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Colors for early WWII USN aircraft

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  • Member since
    May 2016
Colors for early WWII USN aircraft
Posted by B-36Andy on Saturday, May 2, 2020 7:29 PM

I just bought a AK Real Colors early war USN aircraft paint set. They include Light Grey, Blue Grey, but the third color is a mystery to me. This is Bronze Green. The only color that remotely resembles this was used in the movie Dive Bomber (1941) with a USN Lockeed Electra painted in this shade. I'm sure this is for something else. 

Can anyone shed some light on this Bronze Green?

Andy

  • Member since
    February 2013
Posted by tomwatkins45 on Saturday, May 2, 2020 7:39 PM

It was used as a cockpit color very early on. I think it was also called Dull Dark Green by some aircraft manufacturers.It was replaced by interior green.

Hope this helps,

Tom

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Saturday, May 2, 2020 7:43 PM

Sure Andy. Bronze Green was an early cockpit color for aircraft in WW2.  They would eventually switch to the interior green which I imagine more people are familiar with. 

Here's a link that will do a good job explaining everything. I encourage you to browse through it. 

https://www.ipmsstockholm.se/home/interior-colours-of-us-aircraft-1941-45-part-i/

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  • Member since
    May 2016
Posted by B-36Andy on Saturday, May 2, 2020 9:51 PM

Thanks guys!

Andy

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Saturday, May 2, 2020 10:32 PM

I have to wonder if that "bronze" green is close to "Gruman Green" which was distinctly "greener" than "iterior green" (if memory serves).

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Saturday, May 2, 2020 11:40 PM

Dull Dark Green and Bronze Green were two different colors used on pre WWII and early WWII US aircraft interiors. They also saw some post war use as well.

Here is a good article on what color(s) were used on which aircraft. 

https://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2004/01/stuff_eng_interior_colours_us.htm

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

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  • Member since
    May 2016
Posted by B-36Andy on Sunday, May 3, 2020 4:31 PM

Now that were on this subject, I wonder what prewar Vought interiors were painted?

I have a 1940 Kingfisher that needs interior paint. Accurate Miniatures recommends a gloss aluminum interior for their SB2U 'yellow wings' ship--a Vought product. Seems if the deck for the observer on the Kingfisher was silver, it would be hard on his eyes.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, May 4, 2020 12:16 AM

Looks dark in there, possibly Dull Dark Green... much darker than the interior green on the TBD

 

 

 

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

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