You are correct in thinking that preshading is easily lost with a dark color layer.  This can be overcome to a large degree by spraying the color in VERY thin coats. Like 80% thinner - 20% color. Then slowly building up the color without wiping out the underlayer.

The other way around this issue is post-shading. When doing that method I'd start with a darker-than-final color, apply the second layer with slightly lighter, apply the third layer with lighter still. Of course leaving much of the previous color visible. I've seen some painters apply 6 or more layers this way, with the final being a dusting almost. The final layers of this process are often used to produce sun-fading.

One concern I have though, you said the glossy blue. I know exactly what you mean by this and most pictures I've seen that glossy paint stood up to sun and salt-spray better than the flat paints did. So the extent of the variations were less severe. You could probably get that done with only three passes of post-shading. Also you can use flat paints and put the gloss down as a protectant/sealer in clear form.

This is not the glossy blue you are talking about, but a dark blue that still shows the pre-shading.

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This picture might be post-war, I'm just not knowledgeable enough to say, I see the radar, but those saw service in 1945. Anyway, I put it here to show there's not a lot of damage to the paint. I see some gloss but not high, maybe more "satin"?

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Something about this picture looks to be enhanced, it is claimed to be real but what can I say? Again the finish is between flat and gloss.

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This one looks more like what I'd expect from a craft in daily service for a significant length of time, even if flying uneventful CAP. I think the last one might be a 1944 picture.