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The 58th TAR began its operational service in December 1950 with two of its three squadrons equipped with two dozen Yak-18 primary trainers. Contrary to many reports published over the years, these were painted in dark green overall (and some may have had their undersides painted light blue). As is so frequently the case, their ‘tail numbers’ were applied in differing fonts, but always in white, on the fin. Several aircraft are known to have worn a ‘pilotki’ – apparently in red – on the top of their fin. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)