TimDarrah Posted May 19, 2014 Report Posted May 19, 2014 I'm working on the Monogram/Accurate Miniatures F4B-4 kit, useing Starfighter cockpit & E-Z Rigging along with Yellow-Wings Decals, and it'll be in the markings of VB-5 off of the USS Ranger. My references for that era of aircraft is very limited so my questions are: 1) the overall finish is semi-gloss or gloss? 2) are the wing struts painted the same light grey as the fuselage? Thanks, Tim
aAzZ09 Posted May 19, 2014 Report Posted May 19, 2014 (edited) Tim: The F4B-4 Had a lacquered semi- gloss aluminum bottom wing, and the underside of the top wing was also lacquered semi- gloss aluminum, but the top was a bright Gloss Chrome Yellow. The fuselage is overall Light Gray. The markings for the U.S.S. Ranger had a Willow Green tail/rudder. If the plane was piloted by a section leader, then the cowling was painted an entire Red, Blue, or Green depending on the unit, while wingmen flew aircraft with half the cowling painted, either half the upside or half of the downside per photo. Section leaders usually had a matching fuselage stripe (with the cowling) painted on the waist section of the aircraft, while the wingmen did not. The wing struts are the same light grey as the fuselage. Source: Navy Air Colors, Vol. 1 1911-1945, Squadron Signal Publications. I hope this will give you a good start. If you need further help on this let me know. Best, Mark Edited May 19, 2014 by aAzZ09
TimDarrah Posted May 19, 2014 Author Report Posted May 19, 2014 Mark, Thanks. The Yellow-Wings instructions provided most of the info, except for the cowl and strut info. I think I might have that book, somewhere. I'll have to look for it. Thanks again, Tim
aAzZ09 Posted May 20, 2014 Report Posted May 20, 2014 Tim: I have more information on this subject with the following sources: Color Schemes and Markings U.S. Navy Aircraft, 1911-1950 by Bill C. Kilgrain, Pages 5 and 65, United States Naval Aviation 1910-1980, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. page 80. In 1931, the U.S. Navy introduced these colors as a means of squadron/carrier identification. I have more than enough information here if necessary to help. Best, Mark
ghodges Posted May 20, 2014 Report Posted May 20, 2014 Considering you're building in 1/72, I would opt for semi-gloss at the most. A high gloss or mix of finishes might detract from the overall "scale" appearance. GIL
TimDarrah Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Posted May 20, 2014 Thank you to everyone for the info and advice. Timmy
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