Wonder if you might help. I have seen various modellers citing various sources for “Interior Green” when it comes to cockpits.
Also, there are a variety of "IG"s quoted - RAF Interior Green, IJN Interior Green, Zinc Chromate for USAAF aircraft.
I would appreciate peoples opinions on the best manufacturers for the above colours? Personally, I use Tamiya acrylics. I have found their XF71 - IJN Interior Green to be pretty good, but also a tad on the dark side for many aircraft. I have also used their XF21 (I think it is 21???) Sky as a good colour for RAF aircraft. But I would also appreciate guidance from others as to their preferences.
do a quick search on this forum for a thread that had a similar question a short while back. to condense what was discussed there, there is no such thing as one interior green for all aircraft. every B-24 might have a different kinda interior anti rust coating, and every japanese plane probably had differring interior green (or yellow) patterns too. since there wasnt a real strict standard for american, british and japanese planes, its virtually impossible to reccomend to one color. german planes were slightly different in that the RLM specified certain things and they were stuck to fairly closely.
What Reggie says is correct. During wartime the aircraft manufacturers probably weren’t too worried about what colour the cockpit was and whether it matched a standard. So there is really no need for you to go worrying about whether your paint exactly matches a standard. As they say, “If it looks right to you, it is right”.
US aircraft used a few different colours. They are all outlined in this article. It even has info for specific planes: US interior colours article
As for brands, I don’t think Tamiya have an interior green in it’s range. I use Model Master Zinc chromate green and it looks fine to me. They should be available in Sydney too. Gunze also has these colours in it’s range.
I’m not an expert on Japanese aircraft, but I think they also used several different colours depending on the manufacturer of the aircraft. They ranged from a colour similar to US interior green to a bright blue primer (Aotaki I think it was called). The site www.j-aircraft.com has some research info and paint brand matching on there.
I know nothing about RAF aircraft, so I can’t help you there.
hope this helps you. I think this info is correct, someone correct me if I’m wrong (as I usually am).[:)]
MM has a color called “RAF Interior Green” It is lighter than the US interior green. I’ve used it and it’s good paint. I believe Vallejo also makes the RAF interior green, if not in their regular colors then in thier “Colors of Eagles” line for military AC.
I use MM acrylic Interior Green for US AC, sometimes altering it a little for certain models that used a slightly different maker of the interior green.
For Luftwaffe I have only used Vallejo RLM colors (haven’t made too many Luft AC) which is RLM 02 for the early war and I believe RLM 66 after that… but MM, and others make fine RLM paints as well…
—edit—
RAF interior green looks to me like Dark green lightened up with white quite a bit… someone else might be able to help you on that…
here’s a selection of paint chips of RAF paints that might give you a better idea:
The only way you can get an exact color call out is if you are modeling the first aircraft off the line! In the US once an aircraft was accepted and put into full production the main design company was a bit out of the loop. License agreement with others would see aircraft manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, General Motors, etc.
As “interior Green” would not have an FS spec in 1942-45, the manufacturer would use what he had as the color. It was a corrosion stop measure mostly not an actual color for design. If Ford used a yellower green than Grumman or Boeing so be it.
In the field I am pretty sure it would be “use what ya got.” Aircraft would not be taken off flight status because the interior wasn’t the correct color.
Just my never humble opinion.
Sorry, I don’t buy the “paint it whatever color you want” approach. All manufactures had paint specs that were pretty much followed during production. Probably the best one stop research site for colors can be found at:
ModelMaster has US Interior Green, Green Zinc Chromate & RAF Interior Green in their basic line up & are pretty good matches. Testors also has Yellow Zinc chromate in their old enamel line.
Cossack I pretty much use Model Master enamels exclusively, so if a color callout calls for RAF interior green then I just grab the appropriate jar and paint away.
I agree with reggiethedorf in that paints had so much variation in them that finding an exact replica is almost impossible. Find a manufacturer you like and stick with them.
In scale modeling, the notion of a “correct” paint is rediculous. By adding shadows and highlights with washes, filters and drybrushing, the color is completely altered. And if you don’t use washes and drybrushing your models look dull. So even though your color may be spot on, no one cares to look at it anyway.
Jim
While I do use discreet washes and shading on my builds, I beg to differ with the claim that “…even though your color may be spot on, no one cares to look at it anyway.” Maybe you don’t, but there is much more to modeling than painting. If a modeler’s strong suit is painting, great. But if his greater talent is in miniature engineering and building, just as great. Personally, I am likely to stare a long time at a beatifully painted and finished model. But the next day, I’m just as likely to stare as long, or perhaps longer, at a beautifully constructed model.
On the other hand, I don’t do elaborate dioramas and I certainly don’t do armor. The need for the skills of a visual artist are obvious on the former, and on the latter the general lack of contrasting color demands talent with the subtleties of paint and pastel. So my opinion is based on my prejudices.
TOM
Huh? Using correct colors is Rediculous? I’m sure you might consider a Purple over Pink P-47D cool, but I’ll stay with OD over NG. I agree that adding washes, drybrushing & other weathering techniques can alter the final color, but explain to me again why starting with the correct color is wrong.
While purple and pink are stretching it, to walk around with a book of color swatches comparing hues is insane. Try it with a car and see how “accurate” Ford and GM are with their “standard” colors. Go buy a gallon of paint at Home Depot for a wall you painted last year and see if the color matches. So yes, the color has to look “right”, not exact, because there is no such thing.
Guys … insightful as always!! Thanks for all your input. As a fairly new “kid” on the block, I am still to fully experiment with washes et al!! Fresh out the factory door is moor the look I have acheived to date. However, a little panel enhancement is due on my current builds. One step at a time is my motto [:)]