Hi guys, I'm painting 2 Avro Lancaster's, I want to paint the RAF markings on the sides but I do not think it will work against such a dark background. Can you help me out? thanks,
Biggles.

Many squadron codes were red as per this link. http://www.rafweb.org/SqnMark400-407.htm

Lou

thank you Lou, should I mask the area of the roundel and spray it with a light shade of primer?

 


   I seem to remember Barry put together a video about applying roundels etc.., but I can't find it at the moment.
   
   With the Lanc colour scheme the fins were entirely black on both sides and the Fin flashes were applied to the
   inside and outside surfaces . Under surface was entirely black which extended up the fuselage sides . See Lou's Lanc.
 
   As for AR - G - "George" 460 Sqn RAAF this link will give you the info.
   http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RELAWM31788/

   Cheers

  Gordon

I am not brave enough to try painting my roundels. May I suggest you print paper roundels applied with white glue. Once dry spray with clear gloss, That was my first attempts at making my own markings. Here is a Wikipedia site with lots of roundels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_aircraft_insignia and RAF specifically at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Air_Force_roundels

Lou

Thank you Lou and Boomerang, Lou I did not want to make paper roundels in order to stick with the style of the models but it looks like I may have to do that.
Biggles

Craft stores have punches that make 1/4" to 1.5" holes. You could use various size holes in post it type paper and use those to mask the various sizes to make your roundels.  (See photos)

As to lettering on dark surfaces, I make my decals on white film and cut them out carefully and touch up with paint.

One suggestion is an office supply store that had dry transfer letters. Although that may be more expensive than buying after market decals.

If you wish to try regular decals, send an email to CanMilAir at http://www.canmilair.com/ and see what kind of price Bill with come up with for just the letter code. The entire decal for a 1/72 Lancaster is quite high at $27.00 CDN + S&H

Lou

Thanks a lot Lou, I will try that! I have printed the roundels out and I am just checking for size.