Hallo Carl,
Very interesting; with the other photo, obviously taken at the same time, the contrast is event stronger between the RLM 76 tailplane and the blue fuselage... As for the overall RLM 76 color mentioned , I was thinking of those Erla built Bf 109 G-6 which were meant to become "Höhenjägern" and left Erla in this overall light gray tone for Erla VII at Antwerpen in order to have their DB 605/AS fitted and then be taken on charge by 2./JG 3, like exemplified by "Schwarze 27", among others:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2809206...57625486305536
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2809206...57625486305536
As for the "normal process", the picture of W.Nr. 33 085 is most informative indeed (Prien and Rodeike 1995, p. 118).... Thanks Carl!
Finally, it is interesting to see such a variety of blue hues (RLM 65, RLM 76, RLM 78 and the currently much publicized RLM 83 which we know - thanks to Rasmussen - was not on the paint inventory of Erla). I never noticed this until now.
Thanks again, Carl
Marc