Thanks bob.
I tend to be surprised how soon after the death of the generation that knew for sure the facts on things like colour and detail are questioned by people that were not there or even born. New generations are now presented with colourized pictures' and digital screens that show colours as incorrect depending how the screen is set up and very soon these images become fact and history is changed.
in the mid 1960's i was 6 years old. The battle of Britain had taken place just 25 years previous. Houses in our street still had bomb damage and bomb sites where houses had stood were common in residential areas and were often our playgrounds.. I had an older brother also obsessed with the war and i guess for us England v Germany was our cowboys and Indians. Our hero's were fighter pilots and our comics were full of RAF "chaps" fighting the Bosch by day and down the pub in evening to celebrate the victories of the poor old hun who always got a pasting while shouting donner and blitzen as they spiralled to earth
In 1969 the Battle of Britain Film came out , we lined up round the block to see it and at the time it was brilliant and the point was , the advisors for the film were the likes of
Key Advisors (Credited & Uncredited):
Why They Were Important:
- Authenticity: They ensured the portrayal of aerial combat, aircraft, and command decisions reflected reality.
- Aircraft & Stunts: Mahaddie's efforts secured the numerous Spitfires and Hurricanes used, while veterans helped stage the incredible aerial action.
- Historical Accuracy: Their presence allowed for debates and corrections, contributing to the film's renowned realism.
So later in life i was really sad to see to see the debates and dismissal of the views of people that were there by people who were not , trying to analyse black and white pictures and come up with colours.
I will give you an example. Airfix always called out Duck egg blue as an underside colour for fighters. the Aircraft in the film were very much duck egg blue. colour footage and photos backed this up as far as one could tell. the colour chosen for the aircraft in the film was duck egg blue by people that were there and painted the aircraft at the factory.
Then along came the experts 50 years after the event...hang on, the Colour was Sky. Well yes that was the official name but Sky was Duck egg green. ? Yes but the official Docs i found also listed Sky 2 which was also called duck egg blue.
Anyway, long story short.
I was told i was being contrary, argumentative and trouble making and the likes of "Edgar" had forgotten more than i ever knew and was ostracized from the web site
and even worse, i was told that the technical advisors on the film had got it all wrong and everyone knew it...
at which point i gave up and decided to move on. Now i think people should paint their models any colour they like because its almost impossible to prove them wrong in most cases and you are not building historical reference items you are building model that please you for your own entertainment.......which is why my current Fiat build is black and not red
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