Originally posted by Mark V
As we discussed in a previous thread I believe the only reasonable path to take is to obtain colour chips of the relevent British Standard colours (most of the wartime ones still appear on the list) and to use these where indicated on the factory drawings. Only in a special case where one might be trying to re-create a particular aircraft in an unusual or particularly weathered scheme would I suggest that it was reasonable to deviate from British Standards. Of course there remains the probability (as suggested by Mark 12) that, say, Medium Sea Grey paint at Castle Bromwich was different from that being used at Westlands for example. In my opinion it is the intention that the colour should have been British Standard Medium Sea Grey that is the over-riding factor, regardless of the possibility of local deviation.

Well, Mark, yes and no.
Yes, I agree that warbirds should be finished in standard schemes as laid out in regulations (including colour hues) unless we have some sort of documentary proof that a particular aircraft did not conform with these.
No, because in certain periods, areas etc., it would be unusual to see aeroplanes in regulation finish, so it can be reasonable assumed (when painting a warbird) what they looked like in reality. For example, early Castle Bromwich built Mk Vs were unlikely to be seen with proper Ocean Grey on upper surfaces, because they all left the factory in Temperate Land (brown and green) and were repainted in service. Thus, many of them (most?) would have an incorrect hue of grey.
Leaving the Spitfire aside for a moment, there was a very interesting article by Dana Bell in Scale Aircraft Modeller (last year I think) about the Olive Drab ‘standard’. He has shown evidence that the ‘Olive Drab overall’ finish looked like disruptive camouflage on some types, because various subcontractors used ‘Olive Drab’ paint from various makers, and there never really was any definitive standard for the colour, even with factory-fresh paint.

Bottom line is that I’d rather not complaint about hues of warbird camouflage colours being ‘non-standard’. As long as it is grey or green where it should be, it’s OK with me.

Will any of these do, Daz?

…RAISING CLOUDS OF DUST…
(316 Sqn Mk Vs, Northolt, early 1942)

Am I the only one who cannot see the picture?

Originally posted by Flood
Hmm, could be wrong or my answer might have nothing to do with this debate, but I believe that these Spits are all with the FAA, probably 761NAS and very probably in late 1942 (AR238 was with 761NAS between 9/9/42 and 20/1/43-ish, and K9969 was with 761NAS from about 11/42 untill going to 45MU in 11/9/44 – Air Britains Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939-45). Anybody disagree?

Flood.

Flood, you win a cookie!
Anybody willing to say that these Spitfires are in the Temperate Sea scheme with Sky undersides, as would befit FAA fighters?

Originally posted by JDK
Voytech, I’m ashamed of you!

You should know better.

No, actually hoping for something that wasn’t made in the UK or the US or licence built, just something very different and original. We’ll have the Spitfires and Mustangs too, of course…

Cheers

JDK
I still think a Saab B-17 and a Boeing B-17 flying in formation would be worth seeing. Only half of the duo would match your criteria, but you cannot have everything, can you?

Originally posted by Janie
I guess the point I was looking for is, are these the colours in which the aircraft left the factory or could they have changed colour since leaving the factory?

Very good point Janie!
They are all very well worn Mk Is so it is unlikely they are in their factory applied colours.
But, the question of “could they have changed colour since leaving the factory?” is a tricky one. I think Mark12 has discussed that in an earlier thread. Basically, repaint or not, every Spitfire would gradually change colours within weeks of leaving factory.
My point was, if you see a number of Spitfires, and they are all the same colours, this means:
– a factory shot
– air force unit about to be inspected by a high ranking officer or official (these are easily recognisable: usually the grass and tree leaves will also be painted regulation Dark Green)
– CGI or a cinema film shot (or both)
– colour plate in a modellers’ book
– a modelling contest
– something’s wrong with your eyesight