discussion Spray paint for Messerschmit

[Guest]

Building the Airfix 1/48 Messerscmitt and looking for a spray paint for the yellow. Airfix say Humbrol 154 but can anybody suggest a spray close to that from Humbrol or Tamiya etc. Not as yet wanting to buy an airbrush.


Many thanks.

 

[stona]

I assume you are painting the yellow cowling and maybe rudder on an 'Emil'. I wouldn't worry too much about an exact match. The actual colour was designated RLM 04 in the German system (a slightly reddish or goldy yellow) but I'm not convinced that was always applied for what were supposed to be temporary tactical markings . There is plenty of evidence to show that whatever was applied weathered quite badly and just about any yellow colour will do the job on your model.


France:


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Later in the Balkans:


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Cheers


Steve

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[Guest]

Thanks Steve. Looks like as you say any yellow will do. Must have made the aircraft a better target.

 

[stona]

Thanks Steve. Looks like as you say any yellow will do. Must have made the aircraft a better target.

It made them more identifiable to their own side and less likely to be victims of 'friendly' fire.


RAF fighters carried various markings at different times throughout the war for the same reason. Apart from the black and white stripes applied to Typhoons to distinguish them from Fw 190s (not to be confused with invasion stripes) the yellow leading edge stripes and Sky fuselage bands would be the most obvious in the ETO.


Cheers


Steve

 

[Guest]

Hi Steve. Yes our own aircraft did have identification but this great blob of yellow to me is not very 'German like' . However to be fair during the war nobody was thinking about me making model aircraft and using designation colours that I would like.


As an aside the Airfix kit appears to go together well and is an enjoyable build.

 

[Guest]

I guess the thing to consider is that when Email's had yellow noses & tails, the Luftwaffe generally enjoyed air superiority. So easy identification was essential to prevent AAA mistakes.


Later in the war the yellow markings were reduced - the under engine cowling & lower wingtips on an FW 190 come to mind.


Personally, I think a yellow nosed Emil is beautiful!


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[Guest]

Just hope when I get a suitable spray can I make a good job of it. had thought of just using a brush but for me spray is a better way to go and makes a much nicer job.


Thanks for all the comments.

 

[stona]

From memory Patrick is correct. The yellow nose was initially introduced during the Polish campaign after the Wermacht shot down more Bf 109s than the Poles.


Cheers


Steve