Eric, @eb801
I completely agree with Spiros, @fiveten
and his recommendation on the differences in paint colors. I can not speak specifically about the actual color value that you get from using the RLM 75 Mig paint, but I can tell you this...
When I was in the Army, we occasionally spray painted various tools, like our track jacks or the "Little Joe" or "Tankers Bar" as needed, that we used to maintain our M-60 or M-1 tanks. We also sprayed things like the helmet liners that went underneath the old "Steel Pot" M-1 helmet that we cooked in, shaved from, bathed in, etc., prior to our receiving the new fan dangled "Kevlar" one piece helmets that looked more like a WW2 German Stahlhelm.
Anyhow, we had "rattle cans" of Olive Drab spray paint issued to us that had the "exact" same NSN (or National Stock Number part number) listed on the side of the spray paint can...these spray cans looked identical in almost every way. (Some had the same Lot number, while others didn't). When it became obvious at just how much variation in color was visible between the different spray cans once sprayed, we were not dinked during inspections for this. I am talking about some of the greens were more brown than green, and it reminded me more of the British WW1 PC-10 aircraft color, while other cans ended up looking more like a Forrest Green color when sprayed, and they matched the new replacement parts very well that we had installed, such as new road wheels or sprockets... Other cans had a more realistic Olive Drab color that we commonly see on our models here. Had I not seen this first hand with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it. I'm sure that other veterans can tell you a similar story.
Then if you factor in other variables, such as exposure to UV lighting from the sun while flying at high altitudes, to things like how you would lighten up the original color out of the bottle for the so called "scale effect" that we often hear mentioned. Then toss in things such as how the various paint colors will either fade or otherwise change colors in time due to exposure to the elements while parked on the ground... Well you get the idea I am trying to convey.
Personally, I try to do my due diligence with color research, and then make an informed decision. Then with current information in hand, sometimes I will refer to my FS color chip book (or whatever is reasonable for the color in question) to get a good idea as to how the color "should" look when new. Then I will try to mix or match something close to this...but it doesn't have to be perfect. Even things such as the lighting you are using can affect how a color is viewed. It becomes even more of a minefield when you are taking pictures or how something appears on a computer screen...
Then as often my luck will have it... it turns out that the color I have used on a model (that is by now completed), will turn up later as being completely incorrect !
I can't tell you just how many A6M Zeros I have that are painted with metallic blue cockpits, and light gray overall which is now known to be a huge no no...
I say paint it the color you like and roll with it. As long as you are happy with the end result, that is all that matters. This is supposed to be fun. Close enough is good enough... especially when it comes to hand grenades ! 🙂 Trying to toss in a little dry humor there... pun intended.
I plan on finishing up the Ta-154 in the very near future, so please stay tuned for that one... Again I thank you for the help with it.
