Have a couple of F-16A kits in the stash and was hoping to do a mid 1980's look to them, but need some help. Are there any painting guides for the two tone grey camo that was used during that period and what FS colours am I looking for? Cheers.

The underside was FS36375 and the upper surface 36118. Radome and missile rails were 36270.

The F-16A/Bs and C/Ds came from factory in "3" tone gray, not two. It wasn't till the early/mid 90s when the AF started repainting the F-16 (mostly C models by then) in 2 tone gray; 36270 and 36118. The F-16A/Bs carried the 3 tone gray scheme throughout the 80s.

For the 3 tone F-16A, the upper surface from a canopy back 36118 and 36375 lower wings and fuselage. However, 36270 was painted on the top of the intake and the upper forward fuselage.

Note that there is not really a specific FS the Radome is painted in. It's an off shoot gray "neoprene" coating. The neoprene coating also darkens over time, unlike the paint which fades or lightens up.

There are plenty of paint guides out there; various Decal sheets, early Hasegawa F-16 paint profiles, books, etc. For online, check Don Color. The best reference is a pic of the jet you want to model, since there are variations to be aware of, like the start of 36118 (on or acft of the canopy), 36118 partially on the dorsal, etc...

Mike V