World War Two Interior Colours
Aircraft interiors are covered by the two editions of L.Dv.521/1.
The 1938 edition states that aircraft interiors should be painted RLM 01 or RLM 02. Cockpits were to painted RLM 02 with RLM 66 used just on the instrument panel to aid in the reduction of dazzle. In 1941, this was revised so that all parts of the cockpit were painted RLM 66. The 1941 revision also forbade the use of RLM 01 on interior components.
In May 1942 there was an attempt to simplify production and make more efficient use of raw materials. This meant that internal parts not exposed to air were no longer painted. For the modeller the most significant impact was landing gear components and access flaps that were left in bare metal (alluminium).
Fuel tanks were, from May 1942 onwards were also to be left unpainted. The same is true of radiators. Cockpits, which once receive two coats of RLM 66, now only received a single coat of paint.
The alterations mentioned did not apply to maritime aircraft which would be left vulnerable to the corrosive effects of sea water. Similar, materials made from iron and magnesium continued to be surface protected to ward off corrosion.
The 1938 edition states that aircraft interiors should be painted RLM 01 or RLM 02. Cockpits were to painted RLM 02 with RLM 66 used just on the instrument panel to aid in the reduction of dazzle. In 1941, this was revised so that all parts of the cockpit were painted RLM 66. The 1941 revision also forbade the use of RLM 01 on interior components.
In May 1942 there was an attempt to simplify production and make more efficient use of raw materials. This meant that internal parts not exposed to air were no longer painted. For the modeller the most significant impact was landing gear components and access flaps that were left in bare metal (alluminium).
Fuel tanks were, from May 1942 onwards were also to be left unpainted. The same is true of radiators. Cockpits, which once receive two coats of RLM 66, now only received a single coat of paint.
The alterations mentioned did not apply to maritime aircraft which would be left vulnerable to the corrosive effects of sea water. Similar, materials made from iron and magnesium continued to be surface protected to ward off corrosion.
