RE: [Epic] painting B-17s

From: Kelley, Kevin J., JCS <kevin.kelley_at_...>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 07:25:03 -0400

>>> Big Snip <<<<


> BTW, has anyone tried painted their Thunderbolts or Mauroders in a
> metal/no-paint finish, like WW2 B-17's and other planes, where there the
> need for camo was subservient to the need to reduce weight?
>
Clean the metal really good with a hobbyists wire brush and then make up a
black wash with an enamel/oil
based paint and black wash it lightly - you need to have it on a stand or
something - this will be messy. Then after it drys
very carefully with thinner and a Q tip get the black off the flat surfaces.

Also - the reason for the bare aluminum finish (in WWII and even now) was
more to reduce drag than save weight. They actually polished the a/c to get
a smooth a finish as possible. Also
notice that US Carrier a/c are still painted - this is to prevent corrosion
from the salt environment.
Received on Mon Jun 22 1998 - 11:25:03 UTC