I have good pictures of german subs , do you ? Let us see then .

[Dronston]

Originally Posted by BulSoldier

Were the pistons (if thats the name) in the engine room painted in their original color or this is to make the diffrent components stand out ?

I think those are valve rockers but I am by no means a specialist. I have no idea if these colors were used, I always thought there were read or otherwise the same color as the engine block.

[BulSoldier]

I was thinking the same, probably they were painted nowdays to be protected from rust.

[RobertGysae]

great photo of U-862's 'wingarten' area and weapon arrangement. the ammunition feeder of the M42 is just visible at the bottom. are those the 2cm AA guns shown? or the larger calibre?

[MeMpHiSGT]

Originally Posted by Dronston

I think those are valve rockers but I am by no means a specialist. I have no idea if these colors were used, I always thought there were read or otherwise the same color as the engine block.

If you mean the blue 'bars' on the diesels, yes they were painted to protect against rust and to stand out a little. Normally these would be bare metal, which offcourse rusts if you dont use it (running the engines) or oil it nearly everyday.

[Leandros]

Originally Posted by Dronston

I think those are valve rockers but I am by no means a specialist. I have no idea if these colors were used, I always thought there were read or otherwise the same color as the engine block.

The blue items are the valve (or lifter) "rods" (same as in car engines) - the valve "rocker" is the horizontal lever on top. From this picture can be deduced that these diesels are "top-valved", as opposed to side-valved (flatheaded). While this museum engine is painted in stark blue I am not sure they were so in real life.