F-16 N camouflage help needed...

Clumsy,

Deciphering colors and trying to sort out who's right and who's wrong is a tough job, especially since there's alotta wrong info out there.

I dunno if you've come across this site, but it's a good FS 595b reference site. The colors match very closely with an actual FS 595b fan deck, though computer monitors will vary.

http://www.ipms-earth.com/fs595b/

Anyhoo, beyond that general reference, I'll also try and dig up some info as to the specific FS colors of the Novembers. You're looking for the initial standard scheme, I take it?

Fade to Black...

That's right, the initial standard gray+gray(darker shade)+bluish gray.
As mentioned above there is not any problem with the grays but with the bluish gray there is a huge one.
Only the FS no. for that blusih gray .will be enough to go on my project. I have both the shades but do not know which to use.
Thank you very much for youe interest.
With my best regards,
Arkut Yuksel

A very good fishing buddy of mine was stationed at NAS Miramar, San Deigo, California and worked in the paint barn. He told me they often mixed their own colors and no two aircraft were the same shade. He also said at times they would buy automotive colors to paint their adversary aircraft, if they could not find the correct color they needed. He said one color used on the first F-16N's was Chevy blue.

He also helped paint the black F-5's used in the movie "Top Gun". He said they had to repaint after each flight as the black paint would peel off in large sections during flight. After the filming he said it was hard to get the paint off though.

I can definately believe that, Berny. What with some of the unusual schemes that have appeared over the years, both Navy and Air Force Aggressors, you do sometimes wonder "where'n'hell they'd dream that up"... (And why don't they match any of the color charts? )

However, these F-16N's were delivered from the factory carrying the scheme in question. So we can assume that there is some level of consistency between the initial appearance of individual aircraft, especially if they were delivered at the same time.

Clumsy, I've done a bit of digging and have come up with the following.

First off, in looking at many shots of F-16N's in the original scheme I've noticed that despite differences in the printing inks used in various books and magazines, the blue-gray used as part of the camo scheme is always much more blue in appearance than the color used on the leading edge of the tailplanes.

In comparing the two FS numbers you quoted it's evident that FS 35189 has more blue in it than FS 35237. Below are samples from the FS595B website that I mentioned in my last post:

FS 35189:

FS 35237:

A side by side contact comparison:



My own personal choice for the "Blue-Gray" color, or the third color in the scheme would be FS 35189, or something close. (I say "close" because of the effects of weathering; sun exposure and any of the other variables involved.)

But it's ultimately up to you as to which you choose.

Fade to Black...

Found this on Hyperscale: http://204.50.25.179/features00/f16nda_1.htm
It shows close ups to see which is which and where.

Sirs;
Thank you very much for your interest and hard thinking about my question.
Blackwolf, checking out the photos the colour appears much blue than gray, alos at www.jpsmodell.de it is stated that the colour should be FS 35189???
Also as stated by Hasegawa the colour should be a bluish shade.
But as Mostlyjets says i had found the article written bt David Aungst who states that the colour he used was FS 35237 which appears more gary than a blue shade.
Mixed all by the info i have found and by the hard effort you showed me to help on my question- to which i am very very much thankfull- i think weathering will solve all these problems about the third colour.
Just that i was so curious about the article written by Dana Bell that tells the initial camo. colours for that F-16N in December 1987.
Thank you very very much all for efforts for my problem.
With my best rgards,
Arkut Yuksel

y'all complicating too much with correct colors in this case... I'll tell you why.

I have the 1/48 Hasegawa kit of the F-16N (assembled, waiting for the paint job) and I intend to use the kit decals.
Now by looking at photos of real aircraft the markings and stencils on F-16Ns appear to be in two of the camo colors, if you know what I mean. (35237 markings on 36251 background and vice versa; or maybe the second is 36307, I don't have the kit here now).
Anyway, you need 3 color shades for your model, of which 2 are determined by the colors of your decals. Mix those two colors yourself to match the decals you will be using.

In this case, if you do your research and find the *exactly* correct color shade, it will all be in vain if you don't also have the decals in the same colors.

HTH

Whaz up Clumsy,
I have a few pics of F-16's from VF-45 and I see what ya mean about the leading of the fin and stabs.
The way this particular pic was taken,it looks more like it would be a lighter variant of intermediate blue FS 354164.
Looking a lil more into the book I found a (spec page photo copy. To where I got it?? off hand I am not sure): T.O N16SUP-2-00GV-00-1which mentions "forward surfaces of rudder and horizontal stabs are painted P5438-8. which gives an FS number as being FS 16440(gull gray).
As I look on and see the other pics of the VF-45 birds, it a appears to be of a grayish color than a blue gray.
These birds could have been painted in there original scheme or may have been altered to when these shots were taken.
At any rate, you feel what is the best color that matches the closest and use it. As long as your close enough right......
Flaps up, Mike

Hey maketar
Nobody is singling you out. Blackwolf was just explaining something that he had found while he was doing his research that is all.
I too agree w/ Wolf on the kit decals. That is why I use the after market decals. The over all appearance,detailing and register of the decal is very well done(basically they look more realistic than what is supplied w/ the kit. This is a simple answer).
Its not the $$$$$ we are talking about, it is how much one wants to get envolved w/ the kit. Everybody has his/her own way of building.
That is fine w/ me because this is only a hobby and it is ment to be fun. But please NEVER say somebody needs a therapist, cause someday you may need help(real life situation) and that person who may help you may be the one your talking about.
Have a good on my friend
Flaps up, Mike

Butz

you're right, I was too harsh and I shouldn't have written the last sentence. thank you for pointing it out. If anyone got offended (blackwolf included), I apologize.

If this wasn't internet, I could say "let's leave it alone guys and let's go get a beer instead".
BTW you know this modeling stuff really isn't of vital importance. it's just a hobby. (although I like it very much)

The feeling is mutual maketar.

I wrote what I did because I misinterpreted what you said. Also, you seem to have misinterpreted some of what I wrote in that last post.

I have a complicated sense of humor which is not readily understood often times. Also, because English is not your first language, my intended meanings may have been missed. I used certain phrases that don't necessarily translate too well to other languages.

One thing that is not adequately expressed in written words are the feelings and inflections, or tone of voice which is readily recognisable in the spoken word. Sarcasm and humor sometimes are not apparent in the written word.

In any event, I do like to give folks friendly digs and joke around. I regret that my doing so offended you or anyone else who may have read that post. I do get carried away from time to time!

Anyhoo, my apologies, I assure you that no malice or offense was intended. And I don't drink beer, but I'd settle for a Coca Cola!

Fade to Black...

Whaz up maketar,
Your most welcome and I accept my friend. BOY could I go for a beer, how about you???
Flaps up,Mike

Sirs;
I think i will use my 5 sense to come up to an end
Thank you very very much all for pour helps
With my all best regards,
Arkut Yuksel