I was just looking through the parts book for my 39 G3WO and I see that they were ordered in either Stone or Khaki No 3. On my bike the frame was Khaki without any doubt but the inside of the panel in tank was brown or earth as was the rear Brake hub under the demob black. So what colour is stone as referred to in the Spares book. As an aside the level of detail of different finishes in the parts book is astounding and is well worth a read for rivet counters , what a shame they didn't do an exploded diagram or two though!

I think "Stone" is just a variation on one of the many early-war "desert" schemes...........there may be a BS colour reference.............G3 production ended late-41/early 42 so the other colour, KG No.3 gas-proof remained supreme.........however, replacement parts manufactured after this date for that model MAY have been finished in the current colour of the day........which was SCC No.2 brown............?

The stone colour referred to here;



I have to look up, here's some others;



With some formulas to make colour samples from Humbrol modelling paint tins.

Just found out about the No. 62 Stone, no sample, but this description; "Middle Stone" No. 62, In use in Middle East 1938-1942. More yellow then Light Stone (No. 61) It was also used as a base colour for camouflage purposes.

No. 24 referred to in the Parts List is the same as Dark Green G4 or Deep Bronze green. I believe the transition to KG No.3 came around 1940 for Matchless.

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Lex

email (option): welbike@welbxxx.net

thanks Guys, so it would appear that it is desert colour. Interesting that they were built and specced from the factory in either paint. now I know!

email (option): andrew.honychurch@btinternet.com

Just found the colour mix for No.62 Middle Stone"

Middle Stone No.62.

Mix: 154 + 83 in ratio 5:3. Now accurately available as Humbrol 225.

In use: Adopted as basic colour in a two toned disruptive scheme specified in G.O 370 of July 1939.

Description: A powerful yellow sand colour, became R.A.F. Middle Stone.

Cheers,

Lex

email (option): welbike@welbxxx.net