Paint Set 3003: FAA Biplanes of WWII

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the United Kingdom demonstrated the effectiveness and reliability of biplanes in the dynamic conditions of aerial combat.

Participation of Biplanes in Naval Operations:

Fleet Air Arm biplanes played a key role in naval operations. The torpedo biplane Fairey Swordfish achieved significant success during major naval battles, including the Battle of Taranto and the sinking of the battleship Bismarck. The amphibious aircraft Supermarine Walrus was used for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and rescuing downed pilots over both land and sea.

The Gloster Gladiator, originally developed as a land-based fighter biplane, was adapted for aircraft carrier operations at the beginning of World War II. It became crucial in the defense of Malta, demonstrating maneuverability and robust construction in battles against enemy aircraft. These biplanes, including the Fairey Swordfish and the Supermarine Walrus, became reliable defenders of Malta, performing many missions under constant attack and with limited resources.

"Temperate Sea Scheme" Camouflage

To enhance the effectiveness of these naval biplanes, the RAF and FAA introduced the "Temperate Sea Scheme" camouflage in 1939. This scheme included a combination of Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey for the upper surfaces, providing effective concealment in maritime conditions. The lower surfaces were initially painted Sky Grey, which was replaced by Sky in 1941 for better concealment during naval operations. The innovation of this scheme was the use of shadow shading, where the lower wings were painted in lighter shades - Dark Sea Grey and Light Slate Grey - to compensate for shadows from the upper wings and improve the aircraft's overall camouflage.

Instructions for Using the FAA Biplanes Paint Set:

This set is ideal for painting naval biplane models according to the "Temperate Sea Scheme". This camouflage scheme was introduced in 1939 and used until the late 1940s.

Set Contents:

• 375 Dark Slate Grey: Light greenish-gray color for upper surfaces.
• 378 Extra Dark Sea Grey: Dark gray color for upper surfaces.
• 376 Light Slate Grey: Gray color for lower wings.
• 379 Dark Sea Grey: Greenish-gray color for lower wings.
• 374 Sky Grey: Color for lower surfaces in 1939-1940.
• 373 Sky: Color for lower surfaces in 1940-1945.

Collection:

• Royal Air Force WWII Aircraft
• Fleet Air Arm WWII Aircraft

Suitable for Models:

• Blackburn Shark
• Fairey Albacore
• Fairey Seafox
• Fairey Swordfish
• Gloster Sea Gladiator
• Supermarine Seagull
• Supermarine Sea Otter
• Supermarine Stranraer
• Supermarine Walrus and others.

Paint Type:

• Acrylic Paint A3003
• Enamel Paint E3003

Paint Finish:

• Semi-gloss

Volume:

• 6 x 10 ml (6 x 0.33 oz)