correct colors for the F14D Tomcat.

Hi Guys,

I have a small question regarding the correct color for the F14D Tomcat.

On the M.A.T.S. website which is the holy grail for information regarding the F14 Tomcat, the color specified for the upper surfaces is dark ghost gray and for the lower surfaces is light ghost gray.

This is where the problem starts.

I recently sprayed the upper surfaces of the Trumpeter 1/32 F14D tomcat which I am currently building with Tamiya AS-25 spray “dark ghost gray” and to my amazement it is more a blue gray and quite dark when it dries.

It certainly does not look right and I would like to know if anyone can recommend the right brand of paint or color reference which should be used.

Thanks.

Kind regards,

Beau.

Tamiya colors are not matched to the correct FS colors. They just us generic color names. Model Master makes the correct colors : 35237, 36230, and 36375.

Testors Model Master, Humbrol, Polly Scale, Gunze, Xtra Color… All have their FS matched colors. Not sure about Revell.

Tamiya’s are great to work with but not good FS matches.

Here’s a link that will help with the correct FS numbers: http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-detail-colours.htm

The next step is to find paints that match the FS numbers. As stikpusher replied, most make colors that match. The exception is Tamiya. You’d have to mix their paints to try and find a match. I’ll caution that not all paint manufactures match FS chips as well as they should. Personally, if you want enamels, Model Master is fairly good; if you want acrylics then Gunze is probably best with Polly Scale right behind them.

Regards,

Tim

keep in mind that Navy aircraft rarely kept thier original coloration–over time, they would take on a patchy light grey appearance.

Good luck with the Cat. Pics?

Thanks to all of you for your very helpful comments and advice with selecting the right colors for the F14D Tomcat.

I will post some pics when I am further ahead with the build.

Click on the link below and you will see in the lower image the 1:1 scale new build “Disney Fantasy” which I am currently working on and is due for delivery in early 2012.

http://www.meyerwerft.com/page.asp?lang=e&main=2&subs=0&did=826

Kind regards,

Beau.