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Re: RLM 02 Mäander on Ju188
What a wonderful original part this is! I hope it is being preserved properly? To answer your question, this squiggly painting in top of the factory applied paint of the JU 188 is called the wave mirror pattern. This painting was applied in the field, mainly to aircraft that operated over water. This pattern was applied to most maritime aircraft operating over the bay of Biscay, and the Mediterranean. This application was applied to JU88, DO217 and JU 188s mainly. Even though the JU188 was from the Aurklarungsgruppe the wave mirror pattern was an effective camouflage for a rather outdated 70/71 splinter pattern. This wave mirror pattern was also seen on some pathfinder aircraft of KG66. As far as the colors are concerned, the factory applied color on the elevator shound not perfectly match the color chips of any sorce because the paint is 70 years old! The oxidizing of the paint resins can make a color appear lighter. The color of the wave mirror pattern is similar to the light upper surface color on the Smithzonian's HE219. I encourage you to compare these colors to see for your self. I hope this helps.
Cheers.
Mark VIII
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