B-24 skins by Emel, August 2010.

More than 18,000 Consolidated B-24 Liberators were built during World War II. It was more than any other American aircraft during the war years. The first version to see extensive combat was the B-24D. Later in June 1943 the first turret-equipped version B-24H appeared, followed by B-24J, L and M. The 2nd Air Division was the division of the mighty Eighth Air Force of the USAAF that was designated to take on the Liberator and operate it in the European Theatre of Operations. Based mainly in Norfolk, they were responsible for the greater majority of the Liberators seen in the sky over the South and East of England. The 2nd AD was made up of four Bomb Wings, the 2nd, 14th, 20th and 96th, plus the oddball and very short lived 95th, with each wing comprising of three or four Bomb Groups. Later when the 95th BW was disbanded, the 491st Bomb Group was integrated to the 14th BW, and the 489th into the 20th BW. Each of the main Bomb Groups occupied one airfield and generally had four Bomb Squadrons. They flew a total of 98,948 sorties and dropped almost 200,000 tons of bombs in the process.

2nd Air Division Liberator Bomb Wings:

2nd  HQ Hethel             Hethel, Tibenham, Old Buckenham
14th HQ Shipdham           Shipdham, Wendling, North Pickenham
20th HQ Hardwick           Seething, Bungay (Flixton), Hardwick
95th HQ Halesworth         Halesworth, Metfield
96th HQ Horsham St Faith   Horhsham St Faith, Attlebridge, Rackheath


Eighth Air Force Consolidated B-24 Liberators olive drab versions:
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1. B-24H-1-FO 42-7549 of the 67th BS, 44th BG, Shipdham, November 1943.

2. B-24H-20-CF 42-95011 of the 856th BS, 492nd BG, North Pickenham, May 1944.

3. B-24H-15-CF 42-29487 BLASTED EVENT of the 700th BS, 445th BG, Tibenham, summer 1944.

4. B-24H-20-FO 42-94805 FOIL PROOF of the 735th BS, 453rd BG, Old Buckenham, autumn 1944.

5. B-24H-15-FO 45-52768 LEO of the 860th BS, 493rd BG, Debach, summer 1944.

6. B-24H-15-CO 42-52559 MISS FORTUNE of the 790th BS, 467th BG, Rackheath, spring 1944.

7. B-24H-15-FO 42-52594 NAUGHTY NAN of the 705th BS, 446th BG, Bungay, summer 1944.

8. B-24H-1-FD 42-7576 STAR DUST of the 705th BS, 446th BG, Bungay, autumn 1943.

9. B-24H-20-FO 42-94921 TAHELENBAK of the 701st BS, 445th BG, Tibenham, summer 1944.

10. B-24H-15-FO 42-94759 THE SHARON D. of the 489th BG, Halesworth, summer 1944.


Notes on the skins & template:
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The B-24 project began in late June 2010. Alongside the original void-files, when drawing the template for the B-24 Liberator I used information based on numerous photographs and pictures both from books and the internet. It was not possible at this time to be as specific with details as was the case with the earlier Mustang project. Some inaccuracies may still exist in the technical details seen in these skins. One good example of this is the fuel filler caps seen on the wings. Their size and position is yet to be determined. My versions are based on  what meagre evidence I could find from photographs. I allowed a little of my artistic licence to intervene with the caps by adding color to them. On the other hand, to compensate these small deficiencies I was able to add further details to the bomber like the details on the gun turrets (nose, ball, tail). Generally I'm applying the same ideas and methods I used with the Mustangs. 

Colors and markings

Once again, as far as personal emblems, nose art and individual squadron markings it was not possible to obtain sufficient information to cover every detail or the original color of this artform or when trying to solve if an insignia existed on both sides of the fuselage or not. At best any markings, emblems and nose art of these skins should be concidered semi-historical. All colors, markings, and nose art are redrawn interpretations from what can be seen in the color profiles of Osprey Combat Aircraft 15, B-24 Liberator units of the Eighth Air Force by Robert F Dorr.

All written information is based on Images of War, Liberators in England in World War II by Peter Bodle by Pen & Sword aviation.

The Group markings of the Army Air Force bomber command proved troublesome to me as I have practically no previous experience with them, this being my first US heavy bomber project and all. Without the kind and generous assistance from Jarink I'd been in deep trouble. But learning from the documents kindly provided by him I was able to redraw my versions in the shortest period of time possible. 

A very big thank you to you all.

This pack includes 30 skins. 10 fully marked, 10 generic and 10 blank skins. Slip the BMP files into the B-24J-100-CF folder in your Il-2 Sturmovik/Paintschemes/Skins folder. The skins should work the next time you start the game.

The B-24 template was redrawn from the void.

These skins are not to be uploaded further without my permission. You are permitted to use and publish the skins in this pack with IL-2 Sturmovik missions & campaigns, also you may rework these skins for your private use. No commercial use in any form is permitted with my Il-2 Sturmovik skins. Please do not remove credits. Thank you for downloading these skins and happy flying.

Emel

Contact me by PM at A&A Paintworks
or at M4T
or email: emel@elisanet.fi 