Hi there!

A6M5s was under the ijn green pained with red oxide primer. So what do we see in the scratches - bare metal, or primer? I think, that we will see mostly primer, but most of models I have seen showed only bare metal...

and second question: was red oxide primer applied on the engine cowling?

ths, matous

Hi matous,
I don't know what colour primer was used on the A6M5 but my understanding of the heavily chipped and flaking paint, that was seen on Japanese aircraft later in the war, was mainly due to the fact that primer was no longer applied. So, if this is correct, and it suplies a valid reason for the heavy paint ware, no primer would be visable. I would guess that the same goes for the cowling too
Mal

Hi Matous

I'm guessing Red Oxide would be most likely as the shrinking dope on fabric surfaces.

For detailed on-line articles on Japanese aircraft painting, be sure to visit J-Aircraft - it's a real gold-mine of information.

All the best

Rowan