Rolls Royce Merlin colors

[landman]

I have a Merlin from a Spitfire and one from a Mosquito. They will be built for display. What colors were they? Were all Merlins the same color or did it vary with the application. the only one I ever saw in the flesh was a deep maroon, I doubt that was its original color.

Thanks, Pat

[Flat32]

[Flat32]

Photo is from this site.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/spitfire-engine-bay-colours-or-lack-of-t500713.html

One thing seems sure is that the engines weren't painted a monolithic color after assembly like diesel truck engines generally seem to be.

Seems like cast iron parts got painted black. Non-ferrous castings seem to have varied from unpainted to either a green or a blue. 

I am no expert. These are my observations from searches.

 

[landman]

3 hours ago, Flat32 said:

Photo is from this site.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/spitfire-engine-bay-colours-or-lack-of-t500713.html

One thing seems sure is that the engines weren't painted a monolithic color after assembly like diesel truck engines generally seem to be.

Seems like cast iron parts got painted black. Non-ferrous castings seem to have varied from unpainted to either a green or a blue. 

I am no expert. These are my observations from searches.

 

Thanks Ray. Somehow your research was more fruitful than mine. Now I know what I am going to do.

[64Comet404]

From the references and real life examples I have seen, the basic block is black, while the heads, rocker covers, and sump can be either black or natural metal. I have seen one painted maroon, and it was intended as.a training aid for mechanics IIRC.   

[Force]

Most of the Merlins I have seen has also been black...that goes for both the Rolls Royce and Packard versions.

Edited March 21, 2019 by Force

[landman]

Thank you gentlemen. It'll help me decide. In a display situation, it is all about presentation but you can't go too far afield. So black with highlights it will be.