SPA Modeler

AK Real Colors have released new colors. I have noticed there are a few Luftwaffe colors of two different colors of RLM colors in different years.

RLM 2


RLM 2 (1938)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


RLM 2 (1941)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


RLM 65



RLM 65 (1938)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


RLM 65 (1941)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


RLM 78


RLM 78 (1941)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


RLM 78 (1942)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


RLM 79


RLM 79 (1941)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


RLM 79 (1942)

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1


There's even three versions of RLM 76 and RLM 81 shown on this link:

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1

The question I have regarding the three versions of RLM 76 and RLM 81 is how does one figure out which color is correct for which period of WW2? As for the top 4 above, my guess the earliest ones were introduced and used right up until the following years where the new shades were introduced for the remainder of WW2?

I am curious as to the source of their information where the color standards for those shades changed, and at those times. The story of Olive Drab is fairly well available online, with all its changes. But part of those changes included new designation codes. It does make one wonder why the RLM code would remain the same if the color standard changed.

All I know is that I wants some of that paint!

That is a LOT of thinking to do.....

BlackSheep214 wrote:

There's even three versions of RLM 76 and RLM 81 shown on this link:

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagorie ... a&e=0&pr=1

The question I have regarding the three versions of RLM 76 and RLM 81 is how does one figure out which color is correct for which period of WW2? As for the top 4 above, my guess the earliest ones were introduced and used right up until the following years where the new shades were introduced for the remainder of WW2?

There was a bit of variation when it comes to Luftwaffe colors, especially towards the end of the war. RLM 76 seemed to have varied widely. I've seen descriptions of at least three distinct shades... the standard light blue, a lighter white blue and also a light green-blue (that looks like RAF Sky). This last color has also been called RLM 84 by some even though there was no official designation. I think this is the color that AK is calling RLM 76 Late War Variation.

I've seen RLM 81 referred to as both a brown shade and as a green shade. It looks like AK is covering the bases with two browns and one green.

And check out the RLM 83 that AK is offering. Most references describe 83 as a dark green but AK's version is BLUE.

So no definitive directions on when to use what color. It will be subject -dependent and based on whichever interpretation you are going to believe.

Interesting article about the confusion over RLM81/82/83 as it directly relates to the camo of the Dornier Do 355 by noted Luftwaffe historian Michael Ullman.

http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/do335camomu_1.htm

In this article, he states that RLM81 was known to have three descriptive names: Braunviolett / Dunkelgrün / Olivbraun. Maybe AK's three shades of RLM81 is trying to match those three names.

I'm curious about the new AK paints and I'm going to check them out. My LHS has some of the German armor colors, which I'll pick up for the Tiger II build but I'll have to order the Luftwaffe colors.

I have questions of scholarship integrity in the research of the new AK line. Let me reference this most recent thread which concerns RLM83 specifically (and contains a remark from David E. Brown whose research and editorial expertise is acknowledged by Ullman):

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/ind ... au/&page=2

Thank you for the article, John! That was most stimulating on a Sunday morning!

I was wondering on that Dunkelblau RLM 83.... thanks for that link Bruce.

Part of the confusion is separating historical fact from researched assumptions. The re-interpretation of RLM83 to a shade of blue should not be causing builders of late war Luftwaffe fighters to use a blue color. RLM83 as a green has always been a speculative interpretation. The RLM directed a change in fighter camo from 71/70 to 81/82. Color photos and pieces from actual aircraft indicate that two shades of green were used. Hmmm.... 81 is described as a brown. What's this RLM83 color we see listed but not described? Maybe this is the dark green we are seeing on preserved aircraft. That's how the 82/83 convention came about, I believe.

81/82 for upper colors of late war Luftwaffe fighters is still valid. The question is what does 81 look like? Brown or green?