Modern Portuguese AF paint set vol. 1

The Portuguese Air Force from aluminum airframes to colonial green

The air forces of Portugal went through two entirely different stages in the second half of the last century. First they received American machines in bare metal, later they took over equipment from German surplus together with its camouflage, and in between they were drawn into the fighting in Africa. Eight bottles sum this change up.

The oldest layer is Aluminium, the overall finish of the T-6G and Harvard Mk IV trainers and also of the first jet types F-84G Thunderjet, F-86F Sabre and T-33A. It is followed by Air Defence Grey (FS16473), which the Sabre, the Italian Fiat G.91 R/4 and finally the T-33A received at the turn of the sixties and seventies. The striking True Blue (FS15102) served first for the conspicuous marking of the machines of one particular fighter unit and after 1968 spread to the whole fleet of Sabres.

The second group is made up of shades to the RAL scale, because the machines taken over from Germany carried their original pattern. Basalt Grey (RAL7012) and Yellow Olive (RAL6014) covered the upper surfaces of the Fiat G.91, the Noratlas transports and the Do-27 liaison aircraft. The undersides belonged either to the shade Pigeon Blue (RAL5014) or to Silver Grey (RAL7001). The last tone, Dark Green (FS34079), is the closest match to the green paint that the Portuguese Air Force used across the board during the fighting in Africa.

Building recommendation

The aluminum tone calls for a smooth and previously polished surface, as otherwise even small sanding scratches will stand out. The earth tones, on the contrary, will forgive even a slightly matte base.