Hello! I have been looking at this site http://www.bismarck-class.dk which is FULL of great Bismark and Tirpitz info. but, I can not figure out which colors were actually used on the ship (specifically the 1943 paint scheme).
I want to but paint from White Ensign, but wanted to make sure I got the correct colors.

Thanks for any suggestions!

- Steve

Hi Steve,

Darkest color--KM 07 Norwegian Blaugrau Dunkel;
Mid-color--KM 08 Norwegian Blaugrau Mittel;
Light color--KM 09 Norwegian Blaugrau Hell;
Lightest color at bow & stern--probably KM 10 Schnellbootweiss.

Steel decks were still KM 06 Dunkelgrau 2, and wood decks were natural teak (C 01).

Boot-topping was KM 05 Schiffsbodenfarbe III Grau 1, and the underwater hull was KM 04 Schiffsbodenfarbe III Rot 5.

Wow! Thanks so much John!

I see that you work for White Ensign. But I'm curious...where do you get that info from? I'm not doubting it at all (my semi-useless American dollars will be enroute to you tomorrow), just interested in where I can find out more.

PS - what is the "boot topping?"

That is the black stripe that separates the hull above the waterline and the hull below the waterline. It allows at a glance to see how high or low a ship is riding in the water.

later...Gator

The info came from German sources back when Randy Short and I were developing the Snyder & Short series of naval paint chip sets. For the life of me I don't remember any longer who it was (possibly Falk Pletscher, who supplied us with loads of paint/color info), but Randy Short might recall.

John and Kenny,

Thanks so much for the info! I can't wait till I get to the painting stages! (hopefully very soon)

steve