Hi Guys,
It sure is a surprise to see all these old Scale Models articles resurfacing here,especially as I fondly remember putting the material together and working with those great guys now no longer among us. Rupert's colour features were always concise and accurate -and he could back it all up with his own unique references. Some latter-day experts have seen fit to denigrate some of Ruperts' material now that he is no longer around -but that seems fair game these days. His Grand Slam Lancaster was a case in point with his choice of colours being put into question. I can assure those critics that Rupert studied these aircraft personally, made copious notes and matched the actual colours carefully-mixing up paints and applying it to sticks held against the airframe in front of him to ensure a match. No need for Methuen or Munsell codes ....
He was doing this from before the First World War and I have visited his studio in Radlett and seen the amazing colour records myself-they are now with the Royal Aeronautical Society. So if Rupert reported the colour of Felixstowe boats as dark green- then despite any official colour name-they were dark green. Rupert did have one supreme advantage over most of us-he was actually there at the time to record the colours of classic aeroplanes. Those latter- day writers basing their opinions on monotone photos are hardly in a good position to cast doubt on Rupert's credibility,but I have begun to wander off the point. Just fond memories of good days seeing these old articles again..
Cheers,
Ray R