| RLM Color Pt. 2: |
However, this argument does not take into account that a thinly applied layer of a "sky" colour over 76 will yield the same result. There is abundant additional evidence that these colours really did exist. Some of the supporting points include the following: o The "sky" colours are reported on a very limited range of aircraft types. These include late war Bf 109G/K and Fw 190D. RLM 76 was used widely from 1941, but the "sky discolouration" is exclusively reported on these late-war types. o One might expect that fading or oxidisation would apply to more than one colour on an aircraft. It could even be argued that dark colours should fade more quickly than lighter colours. However, there are a number of examples of aircraft (including W Nr. 163824 and colour photographs of Fw 190D-9 W Nr. 500570) where all the other colours are very close to RLM standards except the "sky" shades. o There are streaks on the fuselage of W Nr. 163824 which look very much like paint runs from the thinly sprayed "Sky" shade. Finally, it is interesting to note that the Yellow-Green shade on the rear of the starboard fuselage is almost an exact match for the colour-chip described as "Green-Blue" on page 41 of "The Official Monogram Painting Guide to German Aircraft" (see References). Despite the designation in the Monogram book, the colour has been labelled "Yellow-Green" in this document as, in the opinion of the author, this name more closely describes the appearance of the colour both on the aircraft and the paint-chip. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upper Fuselage Upper surface camouflage comprises RLM 81 Brown-Violet and RLM 83 Dark Green. The demarcation is an irregular, scalloped line fairly high on the rear fuselage side, dropping slightly to follow the line of the canopy. This scalloped demarcation continues from the lower front of the canopy to the nose of the aircraft. These upper surface fuselage colours have been spray painted without the aid of masks, as indicated by significant overspray. RLM 81 Brown-Violet is applied lightly with the base coat showing though in several places on the fuselage spine. A soft, spotty mottle of Brown-Violet is also applied to the side of the fuselage. The RLM 83 Dark Green colour is heavily applied, with heavy spots of the colour applied mainly to the rear fuselage and the engine cowling. The lower cowl is painted RLM 76 White-Blue. This colour looks significantly "cleaner" and lighter than the mixed grey colour. White-Blue has been applied as a line of soft mottled spots on the upper engine cowl. Curiously, this colour is also present on the rear, lower half of each MG cowl bulge. A large portion of Dark Green has worn off the fuselage breech cover (immediately in front of the cockpit) revealing the White-Blue undercoat. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following table describes the fuselage colours and their characteristics: Table 1: Colours Used on the Fuselage of W Nr. 163824 RLM Colour FS Equivalent Comments Mixed Between This pale Green-Grey colour is Green-Grey applied to most of the fuselage FS 34583 and sides and lower surfaces. FS 34672 The impression of the colour is very similar to a light shade of Similar to RAF "Sky Type S". The colour has 34583 but been thinly applied by spraygun, slighly and has run in several places on lighter; the starboard side. A sharp, similar to ragged masking line divides this 34672 but colour from the Yellow/Green slightly more colour applied to the rear "murky". fuselage on the starboard side aft of fuselage station 4. The colour is a very close match for the colour chip labelled "Sky" in the back of "British Aviation Colours of World War Two" (see Refs.); and similar to the "Sky" sample in the Ministry of Small Aircraft RAF Camouflage Colour Chart (see Refs.) but lighter in shade. This colour is similar to the paint chip described as "Green-Blue" on page 41 of "The Official Monogram Guide to German Aircraft 1935-1945" (see Refs.), but slightly less green RLM 76 Slightly This is a lighter and more vivid darker than blue applied to the lower engine White-Blue 35622 cowl and the lower portions of the rear portion of both starboard cowl bulges. Also used as light mottle on the cowl. Patches of 76 show through the thinly applied Green-Grey colour. This colour is also a close match for the RLM 76 colour chip in Model Art 's Special on the Fw 190D and Ta 152 (see Refs.) but slightly lighter. The RLM 76 shade on the aircraft is noticeably lighter and brighter than the various "76 Light Blue" colour chips in "The Official Monogram Guide to German Aircraft 1935-1945". However, the colour chip on page 69 labelled "Light Blue (variation)" is a very close match. Interestingly, this Monogram colour sample was found on another remanufactured aircraft - a Focke Wulf Fw 190 F-8/R1 Yellow-Green Similar to Probably one of the colours 34554 but sometimes incorrectly referred to slightly as RLM 84. This colour is only darker and applied to the rear starboard very slightly fuselage aft of a sharply masked, more yellow ragged line near fuselage station 4. Similar to the colour chip in the Model Art Special on the Fw 190D and Ta 152 (see Refs.) but less green and less vivid. Almost a perfect match for the colour described as Green-Blue on page 41 of the "Monogram" book. RLM 81 Between This is a distinctly brown tone, Brown-Violet FS 30118 and and the lighter of the two FS 34088. upper-surface camouflage colours. This colour has been applied Slightly thinly, especially along the darker and top-rear of the fuselage spine. 76 less brown and/or Mixed Yellow/Grey shows than 30118; through in places. Very soft, and slightly spotty but spasmodic mottle on the less green fuselage sides. than 34088. Close match for the colour chip in the Model Art Special on the Fw 190D and Ta 152 (see Refs.). Very close match for the colour chip labelled "81 Brown-Violet" at the bottom left corner of page 35 in the Monogram book. RLM 83 Dark Similar in Very Dark Green. The darker of the Green shade to two upper surface camouflage 34083, but colours. Very heavy application - slightly less no base colour showing through green here! Well spaced but heavy, mottled spots of this colour on the fuselage sides. Almost a perfect match for the colour chip in the Model Art Special on the Fw 190D and Ta 152 (see Refs.). Very close match for the colour chip labelled "82 Dark Green" on page 49 of the Monogram book. Primer Red Darker than Red colour with an orange tint. 31310 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spinner and Propeller Assembly The spinner displays a hard-edged demarcation between its 2/3 Green and 1/3 White (photo 12). It was common to see spinners finished in either RLM 70 Black-Green or RLM 22 Black, however this green appears lighter. Colour comparison with paint chip sample shows that this colour is a good match for RLM 71 Dark Green. The white paint has worn in some areas exposing the green colour underneath. Over the top of these divided colours is a broad white spiral. The spiral has been crudely brush painted, with brush marks very evident. The white spiral is quite visible over the white 1/3 of the spinner. This rough spiral is visible in a photo taken just after the aircraft was captured, so it is probably original. Red primer is revealed underneath the white spiral near the tip of the spinner. The backplate of the spinner remains in natural metal. The manufacturer's code on the spinner ID plate is "fak". This indicates that the spinner was built by Oskar Epperleing, a manufacturer of vehicle accessories based in Magdeburg-Neustadt. Propeller blades are RLM 70 Black-Green. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wings Although the wings are not available for inspection, several colour photographs allow us to draw some conclusions about the colours used. The wings have the small, early style bulge for the narrow wheels. Upper Surface colours are RLM 75 Grey-Violet (almost certainly) and RLM 74 Grey-Green (probably - high contrast also makes RLM 83 a slight possibility). The colours are divided in a somewhat unusual soft edged "saw tooth" pattern. It is possible that the darker colour (RLM 74) has been oversprayed with patches of either RLM 81 or 83. It is equally likely that these "patches" are reflections on the wing or a fault of the film. The lower surfaces of the starboard wing is painted RLM 76 White Blue, as is the centre lower panel between the wings. The lower surface of the port wing is painted in a darker shade - probably the mixed Green-Grey colour. Both wheel wells are painted RLM 02 - somewhat unusual in late war Bf 109s. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tailplane The horizontal tailplane and elevators are painted in the same uppersurface colours as the wings, but without the saw-tooth edges. A small patch of red pinking is present on the top of the starboard elevator. The lower surface of the horizontal tailplane on both sides is painted the mixed Green-Grey colour of the fuselage. A narrow, rectangular patch of red primer runs three-quarters the width of the port tailplane at the point of the elbow corner. Both elevators appear to be painted RLM 76. The rudder has spots of RLM 81 Brown-Violet over a base coat Light Blue. The reference photos show that this blue is considerably darker than the RLM 76 on the bottom of the elevators. There are at least three possible explanations for this: * the colour may be mixed; * the colour may be old stocks of RLM 65; * the colour may be RLM 76 thinly sprayed over a solid coat of RLM 81 Brown-Violet (not vise-versa). The RLM 81 spots have small diagonal streaks of RLM 83 Dark Green painted over them. These streaks appear to be sprayed, and do not intrude much onto the RLM 76 portions of the rudder. There is a rectangular patch with rounded edges in Primer Red on the lower part of the port side. The short vertical tail has a heavy dark mottle on the port side but seems to have been largely oversprayed with either the mixed Green/Grey or the abovementioned mystery blue colour on the starboard side. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Undercarriage Undercarriage gear was available for inspection. The undercarriage legs and inside of the main gear doors are RLM 76 White-Blue. A number of labels and information plates are present on the main gear legs. The wheel hubs are a light colour, although it would have been unusual for a paint such as RLM 76 or RLM 02 to be used. It is more likely that the usual glossy black paint has worn off to reveal a discoloured alloy underneath. The outside of the main gear doors are sprayed with a thin coat of the mixed Green/Grey over RLM 76 White-Blue. The tailwheel strut and scissor are painted RLM 02 Grey, as is the tailwheel bay (and the entire fuselage interior except for the RLM 66 Dark Grey cockpit). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKINGS The fuselage Balkenkreuze are white filled with RLM 83 Dark Green in the centre. The port side cross seems to have been applied over the top of the new markings, and has even overpainted new fuselage station number stencils. The dark camouflage colours show through slightly. The RLM 83 Dark Green fill has been sprayed and has a soft edged overspray at the bottom and the right hand side of the cross. The starboard side cross has been painted before the new camouflage colours, as evidenced by a gap between the cross and the new camouflage colours between which can be seen either the old colour or the base coat. The Dark Green centre has been masked, but applied by brush. This cross has been extensively chipped showing bare metal beneath. The Hakenkreuze (swastikas) are mid-war black and white style. Upper wing crosses are white skeleton outlines. The Werknummer is only present on the port side of the tail. It is just above the horizontal tail and overwrites the bottom of the swastika in tall digits. The Werknummer on the starboard side was probably sprayed over when the new paint was applied. No tactical markings were applied to this aircraft. Even maintenance stenciling is minimal. Footholds, panel numbers and octane ratings are present, but hand-painted markings have replaced some stencils including the oil filler specifications. The rebuild manufacturers code and date is applied in yellow paint under the port side of the cockpit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. CONCLUSIONS It is a shame, in some respects, that the last Bf 109 G-6 in original condition does not display more typical colour markings. However, this example tells us a great deal about the use of mixed colours and the use of different components on one airframe. Although the findings are quite subjective and far from certain, they open discussion for possible re-interpretation of other late war Bf 109 G colour schemes. Was the use of the mixed Green-Grey and Yellow-Green more common than previously thought? Were the late war Greens and Browns regularly applied to reconditioned Bf 109 G-6 aircraft? We will never know for sure, but it certainly makes for lively conversation! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note 1: Thanks to Vincent Kermorgant for this information GO TO PART TWO - Photos, Links and References GO TO PART THREE - "Commentary on the Evolution and Usage of Luftwaffe RLM Colours 81, 82 & 83" by David E. Brown GO TO PART FOUR - Building a Bf 109K Explores an unusual use of primer colours as camouflage on some late-war Luftwaffe fighters GO TO PART FIVE - Focke-Wulf 190A-8 in Grey A detailed examination of one colour and one monochrome photograph of Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8, Werknummer 681497 of 5./JG 4. GO TO PART SIX - Model Paint Mixing Guide RETURN TO TOP -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Text and Photographs Copyright 1998 by Brett Green All Photographs taken at the Treloar Technology Centre Australian War Memorial Mitchell, ACT, Australia Page created on Saturday, May 16, 1998 This page last updated on Wednesday, August 26, 1998 Back to The Reference Library Back to HyperScale Home Page [Image] [bf10944_s.jpg (16457 bytes)] [bf10945_s.jpg (36074 bytes)] [bf10943_s.jpg (20987 bytes)] [bf10946_s.jpg (35121 bytes)] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [ What's New ] [ Features ] [ Gallery ] [ Reviews ] [ Reference ] [ Links ] [ Traders' Mall ] [ Search Form ] Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage Part Two Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6/U4/R3, WNr.163824 By Brett T. Green [Image] Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6/U4/R3 Werknummer 163824 Part One of "Late-War Luftwaffe Camouflage" detailed the history, colours and markings of Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6/U4/R3 WNr. 163824. Part Two provides additional images of the aircraft, links to related sites and a list of some excellent references for students of Luftwaffe camouflage and markings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 1998, Brett T. Green. All rights reserved. Material appearing within this document may not be copied, stored or reproduced in any device or publication, in whole or in part, for the purpose of profit without the expressed written consent of the author. This material may be used for personal use and the free exchange of information if appropriate credit is given to the author. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTENTS Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage - Back to Part One 1. Introduction 2. History of WNr.163824 3. The Treloar Centre Bf 109 G-6 - General Features 4. Camouflage and Markings of WNr.163824 Table 1: Colours Used on the Fuselage of WNr. 163824 5. Conclusion Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage - Part Two 6. WNr. 163824 Photo Gallery 7. Links 8. References Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage - Part Three Commentary on the Evolution and Usage of Luftwaffe RLM Colours 81, 82 & 83 by David E. Brown Please note that Part Three will take some time to load. Please be patient. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. WNr.163824 Photo Gallery 23 additional images are provided to further illustrate the text in Part One of "Late War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage". To view an image at full size simply select and click. To return to this page click the "back" arrow on your browser (all photographs copyright 1998 Brett Green). [Image] Spinner - note primer under spiral. Silver is protective covering over prop blades [Image] DB605 Powerplant. Red colouring of some parts is unusual. May be heat discolouring. [Image] Hand-painted oil-filler instructions and good latch detail. [Image] Horse-shoe oil tank behind spinner. [Image] Instrument panel sans instruments! [Image] The remainder of the cockpit is quite complete. [Image] Tub seat. Typically, the back of the seat is not installed. [Image] Note heavy seam on exhaust stacks [Image] Starboard cowl with typical G-5 features. [Image] Heavy scuffing on gun-breech cover reveals RLM 77 undercoat. Note hole in windscreen. [Image] Patches of RLM 76 mottle (or more likely RLM 77 under scuffed surface) on gun bulge. [Image] Port side too. Note red primer under canopy and rebuild date painted below. [Image] Erla Haube canopy. Galland Panzer can be seen. Note dive-angle indicator [Image] Streaky, patchy lower surface colours on starboard fuselage. [Image] Demarcation between Green-Grey and Yellow-Green continues through bottom of cross.. [Image] ...and to the rear of the fuselage [Image] Starboard side Balkenkreuz... [bf10929_b17.jpg (36878 bytes)] Detail of brush marks and both RLM 02 primer (over panel joins) and natural metal underneath [Image] Port side camouflage pattern. [Image] Spine of the fuselage. Note centre panel line and clear inspection port (rear top port side). [Image] Tail wheel strut. [Image] Starboard wheel. [Image] Port undercarriage gear. Note different tyre tread pattern. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. LINKS The World Wide Web is chock-a-block with Luftwaffe content. Here are a few of the more relevant sites: IPMS Houston Bf 109G-6 Walkround An excellent pictorial guide to a superbly restored Bf 109G-6 in Finland. Around 30 first-class photos by Vincent Kermorgant of IPMS Finland: http://web-hou.iapc.net/~smh/109fin.html Luftwaffe Resource Page Lots of Luftwaffe related information, including plenty of pictures and information on the Bf109 and its various components: http://www.tiac.net/users/srose/luftwafe/main.html Messerschmitt German-Language site dedicated to Messerschmitt - some great colour photos of early 109s http://www.home.ch/~spaw2628/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. REFERENCES 1. "The Official Monogram Painting Guide to German Aircraft 1935 - 1945" by Kenneth A. Merrick and Thomas H. Hitchcock, Monogram Aviation Publications, Massachusetts, 1980, ISBN 0-914144-29-4 The Bible of Luftwaffe Camouflage and Marking. Includes colour chips. This book revolutionised the way researchers and modellers looked at late war German camouflage. Lamentably long out of print. 2. "The Modeller's Luftwaffe Painting Guide" by J.R. Smith, G.G. Pentland and R.P. Lutz, Kookaburra Technical Publications, Melbourne, 1979, ISBN 0 85880 033 0 A companion piece to the "Luftwaffe Camouflage and Markings" trilogy from Kookaburra. The authors contend that the late war "sky" colours did not exist - they were simply faded or discoloured RLM 76. However, the colour photos of the subject aircraft (and others) are invaluable. Six photos of various parts of the subject aircraft on page 54. One good colour view of the Port side of the aircraft on page 71. 3. "Luftwaffe Camouflage and Markings 1935-45 Vol. 3" by J.R. Smith and J.D. Gallaspay, Kookaburra Technical Publications Pty Ltd, Melbourne, 1977, ISBN 0 85880 020 9 Colour photographs of the subject plane in the above book on pages 92 and 132. Invaluable reference - long out of print! 4. "War Prizes" by Phil Butler, Midland Counties Publications, Leicester, 1994, ISBN 0 904597 86 5 Photograph of subject aircraft in the above book on page 151. 5. "Focke Wulf Fw190D & Ta152" Model Art Special no. 8, Model Art Co. Ltd., Tokyo, 1989 (reprinted 1997), No ISBN. Colour chips on page 135 of above publication as referred to in text. These samples were quite close to colours found on the subject aircraft. However BEWARE - there is massive variation between the samples claimed to be the same colour in other Model Art Specials. As far as I know, these samples may vary even in the same publication. Cross reference against the FS numbers listed above to be sure. 6. "IPMS Color Cross-Reference Guide" by David H. Klaus, published by the Author, 1991 (sixth reprinting), No ISBN. A great starting point for colour research. This publication includes an FS595B colour fan. 7. "Messerschmitt Bf109F, G & K Series - an Illustrated Study" by Jochen Prien & Peter Rodeike, Schiffer Military History, 1993, ISBN 0-88740-424-3 Well laid out and chronological history of mid to late Bf109s. Lots of pictures and the best way to identify DB605D and DB605AS variants - excellent summary of conformal bulge variations. 8. "Aero Detail No. 5 Messerschmitt Bf109G" by Shigeru Nohara and Masatsugu Shiwaku, Dai Nippon Kaiga Co. Ltd., 1992, ISBN 4-499-20589-1 9. "Walk Around Fw 190D - Walkaround Publication No. 10" by E. Brown Ryle and Malcolm Laing, Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton, 1997. 10. "Camouflage Colour Chart for RAF Day Fighters (WWII - Northern Europe) UK-1-1" by Ministry of Small Aircraft Production, Quebec, Canada. 11. "British Aviation Colours of World War Two" Edited by John Tanner, Arms and Armour Press, London, 1986, ISBN 0-85368-271-2 Excellent one-stop description of all major British Air Ministry Orders from April 1939 to October 1944. Includes colour chips for all standard RAF colours. 12. "History, Camouflage and Markings of JV 44, JG 6 and JG 1 Focke Wulf 190 Ds" Experten Decals No. 3 by David E. Brown and David Wadman, Experten Historical Aviation Research Inc., Calgary, 1995. 13. "Luftwaffe RLM Colours 81, 82 & 83 - A Commentary on their Evolution and Usage" Parts 1, 2 and 3, by David E. Brown, Experten Historical Aviation Research Inc., Bedford, 1997 (published on the Internet in rec.models.scale newsgroup). 14. "Les Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-1 à K-4 - Moteurs et aménagements" (2e Êdition), by Jean-Claude Mermet, Self-published, Aix-En-Provence, 1995, No ISBN. 15. "The Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10", by Jean-Claude Mermet, Article in the periodical Luftwaffe Verband Journal -------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACK TO PART ONE - History, Features, Camouflage and Markings of WNr. 163824 GO TO PART THREE - "Commentary on the Evolution and Usage of Luftwaffe RLM Colours 81, 82 & 83" by David E. Brown GO TO PART FOUR - Building a Bf 109K Explores an unusual use of primer colours as camouflage on some late-war Luftwaffe fighters GO TO PART FIVE - Focke-Wulf 190A-8 in Grey A detailed examination of one colour and one monochrome photograph of Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8, Werknummer 681497 of 5./JG 4. GO TO PART SIX - Model Paint Mixing Guide BACK TO TOP OF PAGE -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Text and Photographs Copyright 1998 by Brett Green All Photographs taken at the Treloar Technology Centre Australian War Memorial Mitchell, ACT, Australia Page created on Saturday, May 16, 1998 This page last updated on Wednesday, August 26, 1998 Back to The Reference Library Back to HyperScale Home Page [Image] [Image] [ What's New ] [ Features ] [ Gallery ] [ Reviews ] [ Reference ] [ Links ] [ Traders' Mall ] [ Search Form ] Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage Part Three Commentary on the Evolution and Usage of Luftwaffe RLM Colours 81, 82 & 83 By David E. Brown David E. Brown is an enthusiastic researcher into the complex and sometimes contradictory area of Luftwaffe camouflage colours. He will be known to many Luftwaffe enthusiasts through his various postings to RMS newsgroup, and as one-half of "Experten Decals". David has kindly granted permission to reproduce his excellent and very comprehensive chronological commentary on the use of late-war colours on Luftwaffe aircraft. This piece is not strictly limited to discussion about colour usage on Luftwaffe fighter aircraft. However, David's work is largely based on RLM instructions and other primary source documents. This complements and adds depth to the first two parts which are based solely on personal observation of one aircraft. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTENTS Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage - Back to Part One 1. Introduction 2. History of WNr.163824 3. The Treloar Centre Bf 109 G-6 - General Features 4. Camouflage and Markings of WNr.163824 Table 1: Colours Used on the Fuselage of WNr. 163824 5. Conclusion Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage - Back to Part Two 6. WNr. 163824 Photo Gallery 7. Links 8. References Late-War Luftwaffe Fighter Camouflage - Part Three Commentary on the Evolution and Usage of Luftwaffe RLM Colours 81, 82 & 83 by David E. Brown -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Experten Historical Aviation Research, Inc. Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada Copyright (c) 1997, David E. Brown. All rights reserved. Material appearing within this document may not be copied, stored or reproduced in any device or publication, in whole or in part, for the purpose of profit without the expressed written consent of the author. This material may be used for personal use and the free exchange of information if appropriate credit is given to the author. Many thanks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preamble Like many others, I too have been confused with the apparent complexity and paradoxes surrounding the Luftwaffe’s late-war colours, RLM 81, 82 and 83. After getting tired of bouncing back and forth between various contradictory references, I decided to compile all that has been published to date on these colours in a single document and try to sort out the facts using a chronological framework as a basis. This was created strictly for my own use and was a rather rough compilation with lot’s of notes, comments and quotations (plus expletives!). However, my good friend Steve Slade has bugged me for some time to tidy it up a bit and some day post it to r.m.s., much like I did a while ago on the question of the Luftwaffe shades informally (and incorrectly) designated "RLM 84". In the course of picking away at this file I began to think somewhat more deeply about the whole question of these colours and try to make some sense of it all. This is the result. To create this compilation, I have studied the literature and documents available to me and in addition to noting the dates and identities of the Luftwaffe and RLM orders as well as Allied intelligence crash reports, I have quoted those portions which are relevant to the late-war camouflage colours. Following these, I have attached my own comments, interpretations and questions. I believe that the reader will be best served by having primary data in front of him and thus draw his own conclusions on the true nature and use of these colours, and may or may not wish to consider comments made by myself or other commentators. As a service to readers, I have also included my commentary on "RLM 84" which was posted on the internet discussion group "rec.models.scale" in 1996. Finally, the only comment that can be considered as an unequivocal statement of fact is this: This is definitely NOT the last word on this subject! Enjoy. __________________________________________________________________ • Notes • 1) The following are translations of German terms used throughout this text: - Luft Druckvorschiften Air Service Manuals - Oberflächenschutzliste Surface Protection Schedule (camouflage pattern) - Reichsluftministerium RLM - German Air Ministry - Sammelmitteilung Collected Instructions - Versuchsnummer Test or experimental number - Werknummer Work or serial number 2) Following the 1980 publication of their landmark book "The Official Monogram Painting Guide to Luftwaffe Aircraft", the authors, Kenneth Merrick and Thomas Hitchcock, later determined that their designations for RLM colours 82 and 83 as presented in the text were in fact reversed. In their subsequent "Errata - Omission" sheet, they stated: Since publication of this book, the authors have not discovered definitive official confirmation for the true identity of the colors 81, 82 and 83 . . . the so-called late-war colors. However, the preponderance of evidence from all sources suggest that Color 81 was Brown-Violet, Color 82 was Bright Green and Color 83 was Dark Green. This does not negate the fact that there existed considerable contradiction between various aircraft painting charts regarding the true description of these three late-war colors. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The Foundation" November 1941 - July 1943 November 1941 Luft Druckvorschiften L.Dv.521/1: This comprehensive 52-page document was issued by the RLM and formalized the changes in Luftwaffe camouflage that were taking place since July 1940. Within this important document were listed the prescribed camouflage colours to be used on various German aircraft as defined by their roles (Smith and Gallaspy, 1976, p.45): a) Trainers Camouflage (Any appropriate colours can be used, but as stated earlier, silver finish is forbidden.) b) Fighters Colours 74, 75, 76, 65. c) Destroyers As above. d) Bombers & Colours 70, 71, 65. Transports e) Naval aircraft Colours 72, 73, 65. f) Tropical aircraft Colours 78, 79, 80. COMMENT: Following release of L.Dv.521/1, a period of stability reigned, as little changed in the way that Luftwaffe aircraft of all types were camouflaged for over two and a half years. The period prior to November 1941 was a time of significant change for the Luftwaffe, as from July of 1940 it had seen high levels of activity over water and an effective camouflage was urgently needed. Fighters shot down over Britain revealed a variety of grey colours which are believed to have been local unit mixes based on existing Luftwaffe colours and possibly stocks of captured French paint (Merrick and Hitchcock, 1980, pp.22, 24). Interestingly, although this camouflage formalization took place in November 1941, the 74/75/76 scheme was first observed on Fw 190 As and Bf 109 Fs in the Spring of that year. Their approved Oberflächenschutzliste are known to have been issued on June 24th and August 15th of that same year respectively, and later on May 18, 1942 for the Bf 109 G (Merrick and Hitchcock, 1980, p.24, 27). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The Plan" August 1943 - June 1944 August 21, 1943 Message GL/C-E 10 Nr.10585/43 (IVE) Az.82b 10: The RLM announced the impending introduction of new camouflage colours. This message was referred to in the July 1, 1944 Sammelmitteilung Nr. 1 as quoted below (Smith and Gallaspy, 1977, p.95): The impending introduction of camouflage colours 81 and 82 in place of 70 and 71 was announced in message GL/C-E 10 Nr.10585/43 (IVE) Az.82b 10 of 21st August 1943. COMMENT: It would appear that the numerical designations of these two colours, 81 and 82, were all that was stated in this message. All published sources say that the colours were never official described with a colour name and paint chart. This seems quite unlikely in this writer’s view. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 1944 Oberflächenschutzliste 8 Os 163B? This document has so far remained undiscovered but no doubt was drawn up and issued for this aircraft. What the colours could have been listed is not certain, but it is probable that they were 74/75/76, the then current fighter camouflage colours. It is known that the first Me 163Bs were received by Operational Test Detachment (Erprobungskommando) Ekdo.16 on December 24th and 31st, 1943 (Spaete, 1989, pp.197). Following a working-up period, I./JG 400 was formed on May 1, 1944, though deliveries were very slow to the unit, with only a single aircraft received in May, three in June and twelve in July. Series production of the Me 163B is likely to have been initiated in April 1944 (Spaete, ibid., p.217). COMMENT: The slow production and delivery of the Me 163B resulted in it wearing a variety of camouflage colours from the time of the first deliveries (December 1943) to the cessation of production (February 1945). It is known from the many published photos and other documentation that most of Ekdo.16's aircraft were Me 163 BVs (V: "Versuchs", or test/experimental) and many were uncamouflaged, being painted in either RLM 02, or more likely, RLM 76. Other aircraft are known to have had very dark, low contrast upper wing colours, which do not suggest the 74/75 greys, but more likely the 70/71 greens. Their fuselages are interpreted as being painted in 76 with a mottle of 75. The well-photographed aircraft "White 05" is thought to be a Me 163 BV variant, as it and other similarly painted Ekdo.16 aircraft appear to be missing their Werknummern. However, photos indicate that all V-aircraft did at one time have their Versuchsnummer painted on the tail in black, but given the dark colour of these aircraft's tails could be difficult to see. Alternatively, if the aircraft were delivered directly to the unit initially in overall 65 and soon in 76, the number could easily have been over-painted at the unit level when the camouflage colours were applied. As Me 163 production slowly increased, aircraft with moderate-contrast schemes suggestive of 74/75/76 begin to appear. Aircraft with such schemes (or variations) have been documented during the restoration of these aircraft and faithfully reproduced (Merrick and Hitchcock, 1980, pp.48-49). There is also colour photographic evidence of Me 163s painted in the 81/83 scheme (Merrick and Hitchcock, 1980, p.50; Sheflin, 1983, pp.18-19). What is unknown is when this change-over to the late-war colours took place and if it was officially documented. The date of this change could not have been any later than February 1945, as production of the aircraft ceased during this month with a total of 364 aircraft completed and delivered to Ekdo.16, I. II. and IV./JG 400 and IV./EJG 1 (Smith and Kay, 1972). It is thought likely that an order authorizing this change must have been issued sometime in late 1944-early 1945. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 16, 1944 Oberflächenschutzliste 8 Os 234C: Released by Arado and approved by the RLM, designating the ‘green’ 70/71/65 camouflage scheme to be worn by the Arado 234 C four-engine jet bomber-reconnaissance aircraft (Smith and Creek, 1994, pp.247-249). COMMENT: As befitting an aircraft for these roles, the Arado 234 bomber was to be painted in the accepted 70/71/65 scheme. Shortly thereafter on July 1, 1944 (see below), the RLM instructed the change to the ‘new’ green 81/82 scheme. However, throughout its production run, most Ar 234 were continued to be painted in the old 70/71 colours (Smith and Creek, 1994, p.247). Although the above reference was for the four-engine C-variant of the Ar 234, photographic evidence shows that the twin-engine B-variant had an identical camouflage pattern, with the former having slight differences to account for the paired engines under each wing (ibid.). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 17, 1944 Oberflächenschutzliste 8 Os 262A?: It is most probable that Messerschmitt created and had approved by the RLM this document designating the 'grey' 74/75/76 camouflage scheme to be applied to the Me 262A (Merrick and Hitchcock, 1980, p.46). COMMENT: Considered as a fighter-bomber, the RLM naturally conferred the then-current grey 74/75/76 camouflage scheme on the Me 262. As noted above, the Arado 234 was to be used as a bomber-reconnaissance type and was to wear the green 70/71/65 scheme. As far as the author is aware, no reproductions of the 74/75/76 Me 262 Os 8 document/diagram have been discovered to date. All camouflage drawings so far published detailing this scheme are based on the examination of photographic data. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The Die is Cast" July - August, 1944 July 1, 1944 Sammelmitteilung Nr. 1: This document was issued by the RLM Technical Department (GL/C-10 IV E) and contained a number of orders which were to have an important effect on Luftwaffe camouflage and markings, and also referenced the above August 21, 1943 message (Smith and Gallaspy, 1977, pp.95-96). Although not included in the translation, this document is claimed to be the first to mention colour "83" , and the manner in which this information was transmitted left no doubt that colour "83" was already known to aircraft production centres for some time (Merrick and Hitchcock, 1980, p.32): The impending introduction of camouflage colours 81 and 82 in place of 70 and 71 was announced in message GL/C-E 10 Nr.10585/43 (IVE) Az.82b 10 of 21st August 1943. The introduction of these colours is henceforth prescribed as follows: 1) All new aircraft types whose mission would have called for the use of colours 70 and 71, are from now on to be painted in colours 81 and 82. 2) For types currently in production, colours 70 and 71 are to be superceded by colours 81 and 82 as soon as possible. Available stocks of 70 and 71 are naturally to be used up. As it may be supposed that these colours will not be exhausted simultaneously, and in order to avoid re-orders of small quantities of 70 and 71, the use of residual stocks in the following combinations is authorized: Colour 82 to be used with 70 (replacing 71) Colour 81 to be used with 71 (replacing 70) Should, however, stocks of one colour be so large as to unduly delay the implementation of the regulation camouflage, efforts must be made to trade away these stocks to sub-contractors, company plants or to other aircraft manufacturers. 3) The method of application (mottle scheme) of these colours is unchanged. 4) Aircraft plants will report implementation of the colour change, together with the modified OS-lists (Oberflächenschutzliste) to GL/C-E 10 IV. The delivery of colour sample cards for the RLM-shades 81 and 82 is for the present not possible, thus testing of the paint for correct colour-shade is omitted. COMMENTS: 1) An extremely important distinction is made here regarding the types of aircraft planned to wear the new 81/82 scheme which appears to have been overlooked by researchers. At the time of this order, the only aircraft still being finished in the old 70/71 colours were bombers and transports, as since November 1941 (or earlier ) fighters and destroyers were painted with the 47/75/76/65 colours. |