Nimitz Cat 2 VF-41 AJ-105 160388

Best photo reference I can find of AJ-105. You can just make out the darker area around the cockpit. It looks very blue and darker than usual TPS. 

Only other ref pic I can find. Note how the squadron insignia and other marks are lighter than the base paint. 

Found 2 more pics of AJ-105 on dutycatdotcom.  

Contrast is lower than my model 

The Italeri instructions also have a photo... 

Left is intended VF-41 using Italeri suggested 36495 unders, 36375 uppers/sides and 35237 around canopy/nose. Right is VF-84 using Hasegawa suggested scheme of 35237 uppers, 36320 sides and 36375 unders. The Hasegawa looks closer to the photos but you can just make out the darker area around the cockpit in the photo suggesting Italeri were correct in the scheme pattern, if not the actual shades. All paints used are Modelmaster except the 36495 which is Humbrol 

Undersides 

 

This is Italeri's suggested scheme.  

After a gloss coat preparing for decals. This has definitely darkened the grey and toned down the different weathering effects I was proud of.  

Even though the picture washes out some of the effects it has still toned them out quite a bit in real life  

Underside 

With the VF-84 following the Hasegawa instructions for their old tool lovis kit. 

Well then... I thought the decal was only a shade or 3 lighter than the fin.. until i put it on. Now I have the opposite problem it's too bright.... 

Yet looking at the other decal still on the sheet! 

The stencils are too blue and the grey paint not blue enough, and now too dark  

 

Still I'm impressed with my shading/weathering effects.  

Especially here... where it won't be seen. Yes I know one stabilator has the wrong grey on the underside but showmen a picture of the real one? 

Some daylight photos. Looks a lot bluer in the phone camera that real life. Also happy that it doesn't look as dark in daylight.  

Still too much contrast. This is my 3rd attempt at this scheme. Maybe version 4 I'll get it right  

 

 

With squadron sisters. 

 

I still like this model even with all its faults. I still like this old Italeri tooling with its faults. I think it's superior to the ex-ESCI tooling they sell now.