F4U 1A Birdcage paint colors

[Stoneke]

I have searched the dedicated Birdcage model forum for the paint colors, but have not found what I need. I know that I can go to Home Depot, etc for a color match, but does anyone know the color name of the light underside area of this Corsair. "Intermediate Blue" seems to be the main color.

[davegee]

I have searched the dedicated Birdcage model forum for the paint colors, but have not found what I need. I know that I can go to Home Depot, etc for a color match, but does anyone know the color name of the light underside area of this Corsair. "Intermediate Blue" seems to be the main color.

In one of my books on the Corsair, it says the official color of the underneath is a non-specular Light Gray (FS36440). You might be able to trace the FS number to a paint chip in a book or a good paint shop might be able to help you get the color you want.

They show the top color is non-specular Blue-Gray or (FS35189).

Good Luck!

Davegee

[Grossman56]

I copied and pasted 'non-specular Light Grey (FS36440)
and came up with this link. See what you think.
https://www.google.com/search?q=non-specular+Light+Gray+(FS36440)&rlz=1C1PRFI_enUS779U S779&oq=non-specular+Light+Gray+(FS36440)&aqs=chrome..69i57.23 65944j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=NlaeLDmpjMscGM
You may also find this handy.

https://replikator.club/2021/02/06/tamiya-paint-database-us-federal-standard-colours/

Grossman56

[davegee]

Allowing for different looks through pictures versus seeing them with naked eye in front of you, I'd say they look pretty close. I would want to see a sample in front of me before making a final Judgement, though. But I would guess they are pretty close to what we can hope to achieve for accuracy.

[Grossman56]

Also, you have to allow for weathering, the top of an airplane is going to be more faded than the sides, due to the sun exposure. I had a sample made of my Spitfire's green, every time I use it, depending on where on the plane, I have to alter the color a bit to match the surrounding tone. I consider it a challenge.
BTW. When I repainted some sections of my P40 after removing the original Tiger decals, I used the same Spitfire green, the logic being that they were originally made for the RAF. I was pretty darned close! Then added some red to the green to create the brown camo color, again thinking that was probably to route they went. Cheaper in the long run.


Grossman56