Light and Dark Ghost Grey

[tigercat2]

While working on a Hasagawa TF-18A (later re-designated as an F-18B), my research showed that the paint is Dark Ghost Grey on top surfaces, Light Ghost Grey on lower surfaces.  There seems to be very little difference in these two shades, so I painted it Light Ghost Grey overall, and it looks very good.  In photos it is really hard to tell the difference, so why go through all the bother of two very similar shades, why not just paint the real aircraft LGG or DGG overall?



Wes W.

[sandiego89]

I too have noticed there is very little difference on the ghost grays on models- you can hardly tell the difference.  I think it it is a matter of scale.  On a real 1:1 aircraft the difference is more visible.  It is like painting a room: it is tough to tell shade difference by holding two small swatches or small samples brushed on side by side- but if you painted two whole walls in different colors, then you would clearly see the difference.  

Photos also do not do justice.  You can tell in person.  

Mrs. Sandiego89 can spend hours deciding and agonizing over the perfect shade of eggshell/white/lace/snowscape/ivory, but I prefer "what do I have left over? white? OK- that is perfect."  

[PR19_Kit]

 Mrs. Sandiego89 can spend hours deciding and agonizing over the perfect shade of eggshell/white/lace/snowscape/ivory, but I prefer "what do I have left over? white? OK- that is perfect."  

Hehehe, why does this sound familiar? 

[tigercat2]

Good point about scale effect.  I never worry about it (I do all 1/72), but it is a factor between full size and scale models.


Wes W.

[McColm]

The F-14 was a patchwork of various greys.
Maybe its got something to do with the dummy cockpit!

[Dizzyfugu]

On the USN machines, surface deterioration was and is a big issue. The finish is matt, so things get dirty VERY quickly, the demarcation lines between the tones blur easily.

When you take a look at USAF F-15s (which carry the same colors, just a slightly different scheme with "counter patches") you can much easier make out the difference between FS 36375 and FS 36320 - the latter is a bit more blue-ish and darker.

Size and light also play a role, sure.