Check pp16 & 17 - it's for the rudder control in the front (observers) seat.
Remember, the pilot sat out back in the Be2s.
> Now, the REAL question: Why would the artist depict the forward rudder
>stripe as black, as well as the outside concentric circle of the roundel on
>the fuselage side (the roundels on the upper surface of the top wing contain
>a blue circle)? According to the text, this particular aircraft had been
>captured by the Germans, following which Iron Crosses were painted on the
>wheels. A photo of the captured plane shows this, but the rudder stripe is
>clearly not black, nor is the roundel.
>
> I have to question the artist's depiction on the cover, however it seems
>that he took a lot of trouble to get every other detail correct. Any guesses
>out there as to what the REAL story is?
IMHO - the top wing is portrayed in bright light, while the side is in
shadow. The artist's portrayal probably was V.dark blue, but the printer
"darkened" it some more (unintentionally - see previous thread on the shade
of mauve/lilac.)
_____________________________________________________________________
Mark (From Kites & Other Delights in West Edmonton Mall)
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mnelson@compusmart.ab.ca