For historically accurate scale modeling of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) flight deck equipment, ordnance carts, and structural parts, major hobby brands manufacture dedicated out-of-the-bottle colors. [1, 2]
The paint color codes across Tamiya, Mr. Hobby (Mr. Color/Aqueous), and Vallejo map directly to the specific naval arsenals and deck materials: [1, 2]
The Four Shipyard Grays
To match your ordnance carts and deck machinery to the exact vessel, use the corresponding shipyard color: [1]
| Shipyard Arsenal | Tamiya (Acrylic) | Tamiya (Lacquer LP) | Mr. Hobby / Mr. Color | Vallejo (Model Air / Color) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kure Gray (Neutral gray) | XF-75 | LP-12 | C601 (Lacquer) / H461 | 71.308 (Model Air) |
| Sasebo Gray (Darkest, blue tint) | XF-77 | LP-13 | C602 (Lacquer) / H462 | 71.312 (Model Air) |
| Yokosuka Gray (Medium gray) | XF-91 | LP-15 | C603 (Lacquer) / H463 | 71.307 (Model Air) |
| Maizuru Gray (Lightest, green tint) | XF-87 | LP-14 | C604 (Lacquer) | 71.414 (Model Air) |
Ordnance Carts & Deck Equipment Accents
Use these specific numbers to complete the details on your Type 15 bomb carts, chocks, and safety gear:
- Cart Tires & Rubber Coated Wheels:
- Tamiya: XF-85 (Rubber Black)
- Mr. Hobby: C137 / H77 (Tire Black)
- Vallejo: 70.862 (Black Grey)
- Vilt & Canvas Support Padding (Cradles):
- Wooden Wheel Chocks & Ammunition Crates:
- Tamiya: XF-59 (Desert Yellow - base) or XF-64 (Red Brown - wash)
- Mr. Hobby: C43 / H37 (Wood Brown)
- Vallejo: 70.977 (Desert Yellow) or 70.843 (Cork) [1]
- Late-War Portable Fire Extinguishers & Deck Camouflage (1944+):
- Tamiya: XF-70 (Dark Green IJN)
- Mr. Hobby: C124 / H50 (Dark Green IJN)
- Vallejo: 71.325 (IJN Dark Green) [1]
Flight Deck Bases
If you are painting the entire flight deck to contrast with your equipment, utilize these direct matches: [1]
- Wooden Flight Deck (Oregon Pine):
- Latex / Armored Flight Decks (Taiho / Shinano):
Are you working in a specific scale like 1/350 or 1/700, or would you like to know the exact ordnance color bands for the type of bombs or torpedoes resting on those carts?
