F4F-4 color

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I tried finding this with the search forums tab, but had no luck. I just started building Trumpeters 1:32 F4F-4 Wildcat and had a question. I’m wantin to paint the top of the plane in the faded light blue color from my reference photos. Does anyone happen to know the exact color name and if it is available from Model Masters enamels. I picked up intermediate blue, sight unseen, but it was not light or blue enough. [:S] Thank you.

2

Not sure about model master but I built Tamiya’s f4f-4 and the color was 3 parts of Tamiya medium blue XF-18 to 1 part flat white XF-2.

I had to edit because I found a possible match for you. MM acrylic 4744 intermediat blue is listed as a match for the Tamiya XF-18 and I see MM 1720 in enamel matches as well. I would assume the same mix of 3 to 1 MM blue to MM flat white might work. That is if you are using an airbrush or brush painting and not doing rattle cans. If it’s in a can sorry I cannot help.

3

Thanks for the info. I built the Tamiya kit years ago. Great model. I’ve always wanted to build this one. Finally getting around to it.

4

Which paint scheme are you trying to replicate?

The attached link is pretty helpful as far as the actual pre-ANA and ANA colors, matching model paints depends on which one you choose.

http://www.angelfire.com/dc/jinxx1/Wildcat/F4FColors.html

I’m guessing you are after Blue Gray over Light Gray. I haven’t tried it yet, but Vallejo Model Air sounds like nice paint. They have a color called “Faded P.R.U. Blue” that they seem to propose as a match.

https://acrylicosvallejo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/historical-color-references-guide-for-aircraft-and-afv-series-vallejo-colors.pdf

5

For the early War scheme of Blue Gray over Light Gray Model Master makes both colors.

Navy Blue Gray 205545 and Gull Gray (FS 36440) 1930. Unfortunately, Testors has discontinued the enamel bottle versions of Gull Gray, and now only sells it as a spray can.

The Mid War color scheme of Dark Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue, and Insignia White, are all available in bottle enamels from Model Master. Stock numbers: 1717, 1719, and 1745.

6

Thank you so much for all of the great information. I’m looking at painting it up as a 'Cat from just after May’42 (No red dot on the insignia and the re-painted rudder). Thank you all again.

7

For lightening paint to simulate UV induced bleaching, I just add some white to the color I have painted the plane with, then use my airbrush to put a very light coat over all sun-facing surfaces.