Question for LemonJello or RidleUSMC in regards to current Super Stallion colors.

I'd go with you and say the overall gray is FS 36375, with the topsides being FS 35237.

Thanks for the reply, Snake.  Do you know if the light gray (FS 36495) on the bottom is used as well? Just like its Navy counterparts, it is awefully hard to tell if there is a lighter shade on the bottom of the CH-53 due to how the colors run together after a while of being on the boat or in the field. In fact I thought I had read that the Navy had done away with FS36395 and have just two colors on their helos. I assume this would be the same for the USMC? 

As for the Academy kit, very nice! Big too! This kit has reignited my interest in 1/48 kits again (just don't tell my 1/72 bretheren! ).

Cheers,

Alby

No problem, Alby,

To my knowledge, I do not believe there is a three-tone scheme on the 53's. I think all Marine helos use the two-tone scheme only. I think I found the official word on this matter: the U.S. Navy and Marine aircraft paint standards manual.......

(click photo for expanded view)

This clearly shows only a two-tone scheme, with FS 36375 and FS 35237.

Andy

RidleUSMC and AH1WSnake are definitely better sources than this knuckle dragger, but to me, the -53s are a two color scheme, and sometimes, they look like just one overall grey to these eyes,  but again, I'm no expert. 

I'm jealous, Alby.  Another modeler with the one kit I want this year...Hope to see your progress or some finished photos when you get a chance.

Yes, it is just a 2 color scheme.  The Light grey on the verticle surfaces continues down to the bottom (belly) of the Aircraft.  

The paint weathers horribly on these aircraft.  The finish gets torn up pretty badly by exhaust from the T-64's, grease from the rotor heads, leaks from hydraulics, fuel, and oil.  The greatest damage to the paint comes from the maintenance crews.  The hand and foot holds usually show signs of chipping.  The paint seems to get permeated by dirt, and the aircraft actually seems to get darker as time goes on.  Markings such as the Modex (CJ on the Academy Model) and the Aircraft number (08) are often painted over and repainted as aircraft are moved from squadron to squadron.  There is often lighter grey paint square under these markings.  The Word "MARINES" and the Star and Bars is applied in a civilian contracted paint hanger durring Depot Level Rework, and are grey.  Squadron and aircraft specific markins are applied by the squadron upon delivery to the unit and are black.  

I used Tamiya colors when I built a 1/72 CH-53E a couple of years ago.  I found XF-20 Medium Grey and XF-23 Light Blue to be a good match for the big pig's color scheme.  

Check out my photobucket spot for reference pics of the 53 and to check out the colors I used on that 72nd scale 53. 

  http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/ridleusmc/

Semper Fi,

Chris 

LJ, Andy, and Chris,

Thank you very much for the information, I greatly appreciate it. I hope to be able to pull off a convincing finish on this beast, so I'll definitely post some pics to get your feedback. I'm not going to mess with interior, other than adding seatbelts to the pilot/co-pilot seats. Like I said, the exterior will be my focus.

Again I appreciate your help!

Cheers,

Alby