Hey modellers,
I'm building a me110 and was wondering how mucky aircraft got when operating from the front, did they use temporary airstrips? And would it be unusual to see aircraft with a really dirty belly ?

James,

Yes, aircraft would kick up mud and dust (and slush and snow) from unpaved strips. There are many photos of splattered acft; many units removed landing gear covers to prevent them from getting clogged.

I'll try to find some photos.

Note the 'splush' on the bottom rear fuselage.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/18469674760

Here you can see mud spattered outboard the gear doors. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2AuIu9nQmQ/UWnjcp_DfYI/AAAAAAAAFlA/lfSl4iRaW7Q/s1600/VMF-215+F4U-1's+just+arrived+on+Munda+August+14+1943.jpg

Frederick, thankyou those were very useful

James, aircraft do get rather grimy on the undersides, especially if operating from grass strips or unimproved fields. A good rule of thumb is to weather up the items closest to the ground, i.e. wheels, struts, gear bay doors and the parts of the belly close to the ground if it's a tail dragger. Bear in my mind there will also be dings, chips and scratches from ground personnel and equipment, especially if the plane is involved in hectic day to day combat operations. Also, gravity comes into play because all the various fluids will eventually leak out the underside of the plane.

Best wishes,

Ian