Light Blue (RLM78)

What the color is for

Light Blue RLM 78 is a light blue from the Hataka Orange Line range. The designation RLM 78 comes from the German regulation system of aviation colors of the Second World War and belongs to the lower color of aircraft used in North Africa and the Mediterranean. The sand brown RLM 79 belonged with it on the upper surfaces at the time, so the pair forms the basis of the so-called desert finish. It is used on models of fighters and bombers from that theater and as a light blue wherever you need to lighten the underside of an airframe.

Application and thinning

Stir the contents of the bottle well before use, otherwise the settled pigment shows in the shade. The thinner made for this range and the thinning ratio are given by the manufacturer on the packaging; follow those instructions. Light blue shades have lower covering power, so lay them over a light base and rather in several light coats. Let the surface set between coats and let the finished coat cure thoroughly before you touch it with masking tape.

Tips for the desert finish

The boundary between the blue underside and the brown above runs along the sides of the fuselage and tends to be soft. Lower the pressure, bring the nozzle closer and run the transition freehand, or over a lifted template. Spray the light areas first and the dark ones only then, as the opposite order costs more paint. Even the surface out with a gloss clear coat before the decals, as on a flat base a white haze forms under a decal.

• the light blue Light Blue RLM 78 shade from the Hataka Orange Line range
• the lower color of German aircraft from the Mediterranean and North Africa
• it goes with the sand brown RLM 79 on the upper surfaces
• lower covering power; apply over a light base and in several coats
• the thinner made for this range and the thinning ratio according to the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

The model, the thinner, brushes and airbrushes are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.