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Unusual Markings of the P-36A

As a side article to the profile, the magazine went on to document an unusual story about the markings used for this aircraft.  According to the story, it seems "During a war exercise in 1939 at Ft. Bragg N.C., a squadron of Army P-36's was chosen for the aggressor force.  To ensure their identification as aggressor aircraft, they were to be given unique markings.  Not wishing to duplicate any other nations markings, the squadron commanders used the opportunity to choose their own markings, as long as they were different than standard service markings.

For some reason, lack of availability or time constrains, the paint for the markings was purchased locally from house painters.  Assurances were made that the paint could be removed with water or solvents at a later date.  With the confidence that the markings were only temporary, the ground crews went to work with a free hand."

The markings did turn out to be unique, as I'm sure you will agree.  The planes wound up looking like a herd of pinto ponies.  One that I thought was interesting I chose as my subject.