Question about Eagle Strike lozenge decals

[Romani]

Well, I finally sorted out that the 5 color pattern came first, and the 4 color pattern is exclusive from Fokker, (though early ones use 5 color)

Now, there are 2 patterns for 5 color lozenge, the first one had 3 dark and 2 light colors but I am under the impression that was not used widely, so am I correct in assuming the decals on sale (1/72nd scale) are usually the second pattern, 1 dark, 4 light colors?

Though looking at the Albatros Aces Osprey book, all the Albatros in lozenge have the first pattern, so maybe it's more common than I think?

*confused*

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Romani:
There are three upper five color patterns:
1. Dark pattern, three dark, two intermediate colors.
a. This was initially sed on day aircraft with the five color light pattern.
b. It was used on night bombers covering the upper and lower surfaces.
2. Light pattern, one intermediate color and four light. Used on the under surfaces in conjunction with items 1 and 3. In mid 1917 was used by several manufactures as the upper pattern with unprinted plain linen on the undersides of the aircraft.
3. Day intermediate pattern. one dark and four intermediate colors. This is the common five color fabric in 1918. I don't know the origin date of this
fabric. It is used with the light five color lower pattern.
4. Five color night pattern printed in five very dark colors. This is used for night bombers only on both top, side and bottom surfaces.
Blue skies, I am of the opinion that with item
3, was introduced in 1918.
Dan-San

[Romani]

Dear Dan San

No wonder I got confused even after checking saved threads from years past, it's even more complex than I imagined! Thank you very much, your assistance is invaluable for models.

Now I can see why there's so much variation in lozenge patterns in models and decals.. and I thought it was just because the printers never got it right

On a personal note, I own the old SuperScale decals now out of print, they list your name on the credits, and though something was lost on the translation, I must say the Fokker 4 color lower pattern matches very well the real fabric in modern reproductions