Dislikable paint schemes and markings

Nathan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 4:19 pm

Hi all,

We all talk about likes around here but what about those little things that you really can't get a taste for?

I am going with paint schemes and markings.

I am going to be the oddball around here on this one maybe: I somehow just can't get to liking the camo scheme applied to Vietnam aircraft like the F-4 and F-105. I know many like it. I just can't seem to be attracted to it although I actually enjoy seeing that scheme on the QF-4's that fly today in airshows. Maybe because it's different and tells some history..and that they are flying(for now).

Also can't say I am attracted to the dark gull gray/light gull gray(if that is the correct colors) on the F-15's, F-16's, etc. But I understand it's an ideal color and is important. How about olive drab? Kinda nice to see this color still on some of the choppers. Although I am thinking it might be a darker shade then that found on WWII USAAF aircraft.

On a cool note I enjoy that the old "U.S. Air Force" in big letters are still applied to aircraft like the KC-135.

I am just talking about tastes here I am not trying to criticize the role of the colors. These thoughts were in my mind today and just figured I would share them.

Thanks,
Nathan

http://www.us-aircraft.com admin

Randune · **Joined:** Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:36 pm **Posts:** 68

Interesting topic that I don't think I've seen covered.
I agree with the dislike of the low viz markings on current military aircraft, but I guess if it kept me from being shot at I might appreciate it more. I used to like seeing the almost garish paint of the Navy CAGs aircraft.

On current restored warbirds two things stick out to me as a personal dislike. First I really don't like the glossy finish applied, i know it weathers better and paint ain't cheap. But I really like the authentic look of the Flat finishes.

Second, one of my favorite planes is the P40. For some reason I don't like the over used sharks mouth. I find it refreshing to see something different. Whether its just left plain or the kodiak bear as used in the Aluetians.

This has been one mans opinion!

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:24 pm

I am sure I will catch crap for this one, but I am not a fan of the B-25 in USSR markings. It is just ugly.

Pogo · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:33 pm

Hah, you think you're gonna catch crap? I'm sorry, but I DETEST tramp stamps.

Well, let me clarify that a bit. I appreciate why they're extant, and half of 'em really aren't all that bad -- when they blend in at least a little bit. But those suckers that are plastered front and center, and just stick out like a sore thumb? :finga:

Nathan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:36 pm

mustangdriver wrote:

I am sure I will catch crap for this one, but I am not a fan of the B-25 in USSR markings. It is just ugly.

I agree with the USSR B-25 and shark mouth P-40's.

I am probably one of the biggest supports for the P-40 on WIX yet the AVG is just done too much and every P-40 that has a AVG scheme all have different colors.

Love flat paint schemes too.

We need more authentic Pacific war birds out there. Does not actually have to be a Pacific vet. :mrgreen:

m charters · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:45 pm

I have to say that the Russian B-25 is a fresh perspective in the warbird movement.
It gives a new look for the photo enthusiasts!
Just like CWH with their Lysander adding striped target tug colors where none had been before in the flying circuit.
As far as what i don't like? I never did like the color on Diamond Lil..it was a blessing when she was redone!
I am a believer that aircraft should have their schemes changed periodically much like BBMF does with their Lancaster.

Zachary · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:52 pm

I actually like the Russian scheme on the B-25 - it's something different and fresh, and Lend-Lease is an often forgotten part of the war. My favorite WWII plane as most of you know is the P-47, and a particular P-47D-22-RE called "Silver Lady" that served with the 61st FS, 56th FG is my absolute favorite airplane of the war. It was supposedly the first bare metal jug in the 8th AF, and was considered a "lucky" ship in the squadron. I've had the great honor of interviewing two of the pilots it was assigned to - Les Smith and Bill Hartshorn. That being said, I tend to dislike most bare metal schemes on warbirds today, mostly because they are polished to death. Those pictures floating around of Fuddy Duddy being polished to a mirror finish are neat to see for the "ooo-ahhh" factor, but I'd choose the original oxidized patina finish on Twilight Tear when she first come across the pond over a polished plane any day of the week...

Zack

Nathan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:03 pm

The B-25 is fine. Im sure it gets a lot of talk. :axe:

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3331

Endless AVG-marked late-model P-40s, and schemes which are just plain nasty, such as the CAF Wildcat (ugh!) and P-51 'Six Shooter' (ugh again!)

All the wannabes (Navions pretending to be L-17s, L-39s/Magisters/Jet Provosts in USN markings, etc)

Enemy Ace · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 8:11 pm

I really respected Sue Parrish but her P-40 at the air zoo made me wanna puke.
I also seem to find myself not very enthused about any CY "glamourus" mustang paint jobs anymore, but I understand those markings are starting to get rare for some reason....

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

The scheme I really don't like is when some "weekend" pilot paints up his Cessna, Piper, or homebuilt in a military paint scheme - whether it be W.W. II or modern. These "wanna-be's", for some reason, really irk the h3ll out of me! I don't know, maybe it's because I think it "cheapens" the role the aircraft and Veterans played in defending our freedom. I really take that one personally. It makes me want to go "Greenpeace" on their butts and throw paint on their quasi-military airplanes.

Zachary · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 8:32 pm

warbird1 wrote:

The scheme I really don't like is when some "weekend" pilot paints up his Cessna, Piper, or homebuilt in a military paint scheme - whether it be W.W. II or modern. These "wanna-be's", for some reason, really irk the h3ll out of me! I don't know, maybe it's because I think it "cheapens" the role the aircraft and Veterans played in defending our freedom. I really take that one personally. It makes me want to go "Greenpeace" on their butts and throw paint on their quasi-military airplanes.

I used to feel that way too, but I've met some folks with RVs painted in various fighter squadron or group schemes like the 352nd who do it because they are honoring a family member or friend who flew in the group, not because they like to feel like they are a fighter pilot. If it's okay with the vets, it's okay with me. I also think of it this way - it's just one more way of keeping the memories alive...and that's a good thing.

Zack

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

Zachary wrote:

warbird1 wrote:

The scheme I really don't like is when some "weekend" pilot paints up his Cessna, Piper, or homebuilt in a military paint scheme - whether it be W.W. II or modern. These "wanna-be's", for some reason, really irk the h3ll out of me! I don't know, maybe it's because I think it "cheapens" the role the aircraft and Veterans played in defending our freedom. I really take that one personally. It makes me want to go "Greenpeace" on their butts and throw paint on their quasi-military airplanes.

I used to feel that way too, but I've met some folks with RVs painted in various fighter squadron or group schemes like the 352nd who do it because they are honoring a family member or friend who flew in the group, not because they like to feel like they are a fighter pilot. If it's okay with the vets, it's okay with me. I also think of it this way - it's just one more way of keeping the memories alive...and that's a good thing.

Zack

That may be true, and I agree to an extent, but most of the owner's I've met who do that are just the opposite. They are "wanna-be's". If that is the case, then the owners need to make a definite point of WHY their aircraft are painted like that when they take them to airshows or public outings, IMO.

bipe215 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 25, 2010 9:22 pm

My Dad built a Fly Baby in the '70's painted in the pre-war trainer paint scheme (blue fuselage /yellow wings/stars & bars). It looked great in that scheme, kind of like a little PT-19. He certainly wasn't a wanna be, since he flew P-40's and B-17's. He just liked that paint scheme. I flew that airplane while I was in college and later. Guess that makes me a 'wanna be', since I would have given anything to fly any warbird. I thought about painting my Hatz in a military paint scheme but decided it just wouldn't look quite right. I think after literally years of hard work, a homebuilder can paint his pride and joy any way he pleases. I've never been offended by a paint job.

Steve G

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

bipe215 wrote:

My Dad built a Fly Baby in the '70's painted in the pre-war trainer paint scheme (blue fuselage /yellow wings/stars & bars). It looked great in that scheme, kind of like a little PT-19. He certainly wasn't a wanna be, since he flew P-40's and B-17's. He just liked that paint scheme. I flew that airplane while I was in college and later. Guess that makes me a 'wanna be', since I would have given anything to fly any warbird. I thought about painting my Hatz in a military paint scheme but decided it just wouldn't look quite right. I think after literally years of hard work, a homebuilder can paint his pride and joy any way he pleases. I've never been offended by a paint job.

Steve G

I'm not talking about Veterans painting their own planes up, I'm talking about people who have no connections to the military or our Veterans who think that painting their planes up makes them cool or fashionable. It's like a vanity thing to these people. I've met far too many casual weekend pilots who thought that their feces didn't stink and thought they were "all that" just because they had an airplane painted up in a military paint scheme. That's who I was referring to when I wrote that post. I'm not saying any particular owner doesn't have a right to paint their airplane the way they choose. It's a free country and they can do as they choose, it just generates a personal reaction in me, that's all. To each their own, and I don't expect everybody to agree with me.

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