Interpretting Paint Codes

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hi all,

Interpolating paint identifications between ranges is always a headache, especially when colors are given solely as mixing ratios between available shades in some ranges.

I’m just starting Tamiya’s beautiful Spitfire Vb, and while the topside RAF Dark Green and Dark Sea Grey, and the Sky spinner and fuselage band, are all easily identifiable colors, I find the underside grey seems to be elluding me.

The plans offer a mixing ratio of three parts XF-19 Sky Grey to 5 parts XF-54 Dark Sea Grey – but the topside areas which would correspond to RAF Dark Sea Grey are also given a mixing code, and suddenly I’m rather lost and pouring through my Spitfire books looking for a clue.

Can anyone recommend a reliable reference for RAF WWII colours? I probably have the data in vintage issues of “Scale Aircraft Modelling,” but after moving house twice this year my collection is packed away somewhere. I would be most grateful for advice!

Best,

Thunderbolt379

2

Try this site alot of good info on camo colors.
http://www.jpsmodell.de/dc/luft_e.htm

3

Thanks, MKHoot!

That’s a really useful site, I’ve bookmarked it.

Okay, these are shades matchable in enamels, maybe even acrylics…

Cheers, & thanks,

TB379

4

An interesting site is http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/helpdesk.asp . This site has color charts and cross references for the major brands of paint. It is quite extensive. Hope this is of some help.

Bruce

5

Great references guys!!! They will keep me busy for hours!