Yes, that’s what demobbed says but Leeming know nothing of it!

I thought the same, particularly that first top shot looks exactly like a model. Its actually very hard to take a pic (with my low levels of ability and just an iPhone) to get across the look adequately. I swear in real life it looks much “better” than these images suggest. The satin looking finish might be a little trick. The aircraft was out in drizzle when the pictures were taken so the surface was uniformally damp which might account for it.

The initial idea was to paint one flap in a totally different colour and then weather independently to a slightly lesser degree than the rest of the aircraft. This would then present as a hastily executed field repair. In all honesty I lost my nerve at the last minute, fearing I was going too far. Kind of regret it a bit. Guess I could still do it. Group thoughts?

When we’re doing all this for the first time we just have so many valid voices at the table. Aircraft engineers, aircraft painters, scenic artists, paint manufacturers and just occasionally the owner. It does take time when you have no reference nor can you draw on any advice of those that have done exactly this before! The experts are deciding now if we should put a clear matt lacquer top coat on to protect the finish, oh the irony of it all. If we do then I’m hoping the cost of that wont be the uniformity of which you speak. We’re all finding our way a bit.

🙂

Yep, both a fair gramactical point and excellent historical knowledge!

🙂

You’re correct in that the scheme hasn’t actually changed. It belongs to a 109 and is about 8 years old. When we first selected it we were all excited about being a fake 109 and having lots of fun at airshows being shot down. That worked out and it served us well. With “real” 109s now on the scene and airshows being a little more tiring I think she’ll eventually end up in a more authentic 108 scheme. Likely weathered again as I really like the look, although I’ll concede I could just be in a period of post project euphoria. Maybe I get bored of it. Hope not.

This weathered look has been on my mind for years, the final catalyst was that she was getting near to wanting a strip and repaint anyway. This was a way of both experimenting with this and maybe stretching out an already slightly scruffy paint job for another couple of years. It was certainly a leap of faith for all; myself and the artists concerned. Its permanent paint by the way, not washable. Lots of web searching for reference images and discussion with modellers who’ve been doing it for ages. Seeing which of their techniques will up scale to real aircraft and which wont. Trials on loose bits of aircraft skin etc etc. Lots of work.

Other than the recent buchon washable job I’m not aware of it having been done before? Good or bad.

*Stands back, awaits to be proved wrong…*