I spent several years working on the KC-135. I worked the A, E, Q, and R models. I have 2 cases of these kits packed away to build someday. I have a few of the “A” Model kits, but most are the “R” Models. While at RAF Mildenhall in the 90’s I think I worked on tankers from practically every base that had them around the globe. 100th ARW, 351st ARS.
I have alot of info regarding these old birds so if anyone needs to know anything, let me know.
Depending on the aircraft serial number and the year you are representing the aircraft, it would either be painted overall light grey or the current dark grey ( FS ???). KC-135s had their color scheme changed in the latter part of the '80s. The engine intake interiors were not painted, just natural metal (J57 engine) on A and Q models. As others have said, check out some of the reference books that are available.
Tom
KC-135Q Beale AFB 1987 - 1991
100MS Electical/Enviornmental Shop, RAF Mildenhall 1991 - 1995
The “R” Model engine intakes also had a natural metal ring around the inlets. Engine Anti-Icing components were instaled in this area of the inlets…
During the Persian Gulf War a lot of the 135’s had a camo scheme if I remember correctly. The top of the a/c was painted a dark green, almost black and the belly a light gray. A friend of mine who worked in Hydraulics and the R&R shop with the 128th said the SAC Commander at the time wanted the Tankers painted more like the B-52’s. He told me they went away from the paint scheme because the airplane got so hot inside. Come to think of it, I have the AMT kit and the box cover art has this particular scheme.
Try 36081 (with a little dark green added) over 16473 aircraft gray.
The AMT KC-135A first came out when I was stationed at Castle AFB. The kit came with markings for the 2-tone gray scheme of Castle’s A-model squadron (924th ARS), causing great excitement among the local modeling community.
We knew the kit’s instructions to paint the top 36118 (Gunship Gray) were wrong, because some of the planes appeared to be a much darker gray, but most appeared to be dark green. I asked a maintenance NCO what colors to use, and he told me that the -135s were 36081 gray on top, with 16473 Aircraft Gray on bottom. He told me that 36081 went on very dark, but quickly faded to a dark green appearance. He also told me that the B-52s had been painted in overall 36081, but that 36118 was being phased in as the planes went to depo maintenance. This explained why some BUFFs appeared to be green, while others were obviously a lighter gray.
Sure enough, when I went to paint my -135, I noticed that ModelMaster 36081 had a distinct greenish tint that disappeared with stirring. I added a little dark green to acheive the faded look on my KC-135 and later to a B-52H.
Both models subsequently survived multiple moves and are now hanging over my head in AR formation as I type.
Ed
Here are some pics my friend took for me. Some of the staff from a local college were invited for a fly along. Needless to say, I was jealous.
Hope they help.