I’m just getting started in building WWII Luftwaffe aircraft, and I noticed that there are 2 ‘light blues’ for the fuselage bottom. RLM 65 and RLM 76. What is the difference between the two?
11…sorry dude, it’s been a LOOOOOONG day, and you set it up oh so well!!! LOL Honestly I don’t have a clue myself, but I’m sure one of the gurus will be along shortly to give ya a hand!!!
In the early stages of the war, Luftwaffe camo colors were the greens (RLM 70 & 71) on the topsides, with RLM 65 underneath. This scheme was in use throughout the war on the Eastern Front. In the Mediterranean, a more vivid blue was used, RLM 80. Later in the war, a much lighter blue was used, RLM 76. If you see a pic of an aircraft with a yellow fuselage band (and sometimes wingtip undersides), the blue is RLM 65. If you see one with a white fuselage band (and sometimes wingtips), the color is usually RLM 80 (although some used RLM 65 instead). In my Me 262 Mistel signature pic below, RLM 76 is the blue. There were always exceptions, but these are the more standard uses.
The blue on the undersides of my Ju 87 is RLM 65.
Hope this helps.
Kiowa, good question that I’ve always wondered about myself. Thanks to Pix for the answer (Pix what are you doing up so late? Now I know how you get your builds done so fast…you never sleep [:)]!) Man, I love that Stuka!
Kiowa, be sure to post some pics of your Luftwaffe, eh?
Kik, that was funny, and I know all about being tired and the humour that ensues[;)]
stinger
Rlm 65 is a light greyish blue shade and Rlm 76 is a slightly more blue shade. Not to argue with Pix, but RLM 80 was a medium olive green. The more vivid blue was RLM 78. For most all early Luftwaffe fighters & bombers, RLM 65 would be correct. Post BOB, the Luftwaffe adopted the RLM 74 / 75 / 76 scheme on most of their AC. RLM 78 was used on Mediterannean AC usually with the RLM 79 sand upper surfaces. There are several exceptions to the general rule, so always best to check references if possible.
Pix, how could you? 
Yes, the Med/North Africa scheme was RLM79 Sand Yellow over RLM 78 Blue (a very azure blue). Often, patches of RLM 80 Olive Green were apllied on topsides.
Otherwise Pix answered your question correctly :D.
rjk, I think you got it backwards - 65 is bright blue, 76 is grey blue (graublau)
John P, you are correct. Like Pix, my memory jigged when it should have jogged [:I]. RLM 65, Hellblau, is the brighter shade of blue, while RLM 76, Lightblau, is the lighter more grey shade. The RLM 78 Hellblau is the brighter blue of the three.
Thanks for all the information everyone.
I’ve only got one model right now. I will post some pics up here as soon as I figure out how to post a dang picture in here!![banghead][8D]
[wow][:-^]
Nice one[tup]!! What scale is it in? (I’m planning on building an Academy 1/72 Stuka G-1[:D])
OK, I can’t figure out how to post images.[:(!] but I’ve included the links to the photos.
Here are a couple of pics of my 1/72 Fw-190A-8. This represents my first attempt at airbrushing. I appreciate any advice or critisism you may have
Would like to see your pics, but all I get is an “Access Denied” message.
i see… I’ll have to figure out something else then…[#dots]