Author Topic: RLM colours and Schemes for WW2 Luftwaffe Project Aircraft  (Read 6228 times)

Offline Flitzer

  • Was reportedly smuggled out of Germany under Operation Paperclip
RLM colours and Schemes for WW2 Luftwaffe Project Aircraft
« on: February 13, 2012, 05:57:36 PM »
Dear all,

I am often asked how do I or anyone interested in modeling or profiling Luftwaffe Secret Projects, decide upon a camouflage scheme?

I’m sure others have their own way, but this is how I do it.

To begin, I try to, generally speaking, keep to the standard RLM palette of colours. Although there are many opportunities to try new colours
and camouflage patterns, I think it is essential to keep schemes for a German project looking ‘German’ so to speak. So when I do try
‘new’ colours I always derive these by mixing from the standard RLM palette. After all concepts and projects are in essence, experimental
and therefore, to a point, why not also experiment with camouflage colours and schemes?
A little more on mixing RLM colours later.



However there are a number of historical facts that collectively or singularily may influence your decision. Rather than write a long and
probably boring essay, I’ll add simple paragraphs.

WW2 Germany had an extremely large range of ‘standard’ colours and camouflage patterns. Also many directives and orders were issued
by the RLM, often contradictory, leading to an even larger variety of schemes. 



Add to this, camouflage schemes were often and increasingly completed in the field as the war continued. Therefore an individual
ground crews’ interpretation of the guidelines could affect any official scheme slightly or greatly. Add to this the theatre of operations and
the intended role an aircraft was to fulfill also plays its part in selection with local conditions, and season being catered for. Potentially offering
yet another wide scope of possibilities. 


As the war progressed paint manufacturers saw regular supplies of pigments, ingredients and components for mixing the correct shades
become increasingly less reliable, so they were constantly searching for substitutes and alternatives. This often led to variations even in the
standard colours. Plus in the field these new ingredients could affect how a particular colour ‘weathered’ or stood up to the environment
in which they were used.

Eventually the supply of paint stocks in the correct RLM shades to ground crews in the field also became irregular and often unreliable,
forcing them to extensively improvise. Often paints were mixed and all kinds of substitute thinners were used. It has been reported
mentholated spirits or even Schnapps or Vodka were often used as alternative thinners. 
In extreme shortages of RLM colours, crews often commandeered or traded for paint they could use.

By the late war it seems as though any camouflage was better than none at all, with sometimes four and even five colour schemes
being evident, maybe to eke out these meager paint supplies.

With this in mind it is possible to appreciate “new colours” may well have been produced more by accident than design. For example a
shortfall of RLM82 may have had other more plentiful colours mixed with it to stretch the amount of paint available.

The phantom sky colour, commonly labelled RLM 84, is a prime example. The huge difference in shades regarded as RLM84 could have
been achieved by mixing more plentiful shades with those that were low in quantity.  A few years ago, I carried out an experiment, mixing
varying amounts of  RLM 81 to RLM 76 and to RLM 22. I also tried mixing RLM83 to 76 and 22 in the same way etc. The results were astonishingly
close to the various shades labeled as RLM84, from buff to light blue-greens. It proves nothing but offers a possible explanation to how ‘84’
was in evidence.


Of course there are two easier ways to choose a colour scheme apart from following those suggested by the kit manufacturer and they are:

1. To find references for an existing aircraft of similar type or role as the Luftwaffe concept subject and apply the scheme/markings to
    make it look like a natural replacement.

2. To check a well known pilot’s aircraft and apply his typical markings and scheme to a potential Luftwaffe concept replacement.


I hope this is of some help, but it probably asks as many questions as it answers.

Many thanks
P
 :)
« Last Edit: February 14, 2012, 04:55:41 PM by Flitzer »

Offline Weaver

  • Skyhawk stealer and violator of Panthers, with designs on a Cougar and a Tiger too
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Re: RLM colours and Schemes for WW2 Luftwaffe Project Aircraft
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2012, 06:40:23 PM »
Nice one Flitzer!

Of course, you can always ask an "innocent" question about RLM colours on one of those "serious" modelling forums, then sit back and watch..... >:D You almost certainly will NOT get a definitive answer, but you may well gather enough hot air to launch the steampunk Nazi war-balloon you were building anyway... ;)
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Offline GTX_Admin

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Re: RLM colours and Schemes for WW2 Luftwaffe Project Aircraft
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2012, 02:17:00 AM »
Nice one Flitzer!

Of course, you can always ask an "innocent" question about RLM colours on one of those "serious" modelling forums, then sit back and watch..... >:D You almost certainly will NOT get a definitive answer, but you may well gather enough hot air to launch the steampunk Nazi war-balloon you were building anyway... ;)

Agreed - good post Peter.

I must admit that when I saw a thread titled such as this I had a minor shudder of trepidation. ;)
All hail the God of Frustration!!!

You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it.

Offline Flitzer

  • Was reportedly smuggled out of Germany under Operation Paperclip
Re: RLM colours and Schemes for WW2 Luftwaffe Project Aircraft
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2012, 05:18:56 PM »
Too true Weaver.
It's common sense really.

GTX, you can take off your tin hat now  ;)