Clifton

Heavens to Betsy! A six-year-old thread! Nice photos, Viktor!

Ah, yes! Good advice, Tim. I forgot he was looking for a shinier finish. I think you're right about the Gloss Aluminum. I must say I've been impressed with the qualities of their spray paints. I agree you can never have too many Spitfire (or Seafire!) kits. One variant that I would love to see is the "Speed Spitfire." I think only one prototype was completed. It looks like an air racer with its aerodynamic canopy and sporty paint job.

If I were building the same model, I'd be tempted to use one of the Tamiya spray cans. I've been very impressed with how thin they go on, preserving detail underneath. I would probably start with their fine white primer, also in a spray can, then use their AS-12 Bare Metal silver spray. I'm pretty sure that's also the color they recommend for the underside of their new Spitfire Mk. I.

That's a great, great film. It won a few Oscars, if I remember correctly.

Yes, Testors does have most of the colors, in both enamels and acrylics. They used to make a non-specular (flat) sea blue, but it looks like that might be one of the colors that they've dropped in the past few years. (Like Desert Sand ANA 616--don't get me started on that one!) Here are the numbers for the enamels: Dark Sea Blue (FS15042) #1717 (Gloss) Intermediate Blue (FS35164) #1720 (Flat) Insignia White (FS37875) #1768 (Flat) The numbers for acrylics: Dark Sea Blue #4686 (Gloss) Intermediate Blue #4744 (Flat) Insignia White #4769 (Flat) I hope this helps, in case you have difficulty finding other paints. I wish Jamie good luck with the Colourcoats paints; I was just able to buy a few paints from the US distributor before Christmas and I can't wait to try them! BTW--I know that Tamiya includes paint numbers in their instructions referencing their paints, but I think the consensus is that their mixes are pretty inaccurate.

Great photos! Thanks for sharing! I like the random Santa in the hammock.

I'd love to see an early B-17 kit in 1/48, like a C or D.

Thanks for the link, Troy! I think Testors has discontinued this color; like many hobby companies, they've dropped a bunch of colors from their paint line. Luckily, I can follow Dave's suggestion above, adding a touch of white to RLM 76. I sure appreciate all of the help that y'all have given!

Thanks, Rabbit Leader. I know a lot of these colors open a can of worms, so to speak, and I think your advice not to worry too much about it is well taken! I'm of the opinion that if it looks right, then that's good enough for me. Thanks for the info about the Testors RAAF Sky Blue, Troy. I have also read that the color is close to RLM 76 (a color I already have), so I'll probably check that out first.

Hey, thanks for the replies, Crankycraftsman and Troy! Unfortunately I don't have an airbrush, which is why I'm trying to stick to Tamiya colors. I know Tamiya makes a several browns--and even red browns--but I'm not sure they're the right shade. If I were to try a different brand of paint, I would lean toward Testors, but I don't think they make the correct shade (as Troy mentions, close to FS30099). That's why I was hoping for a Tamiya mix anyone liked!

Thanks, Lawzer! I'll check it out!

I'm surprised no one has any ideas for an Earth Brown paint or paint mix. I guess there aren't that many Tamiya paint users on this forum, or maybe not that much interest in the RAAF during WWII. I suppose I'll see if there are any Australian model forums who might be able to help.

Hi there, everyone! I was wondering if anyone has a Tamiya paint (or paint mixture) they like for RAAF Earth Brown. I'm planning on doing a few models in RAAF colours and I would appreciate any suggestions that anyone has. I've found lots of info on Foliage Green (which is an entirely different can of worms!) but really not much on Earth Brown. Thanks!

Thanks, Dennis! Hope you survived all of that cold Chicago weather this winter! Although I must say it gives you a good excuse to stay indoors and build models!

You could consider donating the kits to a history teacher at a local school. It really helps them to have visual aids while talking about an era of history.