[WWI] RFC Morane Saulnier color question

[Steven Perry]

What color are the U/C struts and the top kingpost? The attached photo is of the specific airframe I am modeling, (A.186).

I know the spinner, cowl and nose section of the fuselage was painted red for ID purposes to distinguish these RFC monoplanes from Fokker & Pfalz monoplanes which had metalic and black noses respectively.

My thinking runs: They were most likely black from the factory and may or may not have been overpainted red when the nose and spinner were painted. However the grey tone of the struts seems lighter. Most ortho film photos that show black and red together render black as a hair darker. In this case it seems the other way round. Maybe they were red in this photo and it is a lighting and reflectivity issue that makes them come out in a lighter grey tone. Maybe red kingpost and grey UC struts?

Anyone have any facts or opinions in addition to the requsite wisecracks.?  I need to paint them today so any input would be welcome

TIA
sp
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