Dunkelgelb - RAL 7028 – Reflecting on The True Colour - Inside Track | Renault TSF Tank Kent

A review of the application of Dunkelgelb (RAL 7028) matched to an NCS coded paint, established through SEM analysis by our expert paint conservation partners, initially worried us as the colour appeared so different to Dunkelgelb applications on previous vehicles. The ‘guinea pig’ selected for the application of this true Dunkelgelb (RAL 7028) was the Zundapp KS750 motorcycle sidecar combination. The current armoured car projects have provided many different colours of Dunkelgelb. We were, however, fortunate to find two different items displaying the exact same paint finish. One sample was from an untouched unopened rear Notek convoy lamp and the other from the circular wheel hub armour (Radpanzer) from a 4 or 5 Serie le. Pz Sp.Wg. Both samples were analysed and exactly matched the modern NCS code, which in turn corresponds to the wartime RAL 7028 code. It was this colour which was applied to the Zundapp. Our trustee Hilary Doyle has been a lively participant with throughout this paint expedition with our conservation experts at Lincoln Conservation. As Hilary reminds us the paints used on military equipment were defined only by the RAL Codes. Any names that were used were only to help recognition by the unqualified. For English speakers the German descriptive name Dunkelgelb immediately starts a confusion. The literal English translation of “Dark Yellow” which suggests there must be a significant yellow component. However, the best description of the RAL 7028 would be “Tan” which, of course, is a very grey colour. The name “Tan” could not be used as it was what was considered to be a Fremdwort (Foreign word) by the language purists in power in Germany at the time. Our Zundapp KS750 project represents a full strip down and replacement of all modern parts with original items. This work is being recorded separately by the Foundation’s resident motorcycle expert and will be released in a number Inside Track articles once the work has been completed. The rest of us at the Foundation can only stand by and watch the speed and proficiency of a complete strip down of the bike and a skilled swift prognosis on what is original and what is not. This Zundapp KS750 was acquired by the Foundation many years ago as a restored piece. Unreliable performance and other issues pointed to a stay in our Department of Corrections. As the re-orientation progresses the pile of non-original or doubtful components continued to grow for some time but has now slowed and stopped. All spare and non-relevant motorcycle parts – spare side car frames, side car boats, fenders are all intended for disposal to make way for the countless armoured car, armoured halftrack and other vehicle parts destined for future restoration projects. .

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