SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

What Grey (gray) do you use for Rotor blades?

3081 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Florida
What Grey (gray) do you use for Rotor blades?
Posted by STFD637 on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 1:29 PM

Hey rotorheads,

I just started really getting into Helos and have added several to the stash in the last year. I have a few that call for "light grey" for the tops of the blades. Anyone have any idea what is a good color to use. The kits I am looking at are the S-3H Seaking and a couple of Coastguard helos. All the references I have show a grey to the top blades. Any help is appreciated.

 

Travis/STFD637

 

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

make an avatar

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Australia
Posted by Helo H-34 on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 5:10 PM

Hi Travis ,

I have alway's used Gunze Sangyo Acrylic H-51 on the tops of some of my rotors for Navy/Marine Helicopters .

Fujimi's SH-3D/H SeaKing instructions suggest H-51 on top and black underneath .

I did the same with my USMC UH-34D Seahorse and USCG HUS-1G [UH-34D] Helicopter rotors .

HTH...

                           John

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Florida
Posted by STFD637 on Thursday, April 29, 2010 10:07 AM

John,

 

Thanks. That is the exact kit I just got off ebay!. You have quite and impressive assembly line there. I can't wait to get building my choppers! I have aquired a CH-46, AH-1W and Zulu, A few different H-60s, and a H-53. They all look like great kits and should test my building skills with the curves and rotors! Thanks again!

Travis

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

make an avatar

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Virginia
Posted by Mike F6F on Saturday, May 1, 2010 11:47 AM

Travis,

 

I've used Model Master Panzer Gray for the underside of rotor blades.  I believe it renders a better "scale" black.

 

Which AH-1Z kit are you building?

Mike

 

"Grumman on a Navy Airplane is like Sterling on Silver."

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: phoenix
Posted by grandadjohn on Saturday, May 1, 2010 12:39 PM

No accurate model of the Zulu Cobra has been issued

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Fresno, CA
Posted by Dan A on Saturday, May 1, 2010 2:02 PM

Mike F6F

I've used Model Master Panzer Gray for the underside of rotor blades.  I believe it renders a better "scale" black.

Mike, what scale are you referring to? I'm not sure if Panzer Gray would work on my heli project.

As far as the real deal goes, when one of the rotor blades on a ship-based heli needed paint, we'd just rattle-can it black.

In progress: Hasegawa P-51D/K (being built as a D), Tamiya Morris Mini Cooper 1275S, Testors Kaman H-43B Huskie (held up by lack of parts)

To be resumed sooner or later: Academy M151A2 with Eduard photo-etch

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Florida
Posted by STFD637 on Saturday, May 1, 2010 2:39 PM

Which AH-1Z kit are you building?

Mike,
I have the Kitech Zulu. It isn't 100% accurate but other than a Hobby Craft version of the same mold it is the only one out there. I have heard some good and some bad about the kits. This one actully looks pretty good and the price was right. The details are there and it has recessed panel lines. I am sure that Tamigawa will come out with a mold soon enough......also I am building in 1/72.
Travis

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

make an avatar

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Virginia
Posted by Mike F6F on Sunday, May 2, 2010 11:08 AM

Travis,

Thanks for the model info.  You too grandad.

Regarding the Panzer gray, etc., it all comes down to the personal choice of matching colors or showing a scale effect.  I know that spot painting, on the deck, is done with a rattle can of black.  But on a model in 1/72nd scale, a standard black paint can to some modelers eye, mine included, can appear too black.  Like looking down a deep, dark hole.

I've tended to stick with MM Acryl "Aircraft Interior Black" as a standard for just about everything.  Tamiya's NATO Black is another good "not quite so black" a color.  Then there are various other "tire blacks", etc., to choose from.

I had some Panzer gray in a rattle can, that you can see on my posted thread on the Aoshima 1/48th Airwolf.  I had the paint, and since I was dealing with several different dark colors anyway, I gave the underside of the rotors a shot.  Its a very dark gray and blended well with the other dark colors I was using and avoided, again to my eye, having the model look too monochrome.

Of course, this is all personal choice.  I build lots of 1/700th scale ships, so I tend to lighten up the smaller scales.  I've carried the thought on to my other models.  

Other folks, don't care for attempting "scale effect."  They go with a straight shot of the correct paint. 

If we all did it the same way, it could be a less exciting hobby.

Have fun and thanks again for the Zulu info.

Mike

 

"Grumman on a Navy Airplane is like Sterling on Silver."

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.