Finding the correct paints

[SBO]

Firstly, I have to apologise if this is in the wrong place; I searched the forum but couldn't find anything for this, and I assumed this would be the best place for it

My question is this: if you know a paint call out on a model kit is incorrect, how would you go about selecting the correct paint either from the same manufacturer or a different one?
For example, I am building the Airfix BF109E-4 and am not happy with the call out for the fuselage based upon photographs and diagrams I have seen of the actual aircraft I am making. I know that German colours were reichsluftfahrtministerium 02 etc., but I have found no way of finding out what RLM colours this Messerschmitt should be painted. Is there a resource I can use that will tell me what RLM colours I should use for the different parts of the aircraft? And is there a resource that will do that for different airforces?

I hope that was clear! Thanks for any help in advance

[fredk]

Your 109E is a simple one. RLM 02 and 71 top camo, 65 under, prop blades 70. 02 for interior of cockpit, wheel wells, u/c legs. This was standard during the BoB. Earlier the camo pattern was 70/71.
Humbrol do the RLM colours; H 240= RLM 02, H 65 = RLM 65, H 91 or H 241 = RLM 70, H 116 will do for RLM 71 or use the new H 242
That should help you now.

As you go on modelling this info will become ingrained in your memory. Also keep a note book for odd schemes and regular notes. I used to keep a couple of books with the paint numbers/colours written down against every model I built. It was handy for checking, for repeating a colour scheme to match those already done, and in case touch-up were needed.

Book mark this site;
http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colorchart ... charts.asp;

It hasn't been updated for some years so it doesn't included the newest Humbol paints or Vallejo paints. It is however still a first class site. I have it book marked and refer to it frequently. I'm doing a Swedish splinter scheme and I referred to that site for the necessary colours.

hth

[SBO]

That is excellent, thanks. That website you posted - just wow. Needless to say it has pride of place on my favourites bar from now on! so Humbrol 65 is an accurate match then? I don't know why, but I was always under the impression it was a bit too blue

[fredk]

RLM 65 changed, pre and early war it was noticeably blue, getting grayer through the war.
Some tins of Humbrol 65 enamel are a bit turquoise in shade and need some blue added. The acrylics seem fine tho.

[SBO]

I have another question regarding the matching of paints, though I thought I would put it in here rather than start a new thread. I have heard on the grapevine that there is an app that will give you the conversions between different paint manufacturers, as in it will tell you the revell equivalent of Humbrol 65 etc. Does anybody know what this app is? I should imagine it will come in very handy when buying new kits, though I can't for the life of me find it!

Thanks!

[Kitaholic]

Don't know if it's the one you are looking for but I find this one very helpful if a bit complicated
http://www.paint4models.com/#

[fredk]

Be careful with conversion charts. Many will give you a close match but not the exact match.

[SBO]

Ah sorry - I wasn't specific enough in my post

I meant an app on a smart phone that could do the conversions. I thought it would be handy as when buying kits you could get conversions to paints you either have at home or prefer using to the ones recommended on the box. But that link did look excellent!

[Stevehnz]

I have a free app on my Android smart phone called Hobby Colour converter. I've found it useful though as a guide rather than providing an exact match, a bit like paint4models in that respect though not as wide ranging & more up to date.
Steve.

[AndrewR]

If you have an iPhone, then iModelKit does the job.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imodelk ... 72482?mt=8;

It also has a very neat paint mixer app, if you need to create a custom colour.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Hey, that iModelKit paint mixer is pretty slick - thanks for sharing!

[SBO]

Thanks! I do indeed have an iphone - will be getting that pronto!

EDIT: I have tried and failed to install this on my iPhone - apparently I have to upgraded to the latest operating system to use it but that is impossible as in their infinite wisdom Apple decided to make the operating system bigger than the memory on my phone. Thankfully I am due an upgrade this month so can get it before too long!!!

[JamesPerrin]

Don't be afraid to mix your own colours, especially when you have good photographic evidence. I don't mean from scratch (though I have done that) but to lighten/darken or change the hue slightly.