I continue to plug along on these turkeys. I'm starting to see Montex masks and Tamiya tape in my sleep. I endeavored to paint on the stars and bars and invasion stripes. I figured I'd add the stars and bars first. First I sprayed down some XF-2 white and added Montex masks.
Next I mixed XF-8 Flat Blue with XF-1 Flat Black to come up with Insignia Blue. I sprayed this next.
I then switched exclusively (for the moment) to Gabby's Jug which would get full invasion stripes. The fuselage stripes were unique and showed to have only the white stripes with black borders. Apparently they removed the black ones or never painted them in the first place. This photo kind of shows it, at least the "borders".
I started by spraying the whole area black. Then I cut strips of Tamiya tape to outline where the white stripes will go.
Next White was sprayed.
I then sprayed more white on the wings and then taped off all of the areas to remain white.
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I taped the flaps and gear doors in place so everything is consistent.
Next I fired down black which was then taped off (This work was also done to Schilling's Jug, but only the lowers).
My research showed that the 56th FG painted these with RAF stock in their day fighter scheme of Ocean Grey, RAF Green over Medium Sea Grey. I had these in Tamiya paint. I started with the underside Medium Sea Grey XF-83 and used XF-2 White to reverse base it.
Note: At this point both planes are painted at the same time as they share almost the same scheme.
Next I fired down the XF-82 Ocean Grey. I reverse based this with white as well.
Next I got to the tedious process of adding the green striping/mottling. I went in close with low pressure. I found this challenging on both as reference pictures were hard to find, particularly the upper wing surfaces. For Gabby's Jug I used the 1/32 Hasegawa P-47 profile in instructions (from my stash) and for Schilling's the limited pictures I could find on the net. In reality this is a crap shoot anyways and it was probably pretty random. I also sprayed the rudders and cowl bands as appropriate. Overall I'm pleased.
Tape and masks removed (Schilling)
Gabreski unmasked.
I'm pretty happy with the fuselage stripes.
All together?
Time for some weathering then decals. I hope I don't have to paint any invasions stripes for awhile....