It looks like I’ve got a bit of reshaping to do after work. Good thing I’ve got plenty of olive drab paint on hand.
I agree that exhaust stains should be sprayed on. It’s hard to get a feathered edge otherwise. I use gouache water colors, available at any art store. Mix up what ever color you want and spray at very low pressure, <5 psi. If it beads up the mix is too thin or the pressure is too high. Build it up slowly. Very realistic appearance. The best part is there is no pressure or worry. If you are not happy it can be wiped off with a wet q-tip and just try again. Takes a little practice.
Jay
Here’s my latest attempt. I think the size and shape of the stain is better. I need to reapply my burnt umber wash to a few panel lines and add some soot (probably with black pastel) to the exhaust stain, but I think I’m getting there. BTW - in the background you can see a 1/72 Monogram X-15A-2 that I shortened to the original X-15 configuration (following an article in FSM!). I’m practicing rescribing panel lines that were lost in the surgery.
Yeah, that looks better.
I’ve added a bit of soot to match the war time color photos that I’ve been able to find. I think it’s about right. My understanding is that they ran these aircraft with a really rich fuel mixture and that some uncombusted fuel was exhausted. As it dried, the lead remained behind and resulted in the stain. In the photos I’ve seen, it looked like the lighter colored deposits covered the soot deposits, so that’s what I tried to duplicate.
As always, feedback is appreciated, especially if it means that I learn something new.
If anyone’s interested, I’ve posted a build log on my Web site. You can see it at
Larry
Here’s my latest attempt at the exhaust staining. Still not sure that I like it, but I’m pretty sure that if I keep messing with it, sooner or later I’ll break something. I’ve also included a photo of my first attempt at modeling the antenna wire on a Mustang.
Larry
Jug that ME-110 is awesome!!
Did you make those exhaust pipes or did they come with the kit?
Also how do you apply your mottleing effect?
Great work!!
Not a A-36 but here is the light exhaust staining I did on my F-51.
Melgyver, very nice. Very subtle. I like that. How did you do it?
Well, for what it’s worth, I’ve finally finished this build. Here are a couple of color shots:
Here’s an attempt to replicate a black-and-white photo taken with a box camera:
Nicely done! That turned out very nice. 
The B&W needs more grain and a touch of blur 
It looks so good! I’m painting one right now.
Thanks, Mike!
ww2psycho, I’d really like to see a photo when you finish.
Turned out really well! Great job.
Exhaust stains on OD paint with Allison or Merlins must be dirty white. Check literature for Photos of
the P-51As used by the Air Commando group in the CBI. (Miss Virginia) is an extreme example.
Lead and fuel additives caused the dirty white stains on painted surfaces. Allison and Merlins were clean running and dark stains indicated carburetor trouble.
Nice job!
Mike
Thanks for the info, Mustang V.
Thanks, Mike!