Hill Field, Aircraft Paint, Oil & Dope House, 5923 C Avenue, Layton

Source document Quoted word for word from HAER UTAH,6-LAY.V,2D-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Building 11 stored liquid chemicals that were used on World War n aircraft, and provides particularly vivid images of the processes involved in the repair, maintenance, and storage of aircraft at the Hill Field/Air Force Base during and after World War II. In addition, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the early development of the U.S. Army Air Corps, a branch of the Army which eventually became the U.S. Air Force. Hill Field was one of only two air depots established in the United States during the tumultuous years immediately preceding World War n. History: Building 11 stored paint, oil, and dope (a lacquer that was used to protect, waterproof, and taughten cloth surfaces). Proper surface treatment was an essential step in the repair and maintenance of aircraft.

All moving parts of the planes were oiled regularly to minimize friction, and exposed metal parts were painted to prevent deadly rust damage. HILL FIELD, AIRCRAFT PAINT, OIL, & DOPE HOUSE HAER No. UT-85-D Page 2 Numerous aircraft were overhauled or prepared for storage on the Base, which required that all surfaces be protected from oxidation by the application of corrosion preventatives like paint and oil. The windows and blisters all planes in storage were painted with light-reflecting white paint to minimize the effect of the sun shining into the interior of the planes. Cloth tape, painted with a dope and aluminum paste, was used to seal all vent openings, thereby preventing the entrance of foreign material or water.

All other outside metal surfaces of the craft were sprayed with zinc chromate. All chemicals needed for these processes were stored in the Paint, Oil, and Dope House (Building Chemicals were transferred to the Spray Pool (Building and other shops as they were needed for application to aircraft engines, body parts, and other items. General Description: Building 11, a former paint and dope house which has been converted into administrative offices, is a large square one-story structure. The building measures approximately x The exterior wall is constructed of brick laid in six-course American bond. The original security steel sash windows have been replaced with modern plate windows. The building utilizes plain concrete lintels and slip sills.

Building tripartite massing has a north/south orientation. The central portion of the building has a continuous brick frieze, consisting of several rows of running and rowlock coursing.