I can't find the photo of the UV-protected and preserved metal squadron Mustang model from the war that is out there (with the blue used by the 352nd for a period) but I found the following:
"Sam Sox, a former 352nd crewman, recounted how the latrines at Bodney were painted with the same blue paint as the noses. Someone checked and sure enough, the latrine was still standing. They peeled off layers of paint to find the original blue. They used this color to repaint "Miss Helen" P-51D 44-72216 a restored warbird that was an original 352nd P-51D.
"The color is FS 35056. Tamiya X-4 is a good match."

I have three shades that I am working with. The original I used when I adopted this skin is at top. I tried desaturation at various levels but I don't know which to use. MISS HELEN looks much darker but that may not matter as CRIPES could have faded a tad with time. Also, was the exhaust shroud painted on CRIPES...3rd? Any input is appreciated.


