Scale Documentation

[Zoid]

Hello All,

When you are building an airplane for competition, you want build it as close as possible to the real airplane. Many times there is conflicting information as to paint schemes. When occurs, what is the best thing to do. An example I have is the deHavilland DH4 N6000. Most of the information I have suggests that the top of the horizontal stabilizer is painted PC10, but I have also seen information that suggests that it is red. Also, all of the information that I have states that the radiator cowl is completely red, but I have a picture that shows that the front of the cowl appears to be natural metal. What is the best thing to do?

Thanks,
Bill

[Trackpad]

Hello, Bill,

I'm sure that this topic will generate quite a number of postings!

Keep in mind that aircraft can have different schemes at different times. So your DH4 probably had the horizontal stab painted PC10 for most of its life, but it may have had it painted red for a short period. Same for the rad cowl: bare metal early in its life (when the photo was taken), but red later on for whatever reason.

Various interpreters will interpret variously. What colour was the cowling of Voss' triplane? What colour was the upper surface of the upper wing of Lothar von Richthofen's triplane? In a fair number of these topics, no firm evidence one way or another has been found to date. So you can just about pick the scheme that you think is right, for your reasons, and do the build. As long as you do your research thoroughly, and can justify your decision, you will be on pretty firm ground.

You spoke true when you said, "you want build it as close as possible to the real airplane." Note: "as close as possible." Sometimes there will be no question as to the scheme to use, while at other times you will have some leeway due to incomplete or diverging interpretations of the scheme. In these cases, it's your call to make based on what you've found out in your research.

Based on your post, you have four options: red cowl and either red or PC10 stabs; or bare metal cowl and either red or PC10 stabs. Crossreference your sources, trying to see if one or more of these combinations works or, if not, if one or more of them are more likely than others. Weed out the ones that don't add up, and you will be left with those that do, or almost do. Then it's up to you to make the call and start the build! It sounds to me like the cowl was red (all of the information you have says so, less the photo), with the horizontal stab in PC10 (most of the information you have says so). If you're happy with this, then you build. If you want to confirm one or other point from other sources, continue the hunt.

Hope all this blather helps. Good Luck!

[StephenLawson]

Always remember aircraft changed from time to time often images are more accurate than memory descriptions. But an aircraft could under go a repaint especially during a time of slow activity. Pick a written statement or a photo of the aircraft and understand that this is the way the machine looked at the time.

[Brad Cancian]

Hey there Bill - I note your original question was directed at building for competitions. The only advice that I can offer is that you can paint it whatever way you want provided you refer to the appropriate colour notes or references that provide details on the way the aircraft was painted. That way, you have painted the model as per your references and a judge can't mark you down. It's where you paint the model different to your references that modellers get themselves into trouble.

Also, if you are weathering a model, its handy to have a reference picture or if not, provide a written description of the state of the aircraft that you have modelled (i.e. "I have modelled the aircraft in winter after 6 months front line service, where mud, faded paint and paint chipping would be evident".) That way a judge has a context in which to view not onl the colours but the weathering effects.

Hope this helps!

BC

[Zoid]

Thanks everyone for the advice. So it seems that as long as I can support the paint schemes with pictures or written information I should be ok.

Brad, thanks for the tip on weathering. I hadn't thought about that.

Thanks,
Bill

[Rob_Owens]

that accuracy of colors is seldom a factor in determining the winning model in most competitions. Most models are weeded out by flaws in basic assembly and finishing.