One thing I am a little concerned with are the decals. Not sure if this is something growing on them or possibly signs of bugs having gotten to this kit prior but I will be making sure to scan in the decals just incase.
The instructions call for using a mix of Revell colors. Unfortunately both dont have a corresponding color in a paint I use. Will post some reference photos later to get opinions on what color might work.
Wings are boeing gray (or airbus gray which I’ve heard is the same). MRP does a boeing gray. Darker gray panel on top of wing would be corroguard - not sure if your kit has the decal for that.
As I mentioned in the opening post the color of the wings is what is giving me some trouble. Unfortunately, I could not find ANY photos that showed what they looked like from above. Found a couple from below, but they are obviously in shadow. It also does not help that the resolution of the photos is not as high as one would find using modern cameras. The two above images were the best I was able to find that I feel do a decent job of showing the color.
@keavdog I think that color is close to what I was actually think of using
From the images and from what I have I am thinking of going with Mr. Color C11 Light Gull Grey. I think this is what is as close as I am going to get without going out and trying to get the Revell paints to do the mix.
First I painted the clockpit windows with clear black. This was then given a clear gloss coat to even out some imperfections in the finish. This was further followed by some polishing. In hindsight I should of polished before the clear coat as I think it would look that little bit better. The windows were then masked off for further painting.
Between painting sessions I also finished assembly on the engines. This was the first set back as my liquid masking agent may have gone bad from age as itbwas not going on right. After an attempt as masking it with tamiya tape and a circle cutter I decided I would just repaint them after painting the rest of the engines.
Then finally came time to prime. While I expected to fine some areas that might need some cleaning up, i did not expect to spill a 1/4 airbrush cup worth of primer on her. So this mean more sanding. At this point I think I will be able to get the primer layer done tomorrow, and hopefully get the first layer of paint on.
Again I had to improvise the color as there were no good references for the upper wing surfaces when the plane was in this scheme; a number in more recent years but none that I could find that are the correct time period. So Im calling this color close enough, the app I uses says this is 98% of the color I need so is what it is.
Unfortunately I did get some lift when I started pulling off the mask. This was one me as I apllied the grey a little thin and did not wait long enough before masking.
So I was able to get the gloss coat on all the major sub-assemblies and odd parts. Still need to paint some of the smaller parts, antennas and the like. I also got the decals scanned in. Now before I start decalling I need to do the windows. So that is my project for tomorrow.
The big thing today was doing the windows. The left side, which I did first and I would say is the worse looking, turned out ok. For a first time doing a technique I am happy with it. Plus, most are going to be covered by decals so im not super worried.
