I have recently come out of my cave and started to get a little more serious about my modelling and I am wondering if there is a place or quick reference to go to for paint codes. I recently purchased a set of PE parts for a Seaking helicopter ( my first kick at PE) and the paint code indicates FS26173 (medium gray). What in the world is that and how do I know what Tamyia paint to get that matches?
Try these websites. You will find them an invaluable resource.
IPMS:
http://ipmsstockholm.org/helpdesk.asp#color_charts
You can go straight to the FS595 (Federal Standard) server which will show you the color or one of the reference charts which will allow you to cross reference several paint manufacturer’s numbers to FS numbers. If there is no specific paint match, you can Google the fs number and hopefully someone at some time figured out a recipe using other colors. If all else fails, match your own recipe to the server color (can vary depending on the monitor you are using, etc.). If it’s a little off, then weather it heavily!
Another good site:
http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/portland/971/reference/humbrol.htm
Good luck,
PaulR