I am starting my first Tamiya kit, a 1:48 Vought F4U-1D Corsair. [::DD0]
As a unique start, I decided to read the instructions. [snYea] And I notice that there are several schemes such as this - “XF-3: 2+ XF-5: 1” I am assuming this means to mix those colors to get the proper shade?
So if I am correct, that would be 2 parts dull yellow to 1 part dull green, to do most all the innner cockpit and skeleton. What color would that be? and is it possible to but something close without doing the mix? Is that an ochre or olive? No, I think those all have some brown? Lime green?
Model Master shows an “interior green” as well as a “green zinc chromate”. I think one of those 2 should be the ticket?
Obviously, Tamiya would like to sell more paint, but I have to conserve where I can. [whstl]
“Interior Green” and “Zinc Chromate Gree” are two different animals… There’s also Yellow Zinc Chromate too… Zinc Chromate isn’t a color though, contrary to what many believe. It’s a type of primer and it’s colors vary… You’ll both on many WW2 US aircaft, along with the “Interior Green” as well…
Read Here for Everything you wanted to know about Zinc Chromate But were afraid to ask:
And since you’re buiding a Corsair, you’ll love this;
“Salmon”
“Salmon was a pale pink-colored chromate primer used by Vought in production of the F4U Corsair. It was produced by mixing Indian Red pigment with raw Zinc Chromate primer.
The actual tone was reddish orange.”
Personally, I use the Model Master ZC Green and ZC Yellow, and use light green & yellow I mix for “Interior Green”…
Hans - thanks so much for posting that reference. A primer about primers! [H]
I did see the “salmon” reference but think I will also stick with ZC Green as I like the look better than the “Interior Green”. Guess I could mix it up a little if I wanted to be creative but I think I already have a full plate. [sn]
Thanks also to ggatt 2 for the prompt confirmation.
Them premade “interior greens” look very cartoony to me. I mix roughly 2 parts Chromate yellow with 1 part OD. I use Testors enamels BTW. This comes out pretty close and looks WAAAAAY better than any “interior green” that I’ve seen.
OK, lets throw a real monkey wrench in to the gears here. There were several shades of greens used on aircraft interiors during WWII depending upon the manufacturer and the time that the aircraft was built. There was Interior Green, Dull Dark Green, Bronze Green, and Olive Drab. Not to mention that some aircraft companies such as Bell had their own shade of Interior Green.
This article from IPMS Stockholm covers them fairly well by service and aircraft type.
Like stickpusher said, there were alot of variations to interior colors for 1,001 reasons, so to that end I try to get close enough with interior color. Generally I use interior green, with a wash so that the color is changed depending on the wash color. I generally staw away from green zinc chromate, it’s so god awfully green and sooooo bright, washes dont even help it.
My dads ex RNZAF so of course even in my mid 20’s i get all te old stories come out every time i see him. one of the most popular for him is what they used to call the interior primer on the old aircraft. It was often refered to as Baby S@#t as it had the same colour and consistancy. at least thats what he tells me. no idea how true it is.
Jake, what I love about that link is that opens up choices for you and lists their sources. You are not stuck with one color choice for US interiors. I like the Dull Dark Green or Bronze Green choices for something different. Like the Salmon color on the F4U, when you put another color on there that others don’t, and it is something that is accurate, it makes your kit stand out among others when all else is equal (build, paint, markings, weathering). If nothing else, it will start some discussions at a club meeting.
You are so right about that. That was an awesome reference that you have. I am going to look for some different paint colors/manufacturers as I have been using a LHS that only stocks Testors and Tamiya.
Now I want to look at Humbrol, Vallejo and Hawkeye. Any local shops to recommend?
Also, I am going to the OC IPMS meeting friday to join. You be there?
Military Shop in Long Beach has been letting their Humbrols slide. But Brookhurst Hobbies in Grden Grove and Military Hobbies in Orange bot have great paint selections, with Brookhurst having a wider slelction. Unfortunately my shcedule wont allow me to hit another IPMS until May. Right now I am workign Friday nights. Hope to see yout there then.
This site has Tamiya, Humbrol, ModelMaster, Revell, FS #s, as a comparison, but Tamiya paints on many colors overall are not matched to FS #s so a direct comparison is out.
