Paints for Academy CH46E

I can't comment on the CH-46E kit as I do not have it (yet). Most online builds and a few first hand reviews I heard give it a favorable review. When ever I need paint online, I usually go through Squadron. They carry most brands, and both enamels and acrylics. Great Models Webstore is another one who carries a wide range of finishes. As for which to use, it depends on your tastes. I use both types. I like the acrylics because of the water wash up, but they can be more finicky to apply. When it comes to multi-color camo schemes, I use predominately enamels. Which ever type of paint you choose, practice on a scrap model first to get a feel for mixing ratios, air pressure settings and general control of the airbrush before painting on a model that counts.

HTH,
Albert

a very good color for that kit is Tamiya's XF-20 Medium grey. It's a close match to the modern Low Vis grey used on USMC helicopters. If the aircraft has a blueish grey its upper surfaces, XF-25 Light Sea Grey works well for that. You can probably get all the colors you need through squadron.com.
Have fun with the Phrog

I agree with the color paints that ridleusmc wrote. I worked on the 46D for the Navy and the colors Tamiya's XF-20 Medium Grey and the XF- 25 Light Sea Grey for the CH-46 model is what you want to use. You can order it from Squadron.com, they carry it. Good luck.

You can also use the Light and Dark Ghost Grays from Testors (in enamel and acrylic). For the most part, Battle Phrogs are used and their paint jobs fade pretty quickly.

I have the Academy kit and am waiting to start when an AM company makes decals of some West Coast USMC Sqaudrons. The fit overall is pretty good.

RidleUSMC: Where in Iraq is the photo?

Dragonfire, You're very right about the paint fading. Even at a distance you can tell where the paint has been touched up on any USMC helo. The photo was taken in Al Kut, Iraq in the spring of 2003.

Some Navy squadrons are even more wore/faded paint; becomes a nice splotchy pattern of grays. Bottomline, who really cares about a paint job when the mission is to get the bird in the air and rounds on target...

Al Kut...ah yes...an old stomping ground.

Semper Fi!

Carl

Thanks for all of the help................. true experts and heros! Thank you for your service to this great Country!!!! Because of you and prior warriors we are afforded the ability to build these kits.