Sorry you didn't get my response last week...
The marking of USAF vehicles is covered by T.O. 36-1-3, "Painting and Marking
of USAF Vehicles." The copy I have (from Portrayal Press) is dated 15
September 1958.
It says "All Air Force vehicles will be painted with full gloss, blue, color
516, except as specified below"....
It goes on to say, "Engines, engine accessories, and components requiring
repainting will be painted with full gloss, gray, color number 1610."
Further, in Section III, paragraph 1f it says "Markings will be accomplished
by using locally purchased, reverse silk-screened reflectorized tape,
conforming with specification MIL-R-13689.......Blue background with yellow
letters for blue and white surfaces."
Continuing to paragraph 1g, "Letters and numerals used for the marking of
vehicles will be of heavy Gothic type. Unless otherwise specified, the size
selected will be the largest size practicable in the available space
consistent with good appearance and visibility."
Paragraph 3a species 1 inch lettering for M38A1.
Paragraph 5d says "The national symbol (star) will NOT be used on vehicles
operated in the continental United States."
Other paragraphs cover "Official use only", TP, and other markings.
As far as the time frame goes, I have a 1952 Studebaker built M35 that was
originally painted Strata blue, apparently at the factory. I also on an
ex-Air Force M45WLF fire truck. Its last rebuild was in the 80's, and it
appears to have been painted and marked consistent with T.O. 36-1-3 at that
time (although I am sure there are more recent versions).
Consistent throughout the manual was the lack of shade information on the
yellow markings, it just says, "yellow".
Hope this helps,
David Doyle
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