C-130 Natural metal 'pattern'?

[Killingholme]

Hi all,

 

Does anyone know whether C-130s in natural metal finish exhibit a certain pattern of different shades of metal due to variations in materials or the 'grain' of the metal? Were certain areas painted (such as along the main spar?) or even painted fibreglass (other than the obvious nose cone)? Photos don't seem to show much variation in tones, and I don't want to introduce any if there shouldn't be any, but at the same time I'm building an Air America aircraft that literally only has a 2 digit tail number and a US flag on the fin- so it's looking a little sparse in an 'unvarigated' aluminium finish!!

 

Will

[Robin-42]

A quick a google search  showed variations for sure. The tail of the fuselage, and the front of the gear fairings stood out. 

[Patrick Martin]

I can show you all sorts of bare metal Herks where the metal panels (tail, fuselage, nose, etc.) over the years appear very different in colour.  Pick your subject go from that.

PM