Wreaking Havoc 1: A-20B 41-3266(?) Outhouse Mouse with a Sharkmouth

[Sharkmouth]

Another A-20B photo with interesting features. It is being prepared for Russia and has (circled) rear-firing guns in the nacelles, anti-collision beacon under ground crew's left hand, arrowed formation light (another is visible above the '1' of the serial), and two pairs of formed cowls over the ejector pipes. Leaning towards the 2+2+2 for the starboard configuration:

 

[Sharkmouth]

It seems, if the starboard outer fixed flap covered only four ejector pipes, the inner covered three, the remaining seven are as AMT depicted them! Therefore, a corrected image of the work I have been doing which will now continue. Starboard on left side of image with port on right:

 

[Heavens Eagle]

I can see the logic for these exhaust ports. The engine, exhaust and intake are units that can be easily replaced/interchanged as a unit or power egg. Having different exhaust setups for port/starboard would not make quick easy replacement.

 

[Sharkmouth]

I can see the logic for these exhaust ports. The engine, exhaust and intake are units that can be easily replaced/interchanged as a unit or power egg. Having different exhaust setups for port/starboard would not make quick easy replacement.

I agree. The knock isn't on the museum. Such concessions are needed when the original parts are not readily available and this is a reason why I don't trust any flyable restoration until I have a chance to compare it to contemporary manuals and photographs.

HK Models could have looked at the RAAF Amberley Heritage Centre in Queensland, Australia. As a static display, they didn't have to use workable original items which can pass airworthiness tests. In their research, HK Models should have looked at several survivors and asked why such differences existed.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Trying to verify if the A-20B has the same formation lights as the A-20A. It seems it did but I will check serial numbers:

Definitely an A-20B, serial 41-3040

Note that this A-20B assembly line doesn't have the light above the bombardier's compartment making me wonder where the passing light is? Red squares show the anti-collision beacons:

 

[Heavens Eagle]

My, they have a bunch of little lights don't they.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Excerpt from A-20A manual. Note that there is a landing light under each wing described. Good, kit provides that. Note the mention of the formation lights location includes horizontal stabilizer. Last, a passing light is mounted in the nose compartment (doesn't state on but I circled it in the photos I posted):

Anti-collision beacon isn't mentioned but this Havoc, built to British specifications, has one in the red square:

The A-20B manual strangely mentions a singular landing light:

Something is on the pilot's overhead cover of this Russian Lend-Lease A-20B Havoc of the 48th Guards Lower Dniester Long-Range Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment of the Main Command of the Red Army, 40th Long-Range Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment, 40th Bomber Aviation Regiment:

 

[Sharkmouth]

Those of you building Bostons, please note that these are NOT Douglas built later cowlings as found on the A-20G-35-DO and on. These are locally modified cowlings incorporating Clayton 'S' exhaust ejector pipes possibly the same part number as those for the Mitchell which also inspired the Mitchell type covers.

Compare to a Douglas built Havoc with those ejector stacks:

We note that the top ejectors are not there on the Douglas models but evident on the Mitchells: