I'm doing a quick model over Spring Break, the Tamiya 1/48 Rufe floatplane. Things are going pretty well, and pending what this blasted computer will allow me to do, I'll post some pictures of what I've gotten done thus far.

My question is, how would weather a floatplane? I mean, I know Japanese planes had a lot of weathering, but since a floatplane is in almost always in the water, how would that affect the weathering? Thanks for your time!

I would not overdo it. The maritime (=IJN) a/c were better protected that the army planes and especially the float planes ... though, that is my personal opinion and others might know more

The float should get a suitable weathering .. like everything that is exposed to water for a longer time (ships ...)

just my 2 ct.

best wishes

Steffen

Thanks for your help!

Hi MEBM,

This URL might help: Rufes Weathering Examples

Wow, thanks for the link! Thanks for your time and help!

MEBM,

Having lived in the South Pacific on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands I have seen first hand what the weather and sun in that area will do to paint (of course I'm assuming that the plane you are modeling is of a unit in that area). Upper surfaces should looked bleached out and a definite water line for the float would be appropriate too. I would also think that oils stains and such would be minimum as the near weekly down pours would keep too much oil from building up. I look forward to see your work!

-Derek

Thanks for all of your time and help!