WIP FG-1A BuNo 14056 VMF-121 "Mary" What Color???

[whiteman]

This is USMC Ace Major Francis Pierce plane named after his wife. I've wasted much of the weekend changing colors on this and may still have it wrong. The color profile i have shows it looks a total Intermediate blue or a faded sea blue with little difference between. Only thing I'm sure of are the yellow lettering and numbers along with the Sea blue backing "Mary"

This is what i have with only dirt layers, panel line and rivet blurs and some other color variations thrown in. Long way to go but want to get the main color set before going any further.



mary2 by whitemanLS1, on Flickr
mary1 by whitemanLS1, on Flickr
mary3 by whitemanLS1, on Flickr
mary4 by whitemanLS1, on Flickr

[Devil 505]

That looks real good. I think the faded Sea Blue looks just fine. Just extend the Sea Blue lower on the leading edge to match the photo and you should be good go go.

[lyric1]

 

[Vraciu]

I like the blue a lot. 

Can't comment on the rest as I'm not a Hog scheme expert.    Are the numbers yellow?

[whiteman]

That looks real good. I think the faded Sea Blue looks just fine. Just extend the Sea Blue lower on the leading edge to match the photo and you should be good go go.

I usually find I have to go back add the white to the leading edge, thanks!

I like the blue a lot. 

Can't comment on the rest as I'm not a Hog scheme expert.    Are the numbers yellow?

The only common thing between profiles, modelers and books is the yellow. It seems to be believed that it was used by other Marine squads as well but translated as a worn white from pictures. Some even using green on edges but mistaken for as a blue. VF-17 original first tour planes even had the first 18 inches of the propeller painted, looking at pictures I’d never be able to tell.

[Greebo]

I think it might actually be a really dirty, faded and patched three colour scheme. There is what could be Sea Blue/Intermediate Blue division above the white on the leading edge of the wing where it bends. Also a hint of one on the centre line of the fuselage going horizontally back from the cowl and curling down onto the wing. I admit these are very faint though and a two colour scheme is also a possibility.

[Mister Fork]

Does this image help?

I don't actually think it's faded blue but just dusty and quite dark.

[Vraciu]

That's definitely dusty.

In Nigeria our jets get like that sometimes.   Sand is sand.   It gets on EVERYTHING.

[whiteman]

Damn you dirt!!!! The way the lower cowling looks I'm wondering if it is a 2 color scheme and they used stippling to blend down to the white.

[Mister Fork]

Damn you dirt!!!! The way the lower cowling looks I'm wondering if it is a 2 color scheme and they used stippling to blend down to the white.

It definitely does look like that.  I'm wondering if a dark navy blue for a layer, then a very light brown to give it that 'blue-jeans' look?

Bottom - it does look like stippling underneath - especially the cowling.

Here's another dusty F4U + sunbleached


Pretty good color image of the F4U (carrier - clean)

[Vraciu]

Navy birds get grimy, too.  Look at how knackered a Marine Hornet looks on the boat...

[Mister Fork]

Navy birds get grimy, too.  Look at how knackered a Marine Hornet looks on the boat...

Yeah, you can especially see the grime underneath the folded wing - salty water residue for sure. I'm wondering if the oil vapours from the radial engine that would spread south onto the body of the aircraft could cause the dust and grime to stick to the airplane even more?

[Vraciu]

Yeah, you can especially see the grime underneath the folded wing - salty water residue for sure. I'm wondering if the oil vapours from the radial engine that would spread south onto the body of the aircraft could cause the dust and grime to stick to the airplane even more?

I would say yes.  And all the grease and things the wrenchers get on everything.  Yuck!  LOL

[Arlo]

A major difference between AH skinners and skinners in other communities: every molecule of dust, every scratch on the paint, every splash of oil in a picture counts. It reflects an attention to detail that makes skins in other games look like toys or (non-experienced built) models by comparison. (And that is appreciated!) Keep up the good work, guys. 

[Puma44]

The weather faded blue is very realistic!  Nicely done?