weathering modern planes

My prefered process is:
1. Paint all primary colors and details.
2. Seal model with Future.
3. Apply decals and setting solutions.
4. Seal decals with Future.
5. Apply weathering and paint chipping.
6. Apply dull coat sealant.
7. Remove masks from clear parts.
8. Apply any pastel chalks

Check my website for more details about Future and Weathering Basics.

Swanny has it right -
Try and follow his advice.
Do you have a subscription to FineScale Modeler? I've found this magazine to be the most informative and instructional magazine on the market - I've learned heaps and become a far better modeller because of the articles the viewers write.
Have a look at the mag and get a subscription today.
Cheers
LeeTree

thanks guys. i'll give that a try. no, i dont have a subscription but i do buy the mag. every month. i know the subscrip. is cheaper...blah blah blah. i've been reading fsm for a few years now...but i have yet to see any real info on weathering planes...perhaps i just havent looked hard enough. but then i guess i wouldnt be here asking you guys. anyways, i will give you advice a try and i look forward to becoming a better modeler. thanks for the help.

Also when you weather the A/C remember that they are not as dirty as their fore fathers where, the Aircraft's Crew Cheif or Plane Captian will keep it as clean as possible and wiped down so the weathering really dosen't get to carried away, but after a Sortie that's when they are the messiest,
When the A-10's I worked on came back from their missions during the Fighting in Iraqi Freedom their noses where almost black and their bellies had a darker grey shade from the Gun also another area that has heavy streaks is the Engines Exhaust cones they are one of the areas that is almost next to impossible to keep clean do from the heat and oil's that escape the seals I'll try to get some Pix on the web for all to see

Ditto for F/A-18 Hornets. Yeah, these planes are "newer" but some of them have had quite a bit of use lately making way for new buildings, if you get my drift! LOL - Calvin

thanks cuda and iodni_k . i appreciate your advice and will run with it. a-10 hogs are my favorite modern plane. not that i dont appreciate a good f/a-18 :) speaking of a-10's though...do you happen to know the federal standard color gray used on them? (or the closest thing)