[GrahamB]

Hi,

I quite understand the problem that Richard Eger has over the restoration colours to be used on the Me 163, quite apart from the variation in some colours offered in various charts (particularly the common and ‘standard’ RLM 65). For someone who has been following the ‘great debate’ for nearly forty years it is also no surprise that very little real critique and comment is made about recent publications on the subject of Luftwaffe colours. I have several serious questions about some of these and have even offered Ruy Horta some postings – but it is really not worth the hostility that is often heaped on anybody (especially an ‘unknown’ ‘non-player’) who deviates from the given line. But, of immediate relevance to this thread I offer this – if only to clarify or outline to those less up-to-date with the changes in opinions and interpretations of unchanged evidence:

A mysterious change of colour (not just RLM number) seems to have occurred with regard to the preserved Australian Me 163. In the Monogram book (page 51) the colours are confidently asserted to be a low-contrast scheme of RLM 81 (a brown) and RLM 82 (a dark green) and RLM 65. This is supported by colour photographs and three colour chips on page 49. But, one of the severe problems with the Monogram Guide is that the origin of the colour chips is not defined. In my early days I naively assumed that they were exactly matched to the preserved paints from the actual aircraft figured on the opposite page. I guess that they are, in fact, generic? In Ken Merrick’s latest Luftwaffe Camouflage & Markings Vol.1 (page 187) the camouflage of the Australian Me163 is now described as RLM 81, RLM 82 and ‘greenish RLM 76’. But, here the RLM 82 is linked to the pre-war RLM 62 (medium-dark olive green). What was the green colour of the aircraft – a dark olive green (= ’new’ RLM 83/RLM 64) or a medium-dark olive green (= ‘new’ RLM 82/RLM 62)? Is it merely because it is accepted that ‘new’ RLM 82 (‘old’ RLM83) is actually a darker, duller colour? – I think this is the ‘right’ solution, by the way. If so, where does this leave its former life as the brighter medium green ‘RLM83’ that is so prevalent in the earlier literature (such as the Monogram Guide) and that featured (still features?) widely as garish grass-green paint jobs on models and in illustrations?

What is to become of the restorations of the preserved Smithsonian Me 262 and the Dornier Do 335 that have been finished with the brighter medium green colour (‘old’ RLM 83 = ‘new’ RLM 82?) that contrasts so strongly with the dark brown RLM 81?

All very confusing and I hope that Richard has found the solution through his recent contacts.

Best wishes


GrahamB