I am a novice builder and am still learning. A very kind friend gave me a kit for the Wingnuts 1/32 Limited Edition Albatross D.V Jasta 18, and I am intending to build option “E” - Josef Veltjens’s machine. I am still in the researching stage - studying the instructions making lists of things I “need” from the hobby store. But I am confused about some information in the instructions and thought the community could help me understand.
The kit offers two charts for paint colors - I intend to go with the Tamiya acrylics. The charts are essentially identical, with the exception of two key colors for my selection - Light Blue and Mauve are described with two different formulations. Why? How do I decide which one is “right”?
Another point of confusion is the description of the colors, e.g. “Dark Wood - gloss” is specified in the code as Tamiya XF68. But this is not a gloss paint. Do I add something to make it gloss?
Thanks for your input.
Molly
P.S. yes - I have already searched the forum and found the very detailed build documented by Chuck_Davis in 2015 (verrrry nice!) but I did not find the answer to my questions there.
@Molly Welcome to FSM! I’m no expert on WWI colors, but I’d go with the “Instruction” version of the paint mix. I doubt it will make very much difference, as the two are so close (using Tamiya paints). As for the Dark Wood, I’d apply a varnish over the product to cause it to be glossy, as indicated in the note below (in the instructions).
In the end, spraying a varnish over the entirety will change the tone of the paints anyway. Don’t let it stop you from progressing. I doubt anyone will notice a slight color variation.
One of the things you’ll find modelers debate a lot is color. There was probably a reason why WNW developed a second formulation for the Mauve and Blue, but my recommendation is to go with the one that suits you best. Here’s the thing: all photographs from that period are black and white, and many of them over exposed, under exposed, or heavily deteriorated with age. And even those planes that still exist where color searches can be taken are necessarily representative of the color as it was during WWI. So, we are all doing our best to create something we think is close and meets our aesthetic tastes. In short, model it to your own tastes.
I second Gary’s advice. You’ll apply the gloss over the wood after you’ve painted it.
Good luck, and I’m happy to see another WWI aeroplane modeler on the Forum!
Just to be extra verbose about it in case it isn’t already clear, since this some something that tripped me up a lot when I was starting: those various Tamiya acrylic paints come in gloss and flat (X and XF, respectively) but in general we manage the gloss/satin/matte finish of any given component through the use of varnishes — simply meaning clearcoats, either acrylic or lacquer — as needed.
As @Tim_Kidwell1 said the actual color choices are a mega can ‘o worms that you can open or not as you choose. A comprehensive list from the kit maker like that is an excellent place to start.
Enjoy! Hope to see your build progress here on the forum!
@Molly To be even MORE verbose, here’s a link discussing German Camoflage colors on THE AERODROME website. It’s dedicated to WWI aircraft so is a good resource. Back when I was flying “Red Baron 3d” it was a go-to place.
@Toimi_Tom - so, for the final exterior finish (instructions suggest gloss finish on the exterior colors for this model), I should use Tamiya TS-13 Gloss Clear or the equivalent? (I would prefer to use my airbrush and not a spray can, though). And for the semi-gloss finishes I can follow the color with a spray of Tamiya X-35 (clear semi-gloss)?
I understand that I’ll need a clearcoat before applying any decals.
Welcome to the forums Molly… Great to see you here. Tons of great talent and knowledge in here. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Enjoy, and I look forward to seeing some of your builds!
@Gary - I looked again at the formula for the light blue in the “instruction” version (image 1), and I think that is a misprint. It suggests mixing XF-2 (white) with XF18 (black). Makes no sense.
I had the same problem with my WWI models. I myself hate to mix colors. I am also not a purist. Close is close for me. Which why I use the app called Model Colors. You can search for the FS# or part number for other colors and find similar. it gets me really close in the colors, if I can’t find it in my favorite brands, I can expand it to All colors. He has almost all brands/colors in his database.
Below are two colors listed on the sheet as needing Tamiya mixes.
