Large Model Association Forum

As some of you will be aware, I've built a 12 foot span Ziroli DC 3 Dakota. My original intention was to base the model on the C 47 Skytrain L4 as represented in the TV series Band of Brothers. I believe the L4 at Dunsford was the actual aircraft used in filming. The model is painted and I'm in the process of adding invasion stripes and other insignia.

Now here's the problem, for some unknown reason I've had a mind set that the full size was olive drab when in actual fact it was brown. I must have been suffering from tunnel vision or some other form of "numptyness" because I've seen the series numerous times so, how I've made such a fundemental mistake is still a mystery to me.

As far as colours go, I much prefer olive green to drab brown and, though I say so myself, the model is looking absolutely gorgeous at the moment, but it is not accurate. I have the option of being able to mask off again and overpaint the green with brown, but I'm a bit loathed to do that. Opinion between our little group is split, so hence this topic.

I can either do a re paint and base the model on a "specific" aircraft, or leave it as it is and base it on a "generic" type, not too dirty, like a restored full size. The model is booked in for three shows so far and I don't want it to look daft on the circuit in front of numerous purists who would notice my gaffe straight away.

So, as the title says, what would you do? I've got a full week to come to a decision and I welcome any feed back from all of you out there in large model land, I've got broad shoulders so I won't be offended if it's negative. The only comment I could well do without is "I could have told you it was brown". That's the first thing my wife said.

I've attached a couple of photos, the first one shows two full size in formation, the one at the back is definately green, The second photo is of the nose of my L4.

It looks fine. Thing is, will YOU be happy with it? Sod the 'purists', they didnt build it! You have to decide what you want to do, not listen to others!

Dave,

From what I've seen C-47's were painted in a number of slightly different shades. So anyone who can definitely say yours is wrong is talking b*******s.

My only comment is that it does look a but shiny (this could be caused by the flash). I would just apply a dirty wash to make it look a bit more used.



Cheers

Jason

Thanks for the comments so far. The green does have a satin sheen to it, that's the nature of the paint. Whatever colour it ends up with, it will have a final coat of matt laqueur on it.

Hi Dave
i think you have to do the model in the colour that feels right to you.
I myself was building one of these ziroli's for the 3rd time and was going to paint mine in the air atlanique colours,
but i know what you mean about the differant colours though i would colour it in the brown colours, to me its more rugged if you see what i mean ,go with what you feel is right .then youll be happy with it

Dave---it looks better In green to me----you have done a fantastic job so far----get the matt on it ,it will be great----forget what the purists say,jsust picture it doing those lovely wing down passes at Woodford--it will look brill----just my 2p worth DAVE

Dave ive seen the band of brothers now in several differant colours of green, and brown, lets get some paint in a gun, and spray a test piece, then matt it, lets see what it looks like, having seen it, and been with it from birth, i think it will be one of the best out there even if it was bright pink (dont you dare )

Just leave it in the garden for a couple of years.
This is just a remotely educated guess that it's possible that they were sprayed OD but have faded by the weather. Wartime pictures hardly ever give an accurate idea of the actual colour. Many done in the 70's and 80's weren't researched properly, now with tinternet it's easier to get a more accurate idea. A prime example of this is those blue 361st Mustangs which were infancy green. Also Matt paint weathers very quickly in this climate hence most modern restorations are finished in satin or gloss, it lasts longer, it's easier to maintain and it helps combat corrosion.

Stewart.

I do agree with the others, it's your model ignore the idiots.

Oh, to give you another idea, just look at to OD paint when you first pop the lid off the tin, some of them look brownish.

You could always use the East Kirkby resident Dak as a model.
http://silksheenphotography.co.uk/resid ... y-history/

Jason's comments above are spot on......there wasn't one single OD that was used throughout WW2......different factories used different interpretations of the same ting. There are well know pictures of B-17's with tail fins a completely different colour to the main fuselage.......the reason being the fins were contracted out to a different manufacturer but arrived for final assembly already painted. There is a clear colour difference where the 2 section joined. Paint back in the 40's also weathered & faded very quickly compared to modern coatings, especially on aircraft flown at high altitude for prolonged periods (high UV exposure). Factory fresh paint often had a strong green tint whereas is turned more and more brown the older it was......I have a photo of a B-17 somewhere that looks almost pink!!!!!

Finish it the way you want and that looks good in your eyes......no one can tell you it's wrong.

Phil

Dave,

Did I give you the CD full of pictures I took of the l4 Dakota when I went getting the props off it?

If not I will get them to you.

Mike

Mike what the heck where you doing with a DC3s props?

Thanks for the responses guys, and look at what I've found, what a wonderfull thing the internet is. It might be a tad darker than the model, but it's a green L4.

Mike (Altham) yes thanks, I do have the two discs you gave me, the aircraft looks a wishy washy blue on your pictures, so who can say what colour it is or was.

I think this pretty much raps up this topic and I very much appreciate the comments and advice given by all who have contributed to the discussion. Once again, many thanks. Jonesey.