[Matt Stephenson]

Hi all,
First of all I have been following this thread with interest since its start, and I'm impressed by the level of research and dedication taken in pursuit of achieving historical accuracy. I've got nothing to add in respect to the research already undertaken, and look forward to seeing what arises. In respect to the recent discussion in this thread about early and late colour specifications, I may be able to offer an opinion.

While working on the restoration of my LP2, I have noticed that there appears to be two destinctive green paint coats on the lower hull, under the guards. I've noticed that the hull looks to have been originally painted in a darker version of a khaki green colour, and then later over painted (rather crudely) with a lighter version of a khaki green, and a disruptive pattern in a mid stone/sandy brown colour. The difference between the two greens is quite pronounced. That said, I can't account for deterioration and fading that has occured to the top coat in the ensuing years....

Futhermore, I've also heard that paint stocks delivered to maintenence units during the war, recieved paint that was fairly thick, almost in a paste like consistency and required thinning before application. As access to proper thinners wasn't always available, resourceful diggers used whatever was readily available. This could range from petrol, kerosene, aviation fuel or whatever else could be obtained. Obviously, depending on what was used as a thinning agent, it could have an effect on the chemical composition of the paint being applied, and consequently on the hue of the colour being applied and its appearance once dried. Unfortunately, this is ancedotal information only told to me by old diggers that served during the war. Furthermore, there wasn't too much concern about what colour paint was delivered or recieved by units, weather it was army spec, RAAF spec or USAAF paint, once an order was issued to repaint, whatever stocks were on hand was used.

Finally, for your consideration and comment, I've attached a pic of my LP2 hull showing the colour variations.

Thanks.