RAF red.

The WW2 RAF roundel red was indeed a dull shade, often described as being close to a brick colour. Pre-war (or up to 1937) and post war (1947) was more a bright red.

A Paul Lucus publication provides FS matches that are close, but not exact.  Here are the values grouped together using the colorserver:

Compared to Nick Millman's readings, the FS sample of dull red could use a little more yellow.  Digitally, the MRP sample you have sprayed looks more correct.

regards,

Jack

Interesting.  The MRP certainly looks like the pre war red.  Thanks for that.

I think that the big thing is that you're trying to match the decal as opposed to the actual color chip. The source of the decal red is unknown. Just match that as best you can, probably with a custom mix.

Thanks Stik.  I think as long as I'm consistent across the entire model I'll be fine.  I'm going to give it a go.

Not too many decal manufacturers get the roundel colours correct for WW2 RAF.  Even for the blue, it's either too dark and on the verge of black, or it's too bright and lively. 

I suspect it may have something to do when going from a digital screen (RGB values) and how that is switched to CMYK when prepared for printing.  At least this was my experience when trying custom printing.  Mind you, a more professional outfit will take the time to match their inks to colour samples provided, but that is a lot more $$ as inks will be mixed beforehand.

The other problem is these wartime roundel colours are not part of the modern British Standards paint chart (BS 381C).

regards,

Jack

I know this topic can generate a fair share of opinions.  I've heard heated debate about WW2 aircraft colors.  I also heard very little was for certain when it came to Spitfires.  This is my first go with spraying the roundels.   Right red or wrong red hopefully everything will turn out ok.

wpwar11

I also heard very little was for certain when it came to Spitfires. 

That is definitely true of the parts on those aircraft.  What fit on one airframe wouldn't necessarily fit on another...and usually didn't.

Roundels were painted to specification at the factory, so there is not much of anything to debate.

 I've quoted two researchers,  but of the two, Nick Millman made the extra effort to publish his findings on RAF colours in digital values (RGB).   These were based on L*a*b* values measured with photospectrometric equipment  from original MAP paint swatches.

Of course, there is some leeway to exact paint shades, since paint manufactures provided  products that would naturally vary to a certain percentage that was still deemed acceptable.

regards,
Jack

I just painted some roudels on my Spitfire. I did a little research and used Vallejo Insignia white, RAL 1006 Yellow, Signal blue and a mix of Rust and Ferrari Red for the red. 3 drops rust and 2 drops Ferrari Red. Just my personal experience.