p51flier

It can clearly be seen on almost every picture of a Mustang that the colors of the insignias on the wings are insignia blue/insignia white. But the color of the insignias on the fuse look very dark on some pictures. Especially on original WW2 color pictures as can be seen on the attached pic. I even saw a picture of Butch Schroeders restored Lil Margaret during the paint job where the insignia color on the fuselage is definitely black (see the book Mustang Restored by Paul Coggan).

Does somebody know what color were the fuselage insignias on wartime Mustangs: BLACK or INSIGNIA BLUE

Any information is greatly appreciated

Slug

Blue.

p51flier

Thanx.....

.....so it's going to be blue.

Joe

Tmoth4

My Feedback: (1)

Insignia blue is very dark, almost black.

p51flier

I'll ask my local paint dealer to mix an automotive paint which matches the FS:35044 as close as possible. Or I'll buy a Humbrol, Revell or Model Master paint and use that color as a pattern to choose the right color from the big fat catalogue in the paint shop. The problem ist that the federal standard is totally uncommon here in europe.

Joe

BTW...all USAAF insignias in WW2 were flat or semi glossy, right?

Slug

Joe,

You may find that there is an 'off the shelf' automotive colour that will do the job, I managed to match RAF marking colours from my local shop's range.

If you can't find tins of the right model colour to match against you could use plastic modelling decal sheets, Aeromaster or the like.

As a rule of thumb I make the finish match the rest of the aircraft, semi gloss on a silver airframe and dulled and weathered to match on a painted surface.

Simon.

BobH

My Feedback: (2)

Joe, you can ues either 35042 or 35044, Both are correct. For 35042 Humbrol number HB09 or HU04 or HU24 would work. (these are under the old Humbrol numbering system, you may need to cross ref them to a newer number). I dont have a Humbrol# for 35044..
Model masters number 1717 or 1718 both are ok. Again my ref book is dated so these numbers may have changed?.. Hope this helps Regards BobH.

p51flier

Thanks a lot folks. Helped a lot. I will post some pics here after having applied the insignias on my fiberclassics Mustang.

Joe

SCALEFANATIC

Joe, Haven't been in touch for a while due to holidays and work. I use RAL 5003 Saphirblau for Insignia Blue and it looks okay,
Brian

p51flier

Hi Brian,
I just checked RAL5003 and FS35044 and yes they are quite similar. At least at the PC screen. With a little bit of weathering there will be no difference.

I'll take 5003.

Thanks
Joe