Fokker D.VII, lower pattern Lozenge on fuselage?

[ChrisRoyston]

All,

Something I have noticed both intrigues and bothers me.

Several photos, of OAW built Fokker D.VII aircraft, appear to show the lighter, lower 4 and 5 colour applied to the fuselage.

Noteable instances are: 8542/18 and many/most of the aircraft photographed at Romorantin.

Is this just a trick of the light, or am I seeing lower coloured fabric???

Thanks in adavnce,
Chris

[StephenLawson]

It may actually be the difference between orthochromatic film and Panchromatic film. Panchromatic was just coming into public use during this time. Orthochromatic tends to image warmer colours dark.

[ChrisRoyston]

Thanks Steven, from my other studies (WW2 Luftwaffe) I'm fully aware of the differences in grey tones provided by ortho or pan films, however 8542/18 is the starkest example, the overall tone of the lozenge being closest to the lilac portions of the cowling.

Perhaps we'll never know,
Thanks again,
Chris

[StephenLawson]

"Lilac" is a bit of a misnomer. Typically mauve was actually a pinkish purple. Perhaps Dan San Abbott will weigh in here.

[Dan_San_Abbott]

ChrisRoyston;
In the Methuen Handbook of colour, lilac is coded 15B4 and Mauve is a hair darker and is coded 15B5. For all intents and purposes they are the same.
Lilac is slightly darker than orchid. This to give you a color reference.
blue skies,
Dan-San