RLM 65 -- Why the large differences?

[SpicyJuan11]

Hi all, I'm trying to recreate RLM 65, but I've seen tons of conflicting paints/shades, can someone please tell me which is the most accurate?



(the third image is Mission Models)

 

[Crimea_River]

As memory serves. there were two different shades of 65 recognized by the RLM so that could be part of the reason you might see the variation. If the scheme you are doing is on the left, then the MiG tone matches best on my opinion.

 

[fubar57]

I was unaware there were two shades of -65 though I knew there were differences with RLM76

 

[thunderbird]

comment deleted

 

[rad2484]

From : Luftwaffe-Colours 1935-1945 (Ullman)

"After the successful Blitzkrieg in the West in early
1940. Britain was the next target. The air battles over the
Channel and mainland Britain soon showed that the ideal
fighter camouflage bad not yet been achieved.
The search for new fighter colours also had its effect
on the underside light hue, RLM 65. The RLM 65 shade
was modified away from the 1938 tone in 1941. It moved
much closer to the new RLM 76 than the old RLM 65.
which was clearly more bluish. The possible reason for
this change of shade~ was that the new RLM 65 more easily
marched the central European skies than the old,
rather darker colour." (Ullman page 50.)


From: Luftwaffe Camouflage 1935-40 (Fleuret)

"This same unit participated in the Polish and French
campaigns with the old Henschel Hs 123 and after the
French defeat, was re-equipped with the new Messerschmitt
Bf I 09E-4B. The first of these fighter-bombers
were built in the Wiener-Neustadt plant and wore Werk
Nummern from around 5560 to 5600. It is believed they
were the earliest German aircraft to be painted in a
factory finish of the greys 74 and 75 with a fuselage
mottling in 02, 70 and 74 on the light bluish-grey 76 base
coat, a shade very similar to the previous pale blue 65."

I have included Ullman's color paint chips as a pdf. I scanned this from a new copy of this book.

 

[Crimea_River]

Merrick's pre- and post-1941 RLM 65 chips don't reflect as big a change as Ullmann's.

 

[Antonio Argudo]

here are some examples of relics in RLM 65 very well preserved color
cheers

 

[Antonio Argudo]

some examples

 

[fubar57]

This site has three photos of the above Fw 200. Which is correct? Focke-Wulf Fw 200 C-3 Condor Stab I./KG40 (F8+AB) Sktz SG+KS WNr 200 0043 in flight 1940

 

[Antonio Argudo]

more rlm 65 examples