First attempt at achieving the effect using a non-traditional pre-shading grid method. While spraying the main colors, I mixed multiple shades with different lightness and tones. After spraying, I used oil paints to blend and emphasize the boundaries, applying washes as sparingly as possible.
For the paint scheme, I chose the historically significant Blacksheep Squadron. While researching references, I found an interesting discussion on Google Groups about the AV-8B’s paint scheme. The author shared a personal experience from the 1990s, communicating with ground crew who maintained and painted these aircraft during Operation Desert Storm. They would sometimes mix “a coffee cup of black paint” into the Gull Gray to create a “fresh coat.” The livery of Squadron 214 uses FS 118 (Gunship Gray) on the top surfaces and FS 231 (Dark Gull Gray) on the sides. However, the Dark Gull Gray used here did not match the Federal Standard Color Card—it was noticeably “warmer.” Mr. Hobby’s Dark Gull Gray matched this shade almost perfectly. About a year later, the author saw the same aircraft he had photographed earlier. The faded Dark Gull Gray had become duller, finally matching the standard Dark Gull Gray on the Federal Standard Color Card.
The model was built using the Uma kit. The process went smoothly, with well-designed parts and excellent decals.
