So I know a lot of the colors suggested by Art Braunschweiger are no longer available. I had someone suggest the SC997- RMS Titanic Tech Set. I came across this set by Vallejo - Vallejo Naval Steam Era Paint. Has anyone used it? Looks like a great mix that I might be able to closely match Arts colors with.
You probably only need half of the set but having it on hand will be better than having to go out & piecemeal other individual colors. The off-white and black gray are ‘scale effect’ colors since pure white and black are too stark on scale models. White Star Buff is a unique color and will take some experimental mixing to get to a color you approve.
Model Color paints are designed for hand brushing out of the bottle. With appropriate thinning they may be airbrushed.
The three most important colors you need are white, black, and a low saturation flat red. Almost every paint brand has the white and black. Many brands have a British Crimson or similar for lower hull. Most brands have a light tan for the deck. The tough one is the buff for the stacks. I have made buff from flat yellow and flat tan. Keep adding small amounts of tan till you get a proper buff.
Humbrol #7 enamel is a perfect match, although gloss you can mix 50/50 with their matt varnish to give you a perfect semi gloss. I’m not a fan of the little tins - but any port in a storm.
The closest match I have come to use is the BUFF that was used by the U.S. Coast Guard in the forties and fifties. It’s changed now. But, it is still easy enough to make. One empty bottle( Testors MM.Size.) Four drops( Medium ) Chrome Yellow (Not Chromate). One third of a bottle of Light Tan.
Oh! these are all flat colors. Shake well and then let sit for about half an hour and shake and stir again. Now, Here’s where you’ll think I am nuts. Two large drops of Dark Grey! Again Mix well. Last Color, Leaving room at the top Add Flat White. Now really mix well. The color will be kind of blah! Add Chrome yellow till it looks right in reflected light. Then Paint to your hearts content.
I use this so much on Commercial ships I make a lot! Usually about Six or Eight bottles a year. I also use it in Model Car and Truck interiors. In them it takes the place of what the dealers call " Buckskin". P.S. you can also use ONE drop ( Medium ) of Insignia(Flat)RED to turn it to The " Cordoba Leather" Ricardo Mantalban touted in the Chrysler Cordoba ads.
Scalecolors has a full set of all required colors to complete this model. Its for the 1/200 kit , but you did not state which kit you had. Either way the colors are the same no matter which kit you have. Happy building!