weathering a NMF

whitebiker wrote:

I will be building my first NMF on a B-29.  I was thinking of using Testors Metallizers and/or Alclad.  What method would be best to weather with?  I'm only looking for light weathering to reflect some oxidation and normal wear and tear.

Oxidation of aluminum is a light gray (almost white) dusting. White pastels or chaulks would probably work best for that (very, very fine and applied very, very sparingly). Take a look at various NMF aircraft that have been left outside for display. That would show the oxidation at it's worst. A lot of old Migs and such have been left and neglected in ex-Warsaw-pact countries. www.airliners.net has lots of pics of these (search the site for "Mig").

  Otherwise, oils and other fluids would leak from the aircraft so a light wash of black and brown would be appropriate around the engines and such, flowing in the direction of airflow.

NMF weathering usually implies scuffs scratches and oxidization of the skin as well as the staining associated with gun blast residue and fluid leakage and oozing. Painted sections will have chipping and fading of the paint, especially if you are doing a B-29 that served during WWII or Korea. These aircraft were exposed to a lot of heat, sun and salt.

The other suggestion is that you want to stay away from super shiney or polished NMF...unless the aircraft you are modeling was a prestige aircraft or special operations...where the crew kept it polished for speed or public relations.

Visit my website for another easy to use paint options for doing NMF.