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Reviewed by Brett Green
E. Brown Ryle III is well known as the creator of the excellent KommanDeur Decals. KommanDeur specialise in Luftwaffe subjects of the Second World War, and take clear pride in their research and high production standards. It is therefore not surprising that Brown has channelled much of his experience with the Luftwaffe’s RLM colours into a new limited edition book. “Luftwaffe Colors 1935-1945” is a loose-leaf, letter-sized document of 30 pages. It is packed with information about the background and application of RLM colours to all categories of Luftwaffe aircraft. There are no illustrations or photographs in the document. The text is well laid out with logical chapter headings, ensuring that information about particular colour schemes or RLM colours will be fast and simple to find. The document commences with a historical background on the origin and development of RLM colours. This is followed by a summary of colour uses by broad time definitions. Part One focuses on the early war period from 1939 to 1941, including an interesting discussion about North Africa and transitional schemes during 1940/41. The second part concentrates on the mid-war period, 1941-1944. The final section discusses the complex and chaotic late-war situation. Brown presents compelling arguments for the reasons that apparently non-standard paint finishes were applied to late-war fighters in particular. The document is rounded off with a useful description of all the individual colours by RLM number. This section also covers Italian paints possibly applied to Luftwaffe aircraft in North Africa and Italy; the late-war undocumented lower surface colours; and miscellaneous undercoats, protective and internal finishes. The most common RLM colour combinations are also supplied for fighters, bombers, transports and maritime aircraft. Virtually all of the information is supported by quotes from RLM documents. This will be a very useful reference document for anyone interested in the detail and usage of Luftwaffe RLM paints. Recommended. This book is available by contacting the author directly on KmanDeur@aol.com Australians may purchase the book through Snowy Mountains Models Review Copyright © 2000 by Brett
Green
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