Now I`ve spent a long time going over the colour schemes applied to 74`s Demon`s and it seems to be a controversial, albeit polite, issue on some modelling forums. We can say for sure that the profile I posted previously is probably incorrect in most part.
I have received a number of official documents dated 1935/6 with a number of pictures, some of which have been `tinted` to show off the various colours used during the camouflage trials at the time. However I also noted that there were some inconsistencies between the tinted photo`s and the untinted ones.
I can tell you that the sqn records state that local colour dopes were used and the scheme was based on the `salamander` type from WWI. Other official reports from the sqn to the Air Ministry state they included green/grey and brown. Note that it says green/grey and not green and grey. (was this a mix of colours or a typo??). We also know that Dark Earth was mixed with red dope to replicate the `Malta soil`.
So what conclusion have I come to?
Well the simple answer is, I just don`t know. I can neither confirm or deny in exact detail what colour dopes were used in which way with any certainty.
So my next best guess is that various schemes and colourings were applied to the Demon`s as part of the experimental trials set out by the RAE. It is highly likely that over time the colours changed to better suit the environment as one colour tone proved more successful than the previous.
So here`s what I`ve come up with based on what the Demon`s may of looked like during the first trials. Bare in mind also the photo`s are bright, it`s not quite finished painting yet and as usual, the varnish finish will deepen the shades. I mixed dark earth with red to create the `rust` colour and it is my belief that this shade was mainly used on the fuselage.
