ch-53 hydrualic leaks

Hydraulic fluid wasn't red.  It was more a reddish pink.  Take gloss pink and add gloss red to it until you get the color you are looking for.  Then use a clear to thin it out so it will spread.  That is what I used several years ago on a diorama I built.    

Also you can use the "Candie" Color's too... red or green, blue, purple... etc.. what ever color the fluid is, the candie  is clear and shinny and stays that way......[}:)

                                                                   "RC"                          

Also, you can use the clear green to airbrush onto the canopy overhead panels for their tinting, and the clear smoke can be airbrushed in light coats to simulate exhaust weathering. I use Tamiya's clear colors for all sorts of lenses and displays on various vehicles. Good stuff.

That's what I was trying to think of!  I knew there was a line of paint out there with a bit of   translucency like an oil based product... I just couldn't remember what it was I was trying to think of... good idea!

Have you tried using the Tamiya line of 'clear' acrylics? They should provide the opaque look you are going for; try a mix of clear red and clear yellow.

ahhh the memories!!!  I remember a very long medevac on a 53 I did... about mid flight I was talking to the doctor with me and looking at the patient, when I could have sworn something was on my back.. I started slapping at my back and the crew chief laughed and told me that it was hydraulic fluid dripping on me, and it was normal... he said if I noticed it stop leaking to let him know, he wanted to be the first out the door...

Have you thought about oils for the hydraulic fluid?  I would imagine a burnt siena and paynes black mixture would look pretty good, plus they stay wet a lot longer than other paints and are "workable"... i.e. you can still spread them and blend them for a loooong time, giving you time to find "just the right look"  I might play with that this weekend as I wouldn't mind doing a 53 and a 46 myself one day... put them on my shelf to remind me of "the good old days"  and like you, I would want to get it authentic