I recently started work on Eduard’s 1/48 BF 110D. I was about to begin painting the cockpit components based on the manual’s color suggestions (RLM66) but while doing some online research I noticed that many other models were painted with a much lighter grey. Something closer to RLM02. I think the latter looked much better as the RLM66 is almost black and I fear most of the detail will be lost in such a dark area. The PE instrument panel and ammo canisters really pop on a lighter background.
Was this a case of artistic license on the modeler’s part or did the Germans really use different color interior paints on the same aircraft?
I tried to limit the search to the “D” variants but the interweb being what it is… who knows.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also, what’s wrong with me that I would sweat over this at midnight on a weekend?
Start about the middle of the comments. This was about Stukas, but applies to all German aircraft. Apparently that RLM 66 is correct, though you might get by with a lighter shade.
I had the same issue when I built my Bf 109 E-3. Apparently they were painted in RLM 02 up until early 1941 and the dashes were always RLM 66. It would be safe to say the D version could go either way I suppose, depending when it was in service. RLM 66 is a boring grey, so I lighten mine with a tad of neutral grey and drybrush the details silver to make it more interesting. Add a wash to really make it pop. Here’s how I did mine if your interested.
In the discussions in the Stuka GB I mentioned a page on Swannies models which lists what colur cockpits should be. I can’t recall if I posted a link, so here it is.
According to this, the 110D should be RLM 02. But as was pointe out in the Stuka GB, it was not always as simple as that, and some early aircraft were indeed painted in 66.So I think either way would be ok, and officially RLM 02 would be the colour to use.
Thanks guys! I went with the 02 this morning. This kit has like 260 parts and 258 of them make up the cockpit. Couldn’t bring myself to cover all of that in such dark paint. Ironically, after all the prep work and priming the RLM 02 was nearly the exact color that Eduard molded the kit in. I probably could have just hit it with Future and moved on. I still think it will look a bit more lively than the 66 in the end though. I’ll start the wash/weathering on it tomorrow.
I hadn’t seen the wip on your 109 yet, Joe. Outstanding work as always!
I’ve got the C stalled as I wait for replacement parts from Eduard.
The cockpit is one of the better ones I’ve seen OOB. As for color you’ve already painted yours, but is say 02 is more on point with the D. There are a lot of “experts” online that are no more experts than I am a brain surgeon, so my advice would be not to let total accuracy become an obsession. There is room for artistic license in this hobby. None of us were actually there, so honestly there is no being sure 100% about the exact hue of any colors.
I noticed a part missing on mine as well. One of the pipes on the exhaust manifolds. I found it odd that those were not one piece like most aircraft especially since they are not hollow. I sent Eduard an email last night about 10PM and they had replied before I woke up this morning saying that they are sending a free replacement. So for, I’ve been nothing but impressed with them.
I’ve contemplated ordering the Quickboost resin exhaust from Sprue Brothers (I thought it was Squadron but I don’t think they sell them). They look really nice and worth every bit of 6 bucks if it keeps me from having to glue on and drill out 24 individual pipes. Yikes!
I used the Quickboost exhausts on my C…they are beautiful and well worth it. Especially since they are so prominent on this particular plane. I remember the sorry kit examples, one look and I was like…“nah”… Joet
Their customer service is exquisite. I bought my -C at a show. It had been opened, and I called myself going over it pretty good, but it was marked at $20…a considerable savings compared to new, so I rushed and bought it. Got to the ailerons and found they were missing…they had clearly been snipped from the sprue too…so the kit had been cannibalized. I even explained to that Eduard…whole new sprue regardless.
Yep…boring. At least Tamiya’s example of it (XF 63 German Gray) is to me…too dark. Thats why I lighten it with a touch of light or neutral gray. Works for me…
Reasoned & dflu78, Were the wings in your 110 kits kind of dull (sheen wise) compared to the rest of the parts? I noticed this about mine. They look almost like they’ve had a dull coat sprayed on them. The panel lines and rivets are a bit shallow too. I wasn’t sure if this was inherent of this aircraft type or a mold defect.
I hadn’t noticed that…may not have paid that much attention. It’s on the stalled build shelf (still awaiting my parts). I’ll give it a glance later on and get back to you.
