Subject matter is a F1 car from 1971, instructions say to use TS-15 for the body but I want to use my airbrush for the best finish.
I’ve never decanted a spray-can before, but am willing to learn, is that the best recommendation?
I am used to spraying enamels and lacquers, is there a correct color I can get in a bottle?
What would you do?
Is there any reason to think TS-15 is actually an accurate match for the model?
Many Tamiya color call outs are in the ball park but not actual matches.
Knowing which F1 car or kit might help.
Without any other information, I might consider LP-6 and tweak it to match pictures or get close to the F1 car as it’s a Tamiya laquer blue.
That’s based on looking at the cap of TS-15.
Educated guess:
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tamiya-12054-tyrrell-003--963212
My personal and highly subjective opinion is that LP-6 needs to be tweaked slightly in the violet direction and be slightlyy darker. Judging gloss paint from photos is hopeless since it reflects the surroundings and incoming light (see photo above). Beneath the elf-sticker and the nr 2 on the side would be my
guideline.
Google images turns up a few photos in different conditions/environments
One example
Click the film-strip to switch photos
If you want Tamiya lacquer, the equivalent of TS-51 Racing Blue is LP-45 Racing Blue. https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/85051/index.html
Gotta say the 6-wheeler P38 was a fantastic car! I built the Tamiya kit decades ago, and the only downside was the solid front vinyl tyres all split after a while. But what a machine!
WOW!
You are all correct, except for the 6-wheel bit.
It is the 1971 Monaco-GP Tryrell. So all of the paint call-outs are for their colors.
I much prefer buying bottled paint, so thank you all!
@Ed_Bert Are you building the 1/12th version of the Tyrell?
If you want to match the body color precisely then there a couple of companies that do that well, Zero Paints as Littorio pointed out, the other is Gravity Paints, www.gravity-colors.com. Both are lacquer paints and similar. I tend to use Gravity more as I find it easier to spray. They will ship to the US in 4-5 days. Both can be used directly out of the bottle. If use these, or even the Tamiya lacquer paints you will need to prime the body and here your best option is the Tamiya rattle can, Fine Light gray primer. Whatever your concerns about spray cans, this one will do the job very well, and much quicker on the bigger cars. You will also need to gloss coat after the color coats. Hope to see some pictures when you’re done.
cheers
Michael
This is my dream F1 car to build 1/12scale Fulldetail Kit : McLaren MP4/5
Cosimodo,
Yes, that is what arrived today. Building it is on my short-list, but I need to wrap up several kits before I begin. So I am being patient as I can to assemble everything I need. One concern is the chrome plated sprues. I’m thinking that I’ll want to strip that off, but no need to worry now. I’ve not seen a chrome plated sprue like that since building 1/24 AMT kits from the 1980s.
Barney,
I have a 1/24 version of that with the naughty sponsors in my on-deck circle too.
Don’t worry about that testors kit, I’ll probably never build that one…LOL.
Follow-up on the painting sequence regarding clear coats…
I’ll want to polish the color layer first right, before the clear goes on?
I typically “polish” after all three, primer, color, clear. On the primer and color, depending on finish 6000/8000 paper, on the clear I use polishing creams of different grades. If you’re serious about it, Gravity sell a polishing set of four. They work very well.
cheers
MIchael
Cosimodo, I appreciate the recommendations!
I’ve got the Tyrell Blue and the clear coat (3-bottle) set in my cart. I think I’m good on papers/cloths and compound, but I always try to coat the color with the same brand of clear.
I figure if I am ordering something from overseas I should get it all in one order, so I want a white and “McLaren” red which was not the neon version in 1988 I do not think. I see many “whites” but none named McLaren, and did not even try to find the right red. Can you be troubled to recommend the best/right colors for the MP4/4?
Edit: Is it a better idea to ask the manufacturer? (I’m new here)
Hi Ed,
A word of warning - if you order the 3 pack Gloss clear box set that is a 2k resin product, provides a very good finish but not easy to use. If you haven’t used this before I’d recommend some practise especially in mixing the products and then spraying. If you want to stick with Gravity then get the single stage gloss clear. I prefer to use Tamiya’s LP-9 Clear, thinned 50:50 with Mr Color Levelling Thinner. I think the best bang for your buck is the Polishing Compound Box plus the wax which provide great finishes.
As for red, this should work
cheers
Michael
Sweet! Appreciate the help. I did see that red, but I thought they went fluorescent later than 88, then again I do not remember a lot of things from the 1980s 
Also, thanks for the warning about the gloss kit/package. I’ll stick with the LP-9.
