Vietnam SEA camouflage color question

[Cubs]

I am starting my MPC Lockheed C-130 model. 1/72 scale. I want to paint it in the SEA camo colors, circa 1968. I painted a test piece with the tan color
FS30219. Model Master enamel.It just looks too dark brown to me. About the same shade as a cup of hot chocolate. Is that the true "factory fresh" paint color and all the photos I've seen of Vietnam warbirds have sun faded, paint? The in those photos the tan looks, well it looks tan. What color do you guys use?

[Elroy13]

Is the FS color that you gave the one that is provided in the instructions? If it doesnt look exaclty right it's because you are use to seeing the faded colors.

[Cubs]

The instructions do not specify a color other than: Tan. I got the FS number from an internet source. But, how reliable is that? Anyway, if its because I'm used to the faded look, then I'll just add some white paint. Thanks.

[Steve Nelson]

FS30219 seems to be the standard SEA tan. I recently picked some up for an F-4 project I'm considering. I like Gunze acrylics..their FS30219 is somewhat dark as well, maybe just a bit lighter that RAF WWII Dark Earth. It's actually a bit lighter than the color chip in my official FS595B color guide (which is surprisingly dark.)

Of course as mentioned, camouflage colors fade rather quickly, especially in a tropical environment. There's also the concept of "scale effect" (a can of worms in itself) which says that the same color will appear much darker on a model than it does on the full-size aircraft. Some modelers actually lighten their colors a bit when building a model..I usually find that the final flat coat fades them enough to appear realistic.


SN

[Mike Bates]

That's the right color number. Just add a few drops of white until you get what your happy with. I do this with almost all my paints. Some times you see this refered to as scale effect.

Mike

[Cubs]

Thanks, all. I just successfully uploaded a photo to a WIX forum. Maybe I'll post a photo of the completed model. But, don't hold your breath, I've had this model in the box for at least 15 years. I'm kinda slow.

[Steve Nelson]

Hey, I started converting a Matchbox PB4Y-2 to a Super Privateer fire bomber some 25 years ago..and I still plan to finish it someday!

SN

[hurk130]

According to T.O. 1-1-4 Exterior Finishes, Insignia and Markings, Applicable to USAF Aircraft, the colors should be:

Tan FS 30219
Green FS 34079
Green FS 34102
Gray FS 36622

All subdued markings:

Black FS 37038

To dated 17 July 1994 Change 7 17 July 1998 for Aircraft HH-3, FB-111, C-130, CH-53, etc.

Also, I have noticed that different manufacturers of paints will have different shades of FS colors. Yes they are not held to a Federal Standard like Mil-Spec paints are with go-mem-ment oversight. Also you will get different shades from MM Acryl paint vs. MM enamel paint. So I think your best bet is to put a few dots of white in to change the tone of the paint to a bit on the lighter side.

This takes care of scale effect and fading. SEA aircraft colors changed quickly in the heavy environment over aircraft based in Europe so it is not unusual for freshly painted aircraft to look different on the same type of planet within a few months of each other.

I kind of hate to say this as a purist but come close, fade and shade to suit your eye and enjoy your hobby is my best advice.

I hope this helps a little.

Kel

[Cubs]

fade and shade to suit your eye and enjoy your hobby is my best advice.

Kel

Sounds like good advice to me. (Emphasis added by me.)

Paul