". It bears 79 on the nose and is the 79th plane built at Tulsa.		Another example, a semi-famous plane from the 416th Bomb Group called "For Pete's Sake". It bears 79 on the nose and is the 79th plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22330.jpg\|1000px\|center]]		[[File:43-22330.jpg\|1000px\|center]]


	And one more, example. Note that this plane has 92 on the nose and it was the 92nd plane built at Tulsa.		And one more, example. Note that this plane has 92 on the nose and it was the 92nd plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22343.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22343.jpg\|center]]


	Note that the preceding planes are not in the same squadron. They are not even assigned to the same Group. 22312 is part of the 386th Bomb Group, while 22315 is part of the 419th. And although 22315 and 22330 are in the same group, they are in different squadrons. It is worth nothing that these Fuselage Numbers are best used in early pictures of Invaders. As they continued their service the numbers on the nose eventually evolved into either parts of the serial number or something like Modex numbers in the Navy.		Note that the preceding planes are not in the same squadron. They are not even assigned to the same Group. 22312 is part of the 386th Bomb Group, while 22315 is part of the 419th. And although 22315 and 22330 are in the same group, they are in different squadrons. It is worth nothing that these Fuselage Numbers are best used in early pictures of Invaders. As they continued their service the numbers on the nose eventually evolved into either parts of the serial number or something like Modex numbers in the Navy.


	Here's where it got confusing. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. Initially I had made the assumption that the planes were built in order by the USAF Serial Number. However, I have since learned that this is not the case at all, especially at the Tulsa plant. They would even mix up the types of planes they built, they'd build one B-26C, then 2 B-26Bs, and so on. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was the 126th plane to roll off the line at Tulsa.		Here's where it got confusing. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. Initially I had made the assumption that the planes were built in order by the USAF Serial Number. However, I have since learned that this is not the case at all, especially at the Tulsa plant. They would even mix up the types of planes they built, they'd build one B-26C, then 2 B-26Bs, and so on. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was the 126th plane to roll off the line at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22369.jpg\|1000px\|center]]		[[File:43-22369.jpg\|1000px\|center]]

WikiSysop at 04:29, 31 August 2018

2018-08-31T04:29:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:29, 31 August 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~Nose Numbers are something of a mystery.~~ I ~~thought I had this figured out~~, but ~~it turns out that~~ I ~~don't~~ understand ~~this as much as~~ I ~~thought~~. My ~~hope~~ was to figure out the purpose of these numbers in order to help identify aircraft in photos. Before I dive into the nose numbers, allow me a moment to deliver a primer on the different types of aircraft numbers.		I was initially very confused about these numbers, but I do understand them now. I'll explain below. My intent was to figure out the purpose of these numbers in order to help identify aircraft in photos. Before I dive into the nose numbers, allow me a moment to deliver a primer on the different types of aircraft numbers.


Line 14:		Line 14:


	Now that we've got this all out of the way, that brings us to the Nose Numbers~~. I don't even know if that's the actual term for these~~, ~~it's just what I'm calling them~~. Let's take a look at this plane:		Now that we've got this all out of the way, that brings us to the Nose Numbers, or Fuselage Number as they are properly called. Let's take a look at this plane:
	[[File:41-39136.jpg\|center]]		[[File:41-39136.jpg\|center]]

	Note that there is a number "37" on the nose of this plane. That does not correspond with the Construction Number (6849), or the Serial Number (41-39136). Initially I thought that this was something like a "build number". As it happens, 41-39136 was the 37th plane to roll out of the Douglas Long Beach manufacturing plant. A lot of the pictures I have made it seem like this was indeed that pattern. I assumed that this pattern continued 1-500 and then when they began building Invaders at the Douglas Tulsa plant, the pattern started over on those Invaders.

	~~In fact~~, ~~here's~~ one ~~here~~. Note that this plane has the number 61 on the nose. It ~~also happens to be~~ the 61st plane built at the Douglas Tulsa plant (43-22312).		Note that there is a number "37" on the nose of this plane. That does not correspond with the Construction Number (6849), or the Serial Number (41-39136). This number is essentially a "build number". As it happens, 41-39136 was the 37th plane to roll out of the Douglas Long Beach manufacturing plant. All of the Invaders built at a specific plant get assigned a fuselage number in accordance with the order that plane was constructed. The Invaders built at Tulsa get one series of numbers, and the Invaders built at Long Beach get another set. There are potential duplicates, but it would only be limited to one of two planes.


			Note that this plane has the number 61 on the nose. It was the 61st plane built at the Douglas Tulsa plant (43-22312).
	[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22312-1.jpg\|center]]


	It's followed in short order by 43-22315, which is sequentially 3 numbers larger in serial number. Lo and behold, this nose number is also 3 digits larger (64) and its the 64th plane built at Tulsa.		It's followed in short order by 43-22315, which is sequentially 3 numbers larger in serial number. Lo and behold, this nose number is also 3 digits larger (64) and its the 64th plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22315.JPG\|center]]		[[File:43-22315.JPG\|center]]


	Another example, a semi-famous plane from the 416th Bomb Group called "For Pete's Sake". It bears 79 on the nose and is the 79th plane built at Tulsa.		Another example, a semi-famous plane from the 416th Bomb Group called "For Pete's Sake". It bears 79 on the nose and is the 79th plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22330.jpg\|1000px\|center]]		[[File:43-22330.jpg\|1000px\|center]]


	And one more, example. Note that this plane has 92 on the nose and it was the 92nd plane built at Tulsa.		And one more, example. Note that this plane has 92 on the nose and it was the 92nd plane built at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22343.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22343.jpg\|center]]

	Note that the preceding planes are ~~NOT~~ in the same squadron. They are not even assigned to the same Group. 22312 is part of the 386th Bomb Group, while 22315 is part of the 419th. And although 22315 and 22330 are in the same group, they are in different squadrons. ~~So, I can ascertain~~ that ~~whatever~~ these ~~numbers~~ are, they ~~are not related to~~ something at the ~~unit level~~.
			Note that the preceding planes are not in the same squadron. They are not even assigned to the same Group. 22312 is part of the 386th Bomb Group, while 22315 is part of the 419th. And although 22315 and 22330 are in the same group, they are in different squadrons. It is worth nothing that these Fuselage Numbers are best used in early pictures of Invaders. As they continued their service the numbers on the nose eventually evolved into either parts of the serial number or something like Modex numbers in the Navy.


	~~Based on this evidence, I thought I had~~ it ~~figured out. But then I saw this~~. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. ~~And there~~'~~s the problem~~. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was ~~not~~ the 126th plane to roll off the line ~~at either plant. This plane was the 118th plane manufactured~~ at Tulsa~~. At first I thought it might have been a case where they swapped noses with another plane, but then I realized that this number sits behind the nose line on the fuselage, so that can't be right~~.		Here's where it got confusing. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. Initially I had made the assumption that the planes were built in order by the USAF Serial Number. However, I have since learned that this is not the case at all, especially at the Tulsa plant. They would even mix up the types of planes they built, they'd build one B-26C, then 2 B-26Bs, and so on. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was the 126th plane to roll off the line at Tulsa.
	[[File:43-22369.jpg\|1000px\|center]]		[[File:43-22369.jpg\|1000px\|center]]

	~~It's not the only example, either. Plane 43-22440, which was 189th plane built at Tulsa bears "260" on the nose. And 43-22498, which is the 247th plane built at Tulsa bears "184" on the nose.~~

	Although many of the first numbers coincide with the build order for each plant, it's clear from later examples that this is not what they truly represent. If you know what these numbers mean or how to decipher them, please let me know: InvaderHistoricalFoundation@gmail.com

WikiSysop at 03:51, 23 August 2018

2018-08-23T03:51:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:51, 23 August 2018
Line 34:		Line 34:


	Based on this evidence, I thought I had it figured out. But then I saw this. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. And there's the problem. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was not the ~~26th~~ plane to roll off the line at either plant. This plane was the 118th plane manufactured at Tulsa. At first I thought it might have been a case where they swapped noses with another plane, but then I realized that this number sits behind the nose line on the fuselage, so that can't be right.		Based on this evidence, I thought I had it figured out. But then I saw this. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. And there's the problem. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was not the 126th plane to roll off the line at either plant. This plane was the 118th plane manufactured at Tulsa. At first I thought it might have been a case where they swapped noses with another plane, but then I realized that this number sits behind the nose line on the fuselage, so that can't be right.
	[[File:43-22369.jpg\|1000px\|center]]		[[File:43-22369.jpg\|1000px\|center]]

WikiSysop at 03:20, 23 August 2018

2018-08-23T03:20:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:20, 23 August 2018
Line 34:		Line 34:


	Based on this evidence, I thought I had it figured out. But then I saw this. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 26. And there's the problem. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was not the 26th plane to roll off the line at either plant. This plane was the 118th plane manufactured at Tulsa. At first I thought it might have been a case where they swapped noses with another plane, but then I realized that this number sits behind the nose line on the fuselage, so that can't be right.		Based on this evidence, I thought I had it figured out. But then I saw this. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 126. And there's the problem. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was not the 26th plane to roll off the line at either plant. This plane was the 118th plane manufactured at Tulsa. At first I thought it might have been a case where they swapped noses with another plane, but then I realized that this number sits behind the nose line on the fuselage, so that can't be right.
	[[File:43-22369.jpg\|center]]		[[File:43-22369.jpg\|1000px\|center]]

	It's not the only example, either. Plane 43-22440, which was 189th plane built at Tulsa bears "260" on the nose. And 43-22498, which is the 247th plane built at Tulsa bears "184" on the nose.		It's not the only example, either. Plane 43-22440, which was 189th plane built at Tulsa bears "260" on the nose. And 43-22498, which is the 247th plane built at Tulsa bears "184" on the nose.

	Although many of the first numbers coincide with the build order for each plant, it's clear from later examples that this is not what they truly represent. If you know what these numbers mean or how to decipher them, please let me know: InvaderHistoricalFoundation@gmail.com		Although many of the first numbers coincide with the build order for each plant, it's clear from later examples that this is not what they truly represent. If you know what these numbers mean or how to decipher them, please let me know: InvaderHistoricalFoundation@gmail.com

WikiSysop at 03:19, 23 August 2018

2018-08-23T03:19:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:19, 23 August 2018
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	Based on this evidence, I thought I had it figured out. But then I saw this. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 26. And there's the problem. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was not the 26th plane to roll off the line at either plant. This plane was the 118th plane manufactured at Tulsa. At first I thought it might have been a case where they swapped noses with another plane, but then I realized that this number sits behind the nose line on the fuselage, so that can't be right.		Based on this evidence, I thought I had it figured out. But then I saw this. This plane, "Stinky", bears the number 26. And there's the problem. This plane, serial number 43-22369 was not the 26th plane to roll off the line at either plant. This plane was the 118th plane manufactured at Tulsa. At first I thought it might have been a case where they swapped noses with another plane, but then I realized that this number sits behind the nose line on the fuselage, so that can't be right.
	[[43-22369\|center]]		[[File:43-22369.jpg\|center]]

	It's not the only example, either. Plane 43-22440, which was 189th plane built at Tulsa bears "260" on the nose. And 43-22498, which is the 247th plane built at Tulsa bears "184" on the nose.		It's not the only example, either. Plane 43-22440, which was 189th plane built at Tulsa bears "260" on the nose. And 43-22498, which is the 247th plane built at Tulsa bears "184" on the nose.

	Although many of the first numbers coincide with the build order for each plant, it's clear from later examples that this is not what they truly represent. If you know what these numbers mean or how to decipher them, please let me know: InvaderHistoricalFoundation@gmail.com		Although many of the first numbers coincide with the build order for each plant, it's clear from later examples that this is not what they truly represent. If you know what these numbers mean or how to decipher them, please let me know: InvaderHistoricalFoundation@gmail.com