The following references were used, in the compilation of this colour guide:
- IPMS/Canada IPMS/Canada Canadian Colour Guide. Currently out of print.
- The FS595B Standards, still available from the US government.
- The IPMS Color Cross-Reference Guide by David Klaus. David’s publication is especially handy for cross referencing (approximate) FS colours to the Canadian colour standards that was in use, prior to the FS standards entering the Canadian system. Current availability unknown to this webmaster.
- Although devoid of actual colour samples, but loaded with paint spec references and general CAF marking information, Patrick Martin’s book, Canadian Armed Forces: Aircraft Finish & Markings, 1968-1997, is a very useful resource when dealing with the various paint schemes for the aircraft in the CAF inventory during this time. We’re happy to say that Patrick Martin reports (July 2009) that his books ARE currently available.
Even though the scope of this colour guide deals with Canadian post-war colours, I recommend that if you’re interested in the modelling of Canadian military subjects, you obtain the aforementioned reference material, should the opportunity arise.
Now, a word about this digital colour guide:
Note that these swatches show only digital approximations of the colour chips, contained in the IPMS/Canada Canadian Colour Guide. As such, there are a couple of limitations that we faced in this project. First, due to their properties, metallics and flourescent/day-glo colours won’t digitally reproduce, even in approximation. Also, monitor settings may render the colours a bit differently between machines, and a certain margin for human error, makes this project impossible to guarantee its results or suitability.
When using this resource, please keep in mind the aforementioned limitations. It’s not intended to be a definitive as an actual colour chip, but rather only as a quick reference tool and to give one an approximation of the colour!
Like the “IPMS/Canada Canadian Colour Guide”, this reference is broken down into sections that you can expand below:
Colour Standards:
The Canadian Forces, air element, have used four main colour definition systems. Post WW2 colours were from the British Standard BS.381 and were used on early camouflaged types, such as those employed on the RCAF NATO bases in Europe. The first Canadian standard used was “Standard Paint Colours – Part 1, Colour Identification and Selection 1-GP-12b”, released in 1957. It was an illustrated list of colours and remained current until just after unification. Colours listed in 1-GP-12b and used by the Royal Canadian Air Force would be in Canadian Armed Forces use for only a short period between February 1, 1968 and when drawings were converted, universally in March 1968. (webmaster’s note: When developing this site, in response to requests, I’ve included the 1-GP-12b numbers, when applicable)
1-GP-12c: The Canadian Standards 1-GP-12c was printed in 1965 but adopted by the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, shortly after uninfication. The first digit refered to which of the six sections within the 1-GP-12c binder the colour sample could be found. The second and third digit were a colour grouping code. The following were used by the Canadian Armed Forces:
Grey (01), Blue (02), Green (03), Brown (04), Yellow (05), Red (09), Black (12), White (13) and Aluminum (15)
The first digit after the ‘grouping code’ was “1” for Gloss, “2” for semi-gloss or “3” for flat. The last two digits were the actual colour. The Canadian system did not use descriptive names, like the American (ie: FS595 36375 – Light Compass Ghost Grey) and the British (BS. 381C – No.640 Extra Dark Sea Grey systems. In 1989 the Canadian government discontinued production of 1-GP-12c hence a new colour system was needed for standards.
FS595: The colour standard FS595 was first issued from the United States government, in 1956 and continuously updated by adding letter extensions (FS595a 1968 and FS595b 1989) when full reprints with all additions were done. In this well-though-out system, the first digit 1,2 or 3 refers to (in American terminology) gloss, semi-gloss and lusterless. The second digit referred to basic colour groups, as follows:
Brown (0), Red (1), Orange (2), Yellow (3), Green (4), Blue (5), Grey (6), Misc. (7) and Flourescent (8)
The 1-GP-12c colours were gradually replaced by the FS595, starting with the Buffalo three-colour wrap-around scheme, in November 1983. A conversion list was made but there were only two exact matches within 1-GP-12c colours, as they were intended to match Hornet FS595 colours. The list uses the words “we can live with”in referance to the conversion equivalents. Cosmopolitian, Labrador, Tutor, Buffalo, CF-5, Tracker, Sea King, Hercules, CT-133 Silver Star, Boeing 707, Twin Otter, Jetranger, Aurora, Dash 7, Challenger and Hornet, were converted to FS595 standards, by November 1993. The Musketeer and Chinook had paint spec drawings made up, but not painted. The Twin Huey was only partially converted and the Labrador was the last to convert. The marking drawing colours started switching in March 1991 with the new Signature. The Griffon and the Polaris were noted only with FS595 specs from the outset.
The above excerpt taken from Patrick Martin’s Canadian Armed Forces: Aircraft Finish & Markings, 1968-1997)
A Modeller’s Summary of the Evolution of Post-War Canadian Military Aircraft Schemes:
In the beginning, there was the Pre-unification period, where the three services (RCAF, Cdn Army & the RCN) had their own air element and as such, their own distinct marking standard. Unification of the Forces, occured in 1968 and as such, all the aircraft of the three former services, now came under the ‘ownership’ of the “Air Element” of the Canadian Armed Forces (formerly known as the Royal Canadian Air Force). Following unification, to-date, the CAF has officially gone through three ‘eras’ (marking changes), known as the “CAF” , “Symetrical” and the “Federal Identification Program” or “FIP”, eras. The modeller may well simplify this by changing the era names slightly, to be a bit more discriptive of the period or markings…. “Pre-Uninfication”,”Post-Unification”, “CANADA” and “FIP”.
Pre-Unification: The three services were still separate with their own distinctive schemes on their aircraft. The RCAF used the ‘Silver Maple’ leaf in it’s roundel, while the other two services had their own leaf styles. Fin identification had evolved from the fin flash (similar to a late-WW2 RAF fin flash), to the Canadian Flag of the day – the Red Ensign. RCN aircraft sported the RCN flag, during this period.
Post-Unification: Usually referred to as the ‘asymetrical CAF scheme’ and generally considered as 1968-1973. “Royal Canadian Air Force”, “CDN ARMY” and “NAVY” fuselage titles were replaced by “CANADIAN ARMED FORCES” (port) and “FORCES ARMEE CANADIENNES” (starboard), plus CAF replaced RCAF underwing and fuselage service titles. During the weeks immediately following the unification of the services, there were seemingly, several variations of the basic scheme until the final version could finally be worked out. For a short time, the large day-glo ‘RESCUE” on SAR aircraft, was (almost totally) replaced on the starboard side, with the french ‘SAUVETAGE”, Aircraft serial numbers were changed to a six digit format, with the ‘first three’, denoting the aircraft type designation and the ‘last three; denoting the individual aircraft number. The CC-129 Dakota, the CP-121 Tracker and the CH-124 Sea King, retained the older five digit serial format.The roundel’s ‘leaf’ became the now familiar stylized leaf in the (then reletively new) Canadian Flag, which also became a standard fin marking. Initially, the leaf was the same size of the fin flag, in the normal-proportioned RCAF roundel, giving the appearence of a small leaf in a large roundel. There was even a trial period , that saw an all-red roundel carried on several aircraft The reasoning behind this move, was that blue was no longer a national colour, since it was no longer carried in the flag.
CANADA: Generally considered to be 1973-1983. The obvious change was that the CAF titles of the Post-Unification era, had been shortened to “CANADA” (capitalised) and the bilingual roundel ident (ARMED FORCES -roundel- FORCES ARMEE), was introduced on both sides of the fuselage. During this time, aircraft started to acquire low-visabilty markings. The first version of ‘low-viz’ markings was basically reduced-sized, full-colur markings, with the white removed, allowing the underlying camouflage colour to be visible. The next step was the all-black national markings. Once the aircraft started going ‘Grey’, the markings began appearing as a contrasting shade of grey.
FIP: The Canadian government adopted this scheme as part of their corporate “Federal Identity Progam” plan, June 1983. Begun in 1970, all gov’t departments adopted a common marking policy for their equipment. The obvious changes included “CANADA” being replaced with “Canada” and a small Canadian flag appearing over the last “a”, sometimes referred to as ‘Canada Wordmark’. The fuselage roundel ident was also dropped and the roundel once again stood alone. The bilingual fuselage ident was now relaced by the ‘Armed Forces signature’ – a two-tier, bilingual title (CANADIAN FORCES/FORCES CANADIENNE), fronted by a partial or full Canadian flag. Like the ident, this appeared on the fuselage.
One final note to the sometimes confusing world of CAF markings. During the change over in the ‘era type’ markings, it wasn’t uncommon to observe aircraft, in the ‘old scheme’, for some time after the ‘newer scheme’ had taken effect.
Note: All 1-GP-12c colours are a Matt unless designated otherwise. Colours with FS595 designations follow the usual FS standards.
| Overall colour seen on pre-unification Canadian Army aircraft. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-13 1-GP-12c: 503-101 (Gloss) |
Hue: 31 Sat: 49 Lum: 57 Red: 73 Green: 68 Blue: 48 |
| One of the colours that comprised the original 503-301/501-302/101-327 camouflage, that appeared on the CF-116 (CF-5A), CT-133, CH-135 and CH-136 around 1974. FS34064 would be a good FS595 match. Photos suggest the ‘browner’ 503-301, used on the the later CF-5 ‘wrap-style’ camouflage of 503-301/503-302, could be better represented by an Olive Drab (FS34087). | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-213 1-GP-12c: 503-301 |
Hue: 37 Sat: 28 Lum: 64 Red: 76 Green: 75 Blue: 60 |
| Replaced 503-301 in the colour standards. | |
| FS595: 34064 | Hue: 30 Sat: 11 Lum: 85 Red: 94 Green: 92 Blue: 86 |
| One half of the Greens FS34084/FS34095 tactical camouflage, that appears on the CH-146 Griffon, in the FIP scheme. | |
| FS595: 34084 | Hue: 29 Sat: 21 Lum: 74 Red: 86 Green: 82 Blue: 72 |
| 503-301, as used on the final service camouflage for CF-104 Starfighters and also worn by 1 CAD CT-133’s. The European-based aircraft, used a Dutch produced paint, thus accounting for the colour variance. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-213 1-GP-12c: 503-301 |
Hue: 30 Sat: 48 Lum: 60 Red: 77 Green: 70 Blue: 51 |
| This variation, appeared along with FS34095, as the new tactical helicopter scheme, circa 1987. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-213 1-GP-12c: 503-301 |
Hue: 30 Sat: 48 Lum: 47 Red: 60 Green: 55 Blue: 40 |
| Applied to the helicopters in the 70’s, it seemed each type had the colour tinted. This ‘chip’ depicts the colour as applied to the CH-135’s. When applied to a CH-113, it was generally a slightly ‘bluer’ tint, while it took on a ‘browner’ tint for the CH-136. As for the wrap CF-5A, FS34086 would be a good representation of the ‘browner’ tint. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-217 1-GP-12c: 503-120 (Semi-Gloss) |
Hue: 38 Sat: 23 Lum: 66 Red: 77 Green: 75 Blue: 64 |
| A sample used on the CH-139 Jet Ranger, 1988. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-217 1-GP-12c: 503-120 |
Hue: 38 Sat: 23 Lum: 75 Red: 87 Green: 86 Blue: 72 |
| Seen on CH-147 Chinooks, circa 1989. For some reason, the Chinook carried a different green than the rest of the helicopter fleet. According to David Klaus’s “IPMS Color Cross-Reference Guide”, a darkened FS34084 may be a reasonable match. | |
| 1-GP-12c: 503-321 | Hue: 39 Sat: 217 Lum: 48 Red: 69 Green: 67 Blue: 3 |
| Introduced in the late 80’s, it comprised part of the 503-301/FS34095 tactical camouflage scheme on CH-135’s & CH-136’s, plus the FS34095/501-30/501-322/501-323 tactical camouflage seen on several transport aircraft, such as the CC-130 Hercules, CC-115 Buffalo & CC-142 Dash 8. | |
| FS595: 34095 | Hue: 49 Sat: 41 Lum: 76 Red: 89 Green: 95 Blue: 67 |
| The colour of the interior quilted soundproofing for various transport aircraft, plus the interior of AFV’s & HMC ships. | |
| 1-GP-12c: 503-118 | Hue: 78 Sat: 76 Lum: 179 Red: 172 Green: 211 Blue: 170 |
| Pre-unification, European-based, Cdn Army aircraft, used a variegated camouflage of 504-303/503-301.pattern, Canadian based Cdn Army aircraft were in the overall gloss OD. 503-101. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 4-202 1-GP-12c: 504-303 |
Hue: 21 Sat: 141 Lum: 92 Red: 155 Green: 101 Blue: 40 |
| ‘Voodoo Grey’, only used on the CF-101B Voodoo in its final service scheme. Model Master (enamels) do produce a “Cdn Voodoo Grey, FS16515” colour in their paint line. Xtracolour also produce a colour labeled “AWACS/Voodoo Grey”, but many feel this makes a better grey for the CC-137, than the CF-101B. Note, this colour is NOT the USAF ‘ADC Grey’! | |
| AA 92-A-312 (Gloss) | Hue: 80 Sat: 4 Lum: 181 Red: 191 Green: 193 Blue: 191 |
| Used as the undersurface colour on CAF transport aircraft types, such as the CC-109 Cosmopolitian & the CC-137 Boeing 707. Xtracolour offered this colour as “AWACS/Voodoo Grey”. | |
| 1-GP-12c: 201-103 | Hue: 35 Sat: 27 Lum: 167 Red: 186 Green: 184 Blue: 169 |
| When this colour weathered, ‘the green tint was the first thing to go’ – thus resulting in a more bluish-grey appearence..’. There are two ways to replicate this colour. Tamyia acrylic’s XF-12 (IJN Grey) is a very good ‘slightly weathered’ 501-109 OR you can mix RAF ‘Sky’ and FS35237, approximately 50/50. Examples of it’s use are: the lower surfaces of the CC-129 Dakota, CC-107 Argus and the initial CP-140 scheme, the overall colour of the post unification CP-121 Tracker & the CH-124A Sea King, plus the wing underside on non-camouflaged CF-104. Although the overall colour of HMC surface warships, compare this shade with the 501-109 in the Maritime colour section. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-2 1-GP-12c: 501-109 (Gloss) |
Hue: 109 Sat: 43 Lum: 179 Red: 179 Green: 202 Blue: 196 |
| The only use of this colour, was on the upper wings of Search and Rescue Dakotas, to reduce the glare off the wings, for the spotters. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-207 1-GP-12c: 501-310 |
Hue: 160 Sat: 0 Lum: 122 Red: 129 Green: 129 Blue: 129 |
| The second of the colours that comprised the original 503-301/501-302/101-327 camouflage, that appeared on the CF-116 (CF-5A), CT-133, CH-135 and CH-136 around 1974. Photos suggest a A RAF Ocean Grey (FS36270) would be a close match for this scheme. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-209 1-GP-12c: 501-302 |
Hue: 159 Sat: 13 Lum: 114 Red: 115 Green: 115 Blue: 128 |
| This colour, later specified as FS36118, appeared in the tactical transport camouflage, as seen on CC-130, DHC Buffalo and Dash-8. It also appeared on both the CF-5 ‘wrap’ and the ‘varigated’ CF-104 camouflage schemes, along with Green 503-301. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-209 1-GP-12c: 501-302 |
Hue: 148 Sat: 17 Lum: 84 Red: 83 Green: 87 Blue: 96 |
| This lighter variation, was used in the CF-104, in it’s final days, as well as in the camouflage for 1 CAG CT-133 ‘T-birds’. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-209 1-GP-12c: 501-302 |
Hue: 143 Sat: 13 Lum: 92 Red: 92 Green: 97 Blue: 103 |
| Current version of 501-302, in use on a variety of camouflaged aircraft, plus it’s the current specified colour of the CF-188’s false canopy (originally FS36118). | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-209 1-GP-12c: 501-302 |
Hue: 143 Sat: 13 Lum: 70 Red: 70 Green: 73 Blue: 79 |
| This was used on a variety of fixed & rotary wing aircraft, circa 1974. This is another colour that has seen many variations. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-217 1-GP-12c: 101-327 |
Hue: 140 Sat: 10 Lum: 114 Red: 116 Green: 121 Blue: 126 |
| This version of 101-327, was the undersurface colour of the CF-104, in the variegated camouflage scheme. The difference in this version of the colour & other 101-327 tints, can be credited to the fact that the European-based CF-104’s were painted using Dutch produced paints. It was also the undersurface colour of the CF-116 (CF-5A), along with the 1974 version of 503-301 & 501-302. A close FS595 match might be FS36375. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-217 1-GP-12c: 101-327 |
Hue: 129 Sat: 12 Lum: 141 Red: 145 Green: 153 Blue: 155 |
| Along with the 1987 example of 501-302, this version of 101-327 was used on the 1 CAG CF-104’s as the aircraft were phased out of service. It was also used on 1 CAG ‘T-birds’. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-217 1-GP-12c: 101-327 |
Hue: 80 Sat: 2 Lum: 167 Red: 176 Green: 179 Blue: 176 |
| Introduced in 1960, this was used as an anti-corrosion protective finish on the lower fuselage of Maritime patrol and SAR Lancaster, aircraft. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-3 1-GP-12c: 501-108 |
Hue: 32 Sat: 21 Lum: 142 Red: 160 Green: 156 Blue: 141 |
| This is the darker grey colour on the current the 501-323/FS36375 scheme of the CP-140 Aurora, CP-140A Arcturus and the CC-144/CE-144 Challenger (the VIP CC-144’s of 412 Sqn. are overall gloss white). A feature of this low-viz grey scheme, is that the individual markings appear in the reverse grey. It’s also used in a semi-gloss version, on several other types. FS26173 and FS36173, replaced 501-323. FS26173 was used, overall, on late FIP CP-121 Tracker, CH-124 Sea King, CT-133 Silver Star, CC-142 Dash 8, CE-144 Challenger and the original sheme on the CC-150 Polaris. | |
| 1-GP-12c: 501-323 FS595: 26173/36173 |
Hue: 142 Sat: 11 Lum: 125 Red: 127 Green: 132 Blue: 138 |
| This is the lower surface grey in the 501-323/FS36375 grey scheme, as well as the lower colour on the CF-188 Hornet. It also forms part of the lower pattern in the tactical camouflage, carried by various transports. | |
| 1-GP-12c:501-323 FS595:36375 | Hue: 140 Sat: 20 Lum: 163 Red: 166 Green: 173 Blue: 180 |
| Best known as the upper colour for the CF-188 Hornet & the overall colour for the grey CT-133. It was also seen as one of the colours applied to CF-116 (CF-5) in the ‘Ghost’ scheme. | |
| 1-GP-12c:501-322 FS595:36237 | Hue: 133 Sat: 17 Lum: 135 Red: 135 Green: 146 Blue: 151 |
| The gloss finish of this colour, is the current scheme for the CC-150 Polaris, with Grey FS16175 markings, except for the flag, which is the toned-down version, Red 11105 without the white. The same colour, as a semi-gloss, was the initial grey that was applied to the overall grey CC-130E and CC-130H transport aircraft, leaving the CC-130HT still in a tactical camouflage. Currently, the overall grey scheme on the Hercules, has gone fleet-wide, but in a matt finish. All CC-130 markings are Grey FS36176. A close paint match is Testor’s Model Master “Euro 1 Grey”, which translates to FS36081. | |
| FS595: 16099 | Hue: 133 Sat: 16 Lum: 87 Red: 86 Green: 94 Blue: 98 |
| This was used in the tactical wrap scheme for the CC-130’s and the variegated wrap on the CT-133’s. | |
| FS595: 36118 | Hue: 143 Sat: 13 Lum: 103 Red: 103 Green: 108 Blue: 115 |
| Underside and markings for the second CC-150 Polaris scheme. A close paint match is Testor’s Model Master “FS Dark Grey (F-15)”, which translates to FS36176. | |
| FS595: 16175 | Hue: 140 Sat: 12 Lum: 123 Red: 125 Green: 131 Blue: 137 |
| Boeing 707 wing root walkways. | |
| FS595: 36231 | Hue: 136 Sat: 12 Lum: 123 Red: 136 Green: 131 Blue: 137 |
| Only applied to CF-116 in the ‘Ghost’ scheme. | |
| FS595:36251 | Hue: 140 Sat: 5 Lum: 130 Red: 125 Green: 139 Blue: 141 |
| Also used in the CF-116’s ‘Ghost’ scheme. | |
| FS595:36307 | Hue: 44 Sat: 11 Lum: 146 Red: 159 Green: 160 Blue: 151 |
| Replaced 202-103 as the underside/wing colour for the Boeing 707. | |
| FS595:16440 | Hue: 32 Sat: 17 Lum: 172 Red: 188 Green: 186 Blue: 178 |
| “Roundel Blue”. The shade shown here, is matched to the chip in the IPMS/Canada Colour Guide, which was noted to be darker than usual. The text went on to say, that when produced as a decal, it appeared this dark. Model Master (enamels) offer “Insignia Blue, FS35044”, that is a good match the colour, as presented. On a related note, FS15044 is used for the new schemes seen on the CT-155 Hawks, CT-156 Harvard II’s and the CT-142 ‘Gonzo’ Dash 8’s. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 2-6 1-GP-12c: 202-101 (Gloss) |
Hue: 153 Sat: 123 Lum: 83 Red: 43 Green: 58 Blue: 134 |
| Only used for the early Neptune & RCN TBM Avenger schemes, it’s the same colour as US Sea Blue(FS15042). Model Master (enamels) offer “Non-specular Sea Blue” (FS35042). | |
| 1-GP-12b: 2-10 1-GP-12c:502-101 (Gloss) |
Hue: 135 Sat: 36 Lum: 50 Red: 45 Green: 55 Blue: 61 |
| Prominently seen on RCAF and early post-unification CAF, helicopters and as the borders of the Red-Orange Day-Glo SAR band, carried on dedicated SAR fixed-wing aircraft. Note that it’s a brighter shade than 202-101. The OOP Aeromaster (enamels) offered a good match, labeled #9004 Blue, but I’m not sure who (if anyone) currently offer a similar shade. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 2-12 1-GP-12c: 502-103 (Gloss) |
Hue: 149 Sat: 228 Lum: 71 Red: 4 Green: 44 Blue: 147 |
| Replaced “Roundel Blue” on standard full colour markings. As pointed out above, the ‘normal’ 202-101 was slightly lighter than the paint chip supplied as a sample. | |
| FS595: 15052 | Hue: 153 Sat: 123 Lum: 88 Red: 46 Green: 63 Blue: 141 |
| “UN Blue”. Used on overall white aircraft & vehicles, on UN duty. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 2-2 1-GP-12c: 502-106 (Gloss) |
Hue: 123 Sat: 168 Lum: 102 Red: 33 Green: 172 Blue: 184 |
| Replaced 502-106 in all UN markings | |
| FS595: 15200 | Hue: 129 Sat: 144 Lum: 139 Red: 84 Green: 183 Blue: 184 |
| Currently, the only specified colour for the flag, roundel & markings (originally only specified for national markings and 509-102 being specified for the hi-viz areas). Due to the practice of purchasing stock from local sources, there is a fairly wide variation in the shade. Model Master “Insignia Red, FS31136” on a matt white undercoat, is a good match. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 9-3 1-GP-12c: 509-101 (Gloss) |
Hue: 0 Sat: 240 Lum: 88 Red: 187 Green: 0 Blue: 0 |
| Replaced 509-101 on hi-visability and full colour markings. | |
| FS595: 11105 | Hue: 1 Sat: 156 Lum: 99 Red: 174 Green: 40 Blue: 37 |
| Red 509-101, as applied to CT-134 Musketeers. The IPMS/Canada Canadian Colour Guide stated, “It is a Dupont automotive paint, mixed locally to match the proper colour”. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 9-3 1-GP-12c: 509-101 (Gloss) |
Hue: 0 Sat: 240 Lum: 93 Red: 198 Green: 0 Blue: 0 |
| In the days the Red Ensign was the official Canadian flag, 509-102 was the only red specified for use by the RCAF and Army aircraft for roundels, fin flashes, the flag, hi-viz areas, warning markings, etc. Due to weathering & local sources, many variations occurred in the colour. It’s also the colour of the Canadian Coast Guard helicopters & ships. I find a good match for this red, is Model Master (enamels) “Guards Red” on a matt white under coat. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 9-2 1-GP-12c: 509-102 (Gloss) |
Hue: 0 Sat: 240 Lum: 93 Red: 204 Green: 0 Blue: 0 |
| This was the overall colour for trainer and CAF dedicated SAR aircraft, plus airfield ground equipment, prior to being replaced by FS13538, in the late 1990’s. Early post-war RCAF target tug aircraft used the colour with black striping. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 5-2 1-GP-12c: 505-101 (Gloss) |
Hue: 32 Sat: 240 Lum: 120 Red: 225 Green: 202 Blue: 0 |
| This Replaced 505-101 on the Jetranger. Overall colour dedicated SAR aircraft, in FIP scheme. | |
| FS595: 13538 | Hue: 29 Sat: 240 Lum: 120 Red: 255 Green: 183 Blue: 0 |
Flourescents and Metallics
– while these can’t be digitally reproduced with the proper metallic or flourescent qualities, by putting something in the ‘colour chip’, one can get the IDEA of the colour….
| “Flourescent Day-Glo Red-Orange”. This colour was used as the main colour of the SAR band that appeared on aircraft in the the pre-overall yellow SAR scheme, the Target Tug CT-133’s as well as appearing on the the RCN’s CH-124 Sea King and HO4S (S-55) helicopters, late in their RCN service careers. Model Master (enamels) offers a very good match, in the form of “FS28913, Flourescent Red-Orange”. Replaced by FS38903, only on the towed targets as seen on CT-133. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 8-5 1-GP-12c: 609-401 (Flourescent, Gloss) |
Hue: 5 Sat: 240 Lum: 143 Red: 255 Green: 74 Blue: 49 |
| “Aluminum”. Felt this one was also worthy of inclusion. Aluminum has been used as a partial or complete finish on many RCAF & CAF aircraft, being easier maintenance than a natural metal finish. Some aircraft to sport this colour are the CF-101, CT-114 (FIP scheme), CF-116 (dual), CC-130 in the ATC scheme, & the CC-137 in the first CAF scheme the type appeared in. Floquil’s “Old Silver” or a lusterless silver, would approximate this finish. Replaced by FS17178 on the CT-114 Tutor and flag borders on the full colour markings. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 10-5 1-GP-12c: 515-101 (Metallic, Gloss) |
Hue: 148 Sat: 34 Lum: 184 Red: 163 Green: 170 Blue: 186 |
| “Pale Gold”.This is the colour of the RCAF’s aerobatic team, “the Golden Hawks”. It is also assumed to be the colour for the “Golden Centennaires” CT-114 Tutors. The best way to model this colour is to get the genuine paint. It’s still made and sold by “Sheffield (Bronze Powder Co.)”, as a decorative touch-up paint. The original printing of the “IPMS/Canada Canadian Colour Guide” stated that a telephone call to the company, confirmed the colour had remained unchanged, since the “Golden Hawks”! | |
| 1-GP-12c: Pale Gold (Metallic, Gloss) | Hue: 29 Sat: 184 Lum: 92 Red: 173 Green: 132 Blue: 22 |
Note: All colours are a Gloss finish.
| Essentially the same colour as it’s RAF namesake, Dark Green, along with Dark Sea Grey, comprised the upper camouflage on the European-based RCAF aircraft. Model Master (enamels) offers a RAF Dark Green. According to David Klaus’s “IPMS Color Cross-Referance Guide”, FS_4079is a pretty good match. | |
| Dark Green | Hue: 33 Sat: 65 Lum: 52 Red: 70 Green: 65 Blue: 40 |
| Essentially the same colour as it’s RAF namesake, Dark Sea Grey, along with Dark Green, comprised the upper camouflage. Model Master (enamels) offers a RAF Dark Sea Grey. David Klaus’s “IPMS Color Cross-Referance Guide”, lists FS36118 as a match. | |
| Dark Sea Grey | Hue: 143 Sat: 13 Lum: 103 Red: 103 Green: 108 Blue: 115 |
| PRU Blue served as the underside colour of the camouflaged aircraft(except the CF-100). This colour was essentially identical to the RAF’s WW2 PRU Blue. Of the multiple listings of FS595 equivalents, in David Klaus’s “IPMS Color Cross-Referance Guide”, FS35189, which was listed as the RAF equivalent, proves a very close match with the paint sample in the “IPMS Canada Canadian Colour Guide. | |
| PRU Blue | Hue: 123 Sat: 55 Lum: 88 Red: 72 Green: 112 Blue: 115 |
| This is the underside colour that appeared on camouflaged CF-100’s assigned to 1 Air Division, in Europe. It appears the CF-100’s were the only application of this colour. According to the “IPMS Canada Canadian Colour Guide paint sample, the colour was identical to the RAF’s WW2 Med.Sea Grey (FS_6270). Comparison to well illuminated colour photos, shows it’s much too dark, but FS36622 would appear to be a match. | |
| Med. Sea Grey | Hue: 28 Sat: 32 Lum: 193 Red: 212 Green: 208 Blue: 199 |
| ‘Lizard/Snake Schemes’: Only applied to CF-5D’s s/n 116805 and s/n 116809. | FS595: 30118 | Hue: 24 Sat: 54 Lum: 95 Red: 133 Green: 105 Blue: 78 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| FS595: 33531 | Hue: 21 Sat: 84 Lum: 181 Red: 214 Green: 193 Blue: 170 |
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| FS595: 34258 | Hue: 44 Sat: 42 Lum: 117 Red: 144 Green: 148 Blue: 104 |
| ‘Grape Scheme’: Only applied to CF-5D, s/n 116807. | FS595: 35109 | Hue: 132 Sat: 76 Lum: 95 Red: 69 Green: 114 Blue: 133 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| FS595: 35164 | Hue: 141 Sat: 26 Lum: 117 Red: 111 Green: 124 Blue: 138 |
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| FS595: 35414 | Hue: 111 Sat: 30 Lum: 158 Red: 157 Green: 179 Blue: 174 |
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| FS595: 35622 | Hue: 80 Sat: 30 Lum: 198 Red: 205 Green: 216 Blue: 205 |
| ‘(Original) Ghost Scheme’: This only appeared on CF-5D s/n 116812/819/821/824 and CF-5A s/n 116705. | FS595: 36270 | Hue: 137 Sat: 8 Lum: 138 Red: 143 Green: 147 Blue: 150 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| FS595: 36280 | Hue: 93 Sat: 3 Lum: 142 Red: 149 Green: 152 Blue: 150 |
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| FS595: 36307 | Hue: 44 Sat: 11 Lum: 146 Red: 159 Green: 160 Blue: 151 |
| ‘Faux Pas Scheme’: This only appeared on CF-5D s/n 116815. | FS595: 35488 | Hue: 138 Sat: 82 Lum: 174 Red: 161 Green: 187 Blue: 209 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| FS595: 366280 | Hue: 93 Sat: 3 Lum: 142 Red: 149 Green: 152 Blue: 150 |
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| FS595: 35622 | Hue: 28 Sat: 32 Lum: 193 Red: 212 Green: 208 Blue: 199 |
| ‘Faux Pas II Scheme’: This only appeared on CF-5D s/n 116806. | FS595: 35550 | Hue: 134 Sat: 62 Lum: 203 Red: 206 Green: 219 Blue: 226 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| FS595: 36473 | Hue: 110 Sat: 12 Lum: 167 Red: 173 Green: 181 Blue: 179 |
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| .. blending overspray | FS595: 36263 | Hue: 133 Sat: 4 Lum: 144 Red: 152 Green: 154 Blue: 155 |
| Essentially the same colour as it’s British namesake, along with Extra Dark Sea Grey, it comprised the upper camouflage on the early Seafire, as first delvered to the RCN. Model Master (enamels) offers a nice Dark Slate Grey. David Klaus’s “IPMS Color Cross-Referance Guide”, lists FS34096 as a match. | |
| Dark Slate Grey | Hue: 45 Sat: 23 Lum: 85 Red: 97 Green: 99 Blue: 82 |
| Along with Dark Slate Grey, it comprised the upper camouflage on the early Seafire, as first delvered to the RCN, plus it was the overall upper surface camouflage colour, on early Sea Fury and all pre-unification RCN aircraft. Even though the “IPMS Color Cross-Referance Guide” refers to FS36118 as a ‘similar’ match, it has been suggested that it isn’t dark enough and FS36099 (our digital’colour chip’) is actually a better match. This is similar to the FAA’s Extra Dark Sea Grey. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-9 1-GP-12c: 501-102 Dark Grey |
Hue: 138 Sat: 13 Lum: 95 Red: 95 Green: 101 Blue: 106 |
| Similar to the British Med. Sea Grey, this colour was used, as the lower camouflage on all RCN pre-unification aircraft, such as the Firefly, Sea Fury, Tracker, CH-124 Sea King, Seafire, Avenger, etc. The “IPMS Color Cross-Referance Guide”, lists FS36270 as a match. However, a check with a 60’s vintage RCN paint chip book, shows FS16314 (our digital ‘colour chip’) to be a much closer FS595b match. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-13 1-GP-12c: 501-106 Light or Sky Grey |
Hue: 80 Sat: 5 Lum: 148 Red: 155 Green: 159 Blue: 155 |
| This is the same colour as the British WW2 Sky. It was the underside colour for early deliveries of RCN Seafire and Sea Fury. (see Dark Slate Grey and Dark Grey entries). According to the “IPMS Color Cross-Referance Guide”, FS34504 is a match. | |
| Sky | Hue: 62 Sat: 42 Lum: 173 Red: 182 Green: 196 Blue: 171 |
| Overall colour of HMC surface warships (subs are matt black). The supplied paint chip in the IPMS/Canada Canadian Colour Guide, is decidedly ‘greener’ than the supplied paint chip for 501-109 that was applied to aircraft. Experience has shown that this colour may be obtained with the same mix of RAF Sky and FS35237, but emphasizing the Sky. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-2 1-GP-12c: 501-109 (Gloss) |
Hue: 68 Sat: 40 Lum: 186 Red: 193 Green: 207 Blue: 188 |
| Overall colour of HMC Auxiliary vessels. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-6 1-GP-12c: 501-105 (Gloss) |
Hue: 131 Sat: 11 Lum: 136 Red: 139 Green: 147 Blue: 150 |
| A non-skid finish, used on helicopter landing decks on HMC surface vessels. FS34108 is a near match, according to David Klaus’s “IPMS Colour Cross-Reference Guide”. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-210 1-GP-12c: 503-305 |
Hue: 95 Sat: 52 Lum: 85 Red: 71 Green: 110 Blue: 86 |
| Used for decks/superstructure of crash and rescue boats. | |
| 1-GP-12c; 505-111 (Gloss) | Hue: 27 Sat: 240 Lum: 115 Red: 245 Green: 164 Blue: 0 |
| “Olive Drab”. This colour, although in the 1-GP-12b, didn’t appear in the 1-GP-12c standard, but was still in apparent use, as late as Oct. 1970. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 5-13 | Hue: 31 Sat: 49 Lum: 57 Red: 73 Green: 68 Blue: 48 |
| In additions to combat vehicles, this colour is also used for some ground support equipment and airfifield moble support equipment (fuel trucks, aircraft ‘mules’, etc.). Compare this to the 503-321 in the RCAF/CAF/Cdn Army, portion of this colour guide. According to David Klaus’s “IPMS Color Cross-Reference Guide”, FS34082 is a the closest match (but poor), further saying it should be darker & more yellow. Tom Rae notes that this colour has been observed to weather to a blue or brown, dependng on the sun and paint manufacturer | |
| 1-GP-12c: 503-321 | Hue: 39 Sat: 226 Lum: 44 Red: 90 Green: 88 Blue: 03 |
| Commonly alluded to as ‘Forest Green’, this is used either as an overall colour or as part of a camouflage scheme. | |
| FS595: 34095 | Hue: 49 Sat: 41 Lum: 76 Red: 89 Green: 95 Blue: 67 |
| Between the 1970’s and the adoption of SCAPP, this was a part of the camouflage pattern for all Cdn Army vehicles, except the Leopard tank. David Klaus’s IPMS Color Cross Reference Guide, puts FS34079 as a very close match. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 3-212 1-GP-12c: 503-319 |
Hue: 50 Sat: 230 Lum: 31 Red: 49 Green: 65 Blue: 01 |
| Overall colour used on all non-combat CF vehicles, since unification, such as various utility vehicles. It’s been suggested that FS34058 with a gloss finish, may be a good match. | |
| Dupont: 1753 (Gloss) | Hue: 96 Sat: 82 Lum: 00 Red: 51 Green: 72 Blue: 51 |
| This ‘medium green’ is one-third of the NATO camouflage scheme. FS34441 has been suggested as a very good match for this colour.. | |
| Lt. Field Green | Hue: 49 Sat: 41 Lum: 76 Red: 89 Green: 95 Blue: 67 |
| Referred to as ‘Dk. Brown’. According to David Klaus’s “IPMS Color Cross-Reference Guide”, FS30118 would be a good match, | |
| 1-GP-12c: 504-107 | Hue: 24 Sat: 54 Lum: 95 Red: 125 Green: 105 Blue: 78 |
| This colour appeared as part of the standard CF camouflage,in the early 1970’s, along with Greens 5-13 and 503-319, Black 512-301, as well as Earth 504-107. According to David Klaus’s IPMS Colour Cross-Reference Guide, FS20400 is a good match, but with a matt appearence. Tom Rae has noted that, when ‘fresh’, this tended to have a slightly browner tinge, to the basic colour. | |
| Khaki Sand | Hue: 22 Sat: 108 Lum: 153 Red: 204 Green: 167 Blue: 121 |
| This appears to be the overall colour of the vehicles serving in Operation APOLLO in Afganistan. The FS number was matched to several well-lit photos, similar to the one in the photo section. | |
| FS595: 33531 (Sand) | Hue: 21 Sat: 84 Lum: 181 Red: 214 Green: 193 Blue: 170 |
| Matt black. As pointed out in the IPMS Canadian Colour Guide, it weathered to a dark grey, under service conditions. A gloss black is the overall finish used for Staff Cars. | |
| 1-GP-12b: 1-201 1-GP-12c: 512-301 |
Hue: 160 Sat: 00 Lum: 00 Red: 00 Green: 00 Blue: 00 |
“SCAPP” Colours – produced in the former-West Germany for the refinishing of all Canadian Army equipment, Due to the toxic nature of the paint formula, these colours were only applied when the vehicles were scheduled for Depot Level maintenance
| Bronzegrun (Bronze Green). According to David Klaus’s “IPMS Colour Cross-Reference Guide”, FS34094 is a near match. I’ve been told, ROCO brand paints (from Germany) have exact matches for the SCAPP camouflage colours. | |
| RAL: 6031 | Hue: 49 Sat: 41 Lum: 66 Red: 77 Green: 82 Blue: 58 |
| Lederbrun (Leather Brown). According to David Klaus’s “IPMS Colour Cross-Reference Guide”, FS30051 is a good match, but should be a bit darker. | |
| RAL: 8027 | Hue: 6 Sat: 75 Lum: 69 Red: 97 Green: 57 Blue: 50 |
| Teereschwarz (Tar Black). According to David Klaus’s “IPMS Colour Cross-Reference Guide”, FS37030 is an exact match. | |
| RAL: 9021 | Hue: 200 Sat: 2 Lum: 64 Red: 69 Green: 68 Blue: 69 |
