[WWI] German observation balloons

[Helen and Chris]

Stuart wrote

I'm seriously considering starting the Hippo kit.  What's been holding  
me back is color.  I've collected a number of digital B&W pics that  
show these anywhere from very dark to quite light.  I've seen color  
renderings and other zeppelin/balloon models that have been done in  
metallic grey/silver/aluminum dope, pink, tan, nivo, and tan and green  
camo.  I'm leaning towards the aluminum dope color, but it doesn't  
make sense to me an inflatable object would be doped.  Seems it would  
add a lot of unnecessary weight.  So, my real question might be, what  
material was used for balloon construction and what color was it?  Any  
advice would be much appreciated.

I understand that a lot of "Zeppelins" - to use the name generically - had inner bags which were made from cow intestines!!  Hmmmm.

If you've not already come across it Stuart, there may be something useful here:-

http://www.airships.net/hugo-eckener

Chris.
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