SPA Modeler

Cool classic kit! Gonna brush paint it?

cbaltrin wrote: ↑Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:01 am Cool classic kit! Gonna brush paint it?

Now there's a retro idea!

cbaltrin wrote: ↑Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:01 am Cool classic kit! Gonna brush paint it?

I did as a kid. This time, I'm airbrushing it.

Light Green is on; aka: Aeromaster US Medium Green




Next the final SEA camo color - US TAC Tan

Looking good Tom!

Last night, I had second thoughts using U.S. TAC Tan. It seems too dark for my liking.

I completely forgotten I had Tan in the Testors square bottle and did a color comparison. I'm going with Testors tan since it looks more correct and convincing enough for me.



Tonight, tan goes on!

Tan is on. Discovered some spots of minor overspray and spots where I missed masking.




Next, clear gloss to prep for decals.

Bombs installed...

That looks very good! Well done…

At one point (still do perhaps?) I had a project in the back of my mind to build some Nam aircraft painted with Testors square bottle enamels. This was to satisfy the Nostalgic side of my brain I guess. I figured on using the Tan and the "Olive or OD Green" but never could figure out the Dark green option.

Anyway, I think the PS Tac Tan is a good match for a factory fresh paint job, but I am sure you know how fast that stuff faded and changed color so you may be on to something with your choice of Testors Tan.

Of course we could start a whole never-ending thread of how we perceive paint colors shades, especially from film that could under or over exposed... ...How colors look under and overcast sky vs direct sunlight. ...Over/Underdeveloped film...the paricular brand of film and it color reproduction properties ...Looking at photos on cheap computer monitors that do not reproduce colors accurately. The list goes on... This is why I never get excited about color accuracy -- I am definitely a "looks good enough" guy when it comes to paint...

"Your shade of green is too dark. No! Your reference photos is over-exposed!"