I know these questions have already been asked but but I know jack about weathering so… I’m currently building two WWII nave birds (one in the 2 tone color scheme of the coral sea, the other all over dark sea blue from 1945) and would like to know the best way to weather the blue birds? I’m guessing the washes would be brown in color?
I know I would use black for the oil and fuel stains but I would like to show some stains from rain running down the fuselage etc.
Since these planes were subject to tropical sunshine and salty air, “fading” the paint job on the upper surfaces with a lighter shade of the base color will go a long way towards making them look used. As for washes, I’d start with a tan color. Spraying an extremely thin mist of a buff color does a good job of making things look dirty.
I don’t know if you followed chukw’s Helldiver build, but it’s worth bookmarking. He did a masterful job of weathering an overall Dk. Sea Blue paint scheme.
Kevin
I’d like to add that as far as the oil stains go, I recommend more of a dark brown than black.
Also, check photos. There are some good photos in the Squadron titles on all of the Navy’s main combat aircraft, that give you an idea of how aircraft in action in the Pacific looked. You might find a lot of useful material online, too.
I prime with aluminum then lightly spray the dark colors over it. I will lighten the colors to give it the faded look or use a polishing stick to thin it down and induce chips, worn areas and scratches. Remember that not only does the surfaces get dirty, oily and grimey…they also oxidize, fade, errode from wind friction and repeated abrasion from deck handlers and maintenence troops.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/hawkeyes_bucket/Tips/hellcatweathering.jpg
