1/24 Fokker Dr.I 425/17 Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen

Aviattic - 1/24 (Meng) Fokker Dr.I 425/17 Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen (2nd version)
The iconic 425/17 is now believed to have been delivered in clear-doped natural linen upper surfaces and doped pale blue below. All standard production serial numbers and Werke nummers present though, unlike the fuselage serial number, no photo indicates the weights table was visible under the red overpaint.
The national marking crosses were somewhat crudely over-painted, their curved lines straightened in an attempt to adhere to the Idflieg changes that had been ordered.
The underwing crosses, presumably being awkward to access and with time limited during the hectic Spring of 1918, appear a work in progress..
The surviving fuselage cross panel of 425/17 shows the blue lower longeron edge.
Many of the other relics held in collections and museums across the world show red overpainting on two colours of pale blue (one of the blues has yellowed varnish making it appear turquoise or was it yet another partial over-paint
Others clearly show no streaking evident under red paint.
One example shows a grey-like streaking colour present but on its own cannot be taken as proof of a streaked finish..any triplane fabric relic could gave changed hands at the time or since in the belief it was from the MvR crash scene and may explain some of the anomalies between surviving samples.
Unusually, 425/17's metal parts were delivered in their natural finish all ready for painting with what could be produced at the front. That exact shade of red paint could have come from many sources. As an oil based paint, most likely thinned and applied more than once, it was either from Jasta stores or a regular household type paint purchased or acquired locally.
Many thanks to Juanita Franzi and Alan Toelle for their input into these conclusions which informed the choice of various tones used throughout the airframe decals.
We have simulated red paint over doped natural linen and pale blue painted linen, which presents two different tones. Oil and fuel staining also had an effect and all these combined factors explain the variations in colour exhibited throughout the various authenticated 425/217 remnants held in various collections and museums across the world.
Match your favourite brand of paint as close as you can to the purest red and blue of the decals for non-linen covered elements such as cowling, struts etc. A perfect match is not necessary.