Early WW II RAF vehicle colours

[stever219]

CcThis subject has probably been done to death several times, so I’ll apologise now for giving it the Lazarus treatment.  I want to model a typical early-war bomb train using the David Brown tractor and early type bomb trolleys from the Airfix Bomber Command Support Set, but I’m uncertain when the RAF changed from pre-war dark blue grey to the early wartime camouflage and which colour(s) were used for that camouflage.  If anyone could give me some clues and/or pointers I’d be very grateful.

Edited May 29, 2019 by stever219
*&£#@% auto-incorrect!

[Mike Starmer]

The answer to your colour question depends on how early you wish to be.  From 1940 the basic colour became Khaki Green 3.  There would be no need for any disruptive colour over that but would be on refuellers.  From mid 1941 SCC.2 (brown) replaced the KG3 shade but only on new and repainted equipments.  Thus the older colours prevailed for long periods since wastage was not heavy.  I have 1943 coloured images of a Seafire with the tractor still RAF Blue-grey.  Might I suggest a Blue-Grey tractor with KG3 trollies and Light Buff bombs

[Andrew Jones]

Bear in mind for an early war scene , the David Brown VIG1 was not introduced until 1941.

 

[Mike Starmer]

David Brown VIG1 was not introduced until 1941.  Sorry forgot that, in which case these would have been Khaki Green or SCC.2 brown.  Now I have to check that image again.

[Graham Boak]

A couple of possible niggles.

 

You'd still have to find early war bombs - are you sure that the kit contains early bomb trolleys?  (Do I hear someone mumbling about Airfix Stirlings?)

 

If that's a Seafire, then the tractor may well not be in any RAF colour at all but some Navy dark blue - as seen on other Navy vehicles such as a Matador (of unknown to me date!)