salt weathering us navy aircraft (sbd, hellcat etc.)

The salt weathering will do fine on Japanese aircraft .The U.S.Carrier aircraft were not so "Chipped Away "looking..Dry brushing is more common w/ a metallic silver or steel type of color at the wing walk areas .Research and obtain photos of Hellcats or other types of aircraft top views that can help.More of a worn look than chipped.(Dry Brush).

One time at a contest I was just walking around and over herd a Judge say to another Judge that this weathering looks more chipped away than the normal ware ant tear, and they were looking at a 1/32 scale Hellcat.

Do the best for you, and use spare wing parts to practice on..Enamel paints spread better when applied by dry brushing.

Practice on spare parts and see what level of weathering results fits the aircraft.Also try using Rub 'n Buff in silver which is a wax base color silver used on highlighting raised areas.It can be sealed .

Silver

The salt weathering will do fine on Japanese aircraft .The U.S.Carrier aircraft were not so "Chipped Away "looking..Dry brushing is more common w/ a metallic silver or steel type of color at the wing walk areas .Research and obtain photos of Hellcats or other types of aircraft top views that can help.More of a worn look than chipped.(Dry Brush).

Two words- corrosion control. USN aircraft at sea were constantly exposed to a sea spray salt air environment. So corrosion control was far more of a necessity than on their land based counterparts, and maintained accordingly. Also, compared to those operating off of crushed coral airstrips in the Central and South Pacific, they did not have the abrasion action of crushed coral dust that was kicked up by the landing gear and blown back by the prop blast. A third factor coming in to play is that the aircraft had comparitively short service lives. The SBD-5 for example came into service in mid 1943, and by late 1944 had been replaced aboard fleet carriers. Development and production were happening at such a rapid pace that aircraft were literally in service for a few months before being replaced by newer and/or better models.

Thanks for the replies. Further to navy weathering any advice on realistic bleaching (from sun sea etc)?

Try using the original color as a base, then apply thinned lightened coats on top until you achieve the look you want. Practice on an older build first before commiting hard on a new prize build.