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I'm really confused on RLM color...

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  • Member since
    March 2011
I'm really confused on RLM color...
Posted by Josy11 on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 5:32 PM

Hi All,

I have another newbie question. I am beginning to build my large Luftwaffe collection, starting with a 1/48 Me -410 (revell) and I had purchased some model air RLM sets. I am planning on painting it the standard RLM 76 on the bottom, then use RLM 74, and 75 as camo on the top surfaces according to the instructions and some other documentation I have. When using model air, the RLM 76 looked spot on, but the RLM 75 looked way to dark. I opened up my Trumpeter ME 109, which shows a similar color scheme and the RLM 75 is much closer to the "gunship grey" I am used to. I then looked at some model master acrylics in the hobby store that premix RLM colors, and they are even more bizarre to me.  I have heard of scale effect on paint, but is it that drastic?  - I would have to add some serious flat white to lighten up my Model air 75 to look like the light/medium grey I think it should be

Can anyone offer some advise here?

on the plus side, my first attempts to spray the model air paint on the bottom of the 410 came out most pleasing to me - nice and crisp - so much better than possible with a rattle can. The RLM 76 from them looks spot on

 

Joe

thanks for all your help - I have been helped immensley from this forum so far!

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by STJohnson on Thursday, April 14, 2011 12:18 PM

Hi Joe

What are you currently using for a reference when you say the RLM76 looks spot on??

As you know  the RLM 74 75 and 76 are very common luftwaffe paint schemes and every paint manufacturer probably sells one. However one mans 74 looks like anothers 75 or whatever. Wait till you try RLM 81 82 83.  Where's that Advil??

You don't know what that paint manufactures reference was/is when they choose a color. You also cannot go by color chips off the internet because of the varied differences in monitors,software, sources etc.

I build mostly 1/32 WWII planes and finally ended up purchasing several books/references that give actual paint color chips. However even these can vary. Sometimes you can take an existing color and change it. Many modelers prefer to "MIx there Own" color schemes,also taking into account lightening for scale...if they practise that???

 One source I recommend is Eagle Editions. They use to sell a fold out chart with the luftwaffe colors most commonly used. I think they give a link to someone on Ebay that still has some for sale. Many modelers won't even agree with certain colors within a given color chart. Now what do you do??

The question of " lightening for scale" is also hotly debated. For instance, I know two different plane modelers here where I live... one does lighten and one doesn't lighten and honestly I cannot pick between the two.

 I have tried both ways and I am inclined not to lighten for scale..but I could change my mind at anytime.

I hope this helps some

 

Steve J

  • Member since
    March 2011
Posted by Josy11 on Thursday, April 14, 2011 9:20 PM

Hi Steve

Tanks for the reply. I have come to the conclusion, that I am going to have to employ the same scale reference I use in my RC airplanes - that being "TLAR" - that looks about right. I would agree, I have looked at 4 paint manufacturers RLM 74,75, and 76 and they are not even close to each other. - So now, I mix until it looks good and shoot away

 

Thanks for your help

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Spring Branch, TX
Posted by satch_ip on Monday, April 25, 2011 4:04 PM
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