RBrown

For those following the discussion that don't have access to the Monogram Painting Guide here is a scan showing the Blue-Gray chip... According to the authors this paint was found on VS 9 and VS 111 propellers. This paint was used only for surface protection and had no relationship with RLM 83 which was intended only as a camouflage coating. Contemporaneous accounts describe RLM 83 as a Royal Blue.

RLM 81 and 82 were announced in a letter dated August 23, 1943, for the purpose of preparing aircraft manufacturers for the change from 70/71 to 81/82. On July 1, 1944 a communication from the RLM and the Commander in Chief of the Luftwaffe, directed the change to the new colors at the next convenient point in time. This communication additionally directed that existing stocks of 70 and 71 should be used up. Additionally any residual stock of either 70 or 71 could be paired with the new colors in the following combinations 70/82 and 71/81.

I do not think so, first RLM was designed specifically for Mediterranean Sea operations. Second if the paint was to be employed as camouflage why not order RLM 83 instead of 24? AFAIK its only reported use use in theaters other than the Med had involved an aircraft that had transferred from service in the Mediterranean.

Based on actual measurement a gallon of paint weighs about 12.3 pounds, or a bit over 5.7 kilograms. So 30 kilograms of paint would be about 5 gallons or just under 20 liters. This seems about right for markings for 13 Ju 88s.

With the introduction 81 and 82 a RLM decree permitted residual stocks of RLM 70 and 71 to be paired with RLM 82 and 81 respectively, that is, 70/82 or 71/81 combinations. It is interesting to note the NASM Fw 190 F was meticulously researched for its color history and found to be painted with extensive areas of RLM 70. This machine was originally constructed as a Fw 190 A-7, returned damaged, and rebuilt to F-8 specifications. I've posted a scan from The Official Painting Guide to German Aircraft 1935-1945 to illustrate. Note that the color chips displayed are specific to this particular machine.

Fantastic!

Grunton is missing an umlaut. Grünton translates to green tone.

The U.S. Copyright Act does not allow for copyright protection for any work of the federal government.

The DB 601N required C3 fuel.

RLM 76 evolved from a light turquoise blue gray to the extremely pale shade known as Weissblau. The early version of RLM 76 used cobalt blue pigment in its composition. Subsequently, an inferior ultramarine pigment known as Blau 34904 was substituted, resulting in the Weissblau formulation. Weissblau was satisfactory when used in the offensive camouflage scheme designed to conceal the aircraft in the air. However, Weissblau would severely compromise a defensive scheme designed to conceal the aircraft on the ground. In the later stages of the war we find evidence, in the form photographs and relics, for the employment of pastel green and tan shades in place of Weissblau. Perhaps the pastel shades were a response to the unsuitability of Weissblau in the then current tactical situation. The change in hue would not necessitate a change in nomenclature. Remember RLM 65, 78, 79 all experienced significant color changes, as a result of tactical experience, during their brief existence.

For those interested here is an extract from the document cited by Mr. Crandall, documenting the weight of the Fw 190 A-8. The entry for paint (Farbanstrich) is highlighted with a listed weight of 2.0 kilograms or 4.4 pounds The complete document can be found here.

That 10 lbs includes the solvents that will evaporate away.

Remarkable...thanks for posting!

RLM 81 appears to exhibit a lot of variation from chocolate brown to dark olive green. RLM 82 varies from deep viridian green to a neutral green. The RLM apparently recognized this and exempted manufacturers from meeting color standards after these colors were introduced. The photos posted above appears to me to be 81/82 in a low demarcation defensive scheme and the earlier offensive scheme with 81/82 replacing RLM 74 and 75. The notion that the late war variation of RLM 76 would trend from greenish to beige depending on its application is interesting. On a related note there are several photos of late war Bf 109s with the low demarcation defensive schemes that have received a fuselage mottle reminiscent of the earlier offensive scheme. Note that the mottle is applied over the underlying camouflage...

Very impressive!