I'm not new to the hobby but haven't done an airplane model in decades, and my first kit will be the Accurate Miniatures TBM 1-C Avenger, the Flighht 19 version. I noticed that the plane is all dark blue when many combat planes I've seen are a dark color on top but light on the bottom. What's the story with that?

Also, I've seen cans of Tamiya's relatively new aircraft spray paints, and one color (I forget the name) is a dark blue meant for US Navy planes. I assume it is the right color for the Avenger plane exterior? Thanks.

Tom, the Navy went to an overall "Glossy Sea Blue" late in the war and newer aircraft would have arrived from the factory in that paint scheme. Since Flight 19 was lost in Dec of '45, it's a fair assumption that they would have been GSB. As ever, check your references,

This is the color I was thinking of:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-86508-AS-8-Spray-Navy-Blue-US-Navy-3-oz-/270536520029?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

Which sounds like it fits the description, but I wondered if anyone here can be sure.

I'm the furthest away from being expert, but with shipping that little rattle can seems Verrrrryyyy expensive. Even if it is an exact match. Best try the automotive section of your local hardware for some acryllic.

Leslie

Oh, heavens, of course I wouldn't buy spray paint through eBay when I can buy that exact same paint through my local hobby shop. That link was just to show you the specific color I was talking about.

So, has anybody used this paint, and if so, on which aircraft? (And why doesn't this forum have a painting section like Armorama? Rather an odd omission.)

Testors Model Master Dark Sea Blue is a closer match then the Tamiya .
You can get this in Acrylic from their range .

I should have asked earlier-what colors to paint the interior of this plane?