Model paint question

[Dukhat]

For all the model kit builders out there: Which is the best model paint to get screen-accurate colors for the following models' base coats?

1. Original TOS Enterprise

2. TOS Klingon Battlecruiser

3. STIII Klingon Bird of Prey

4. TNG Romulan warbird


Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[StarCruiser]

In all cases - it's a matter of personal preference.

Many of those ships have had different appearances/colors at different points. That doesn't even bring up the TOS E vs. the CGI TOS E.

If you want truly "screen accurate", you will almost certainly have to mix and airbrush. If you want "close enough" (old saying, 'perfect is the enemy of good enough') you can probably use good quality spray paints out of a can.

As for paint brands, Tamiya is probably one of the best and most consistent in quality. Testors is just about done - RPM is busily destroying the product line so, availability is terrible.

Starship Modeler has tons o' debates/arguments on this subject, along with plenty of good suggestions. Here's one on the TOS Klingon:

http://www.starshipmodeler.net/talk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=128230

Sadly, it appears that a LOT of the older threads there have disappeared over the years so...? Anyway, the main Trek forum is:

http://www.starshipmodeler.net/talk/viewforum.php?f=6&sid=77d0f418282cfae61a08686a5738a264

I won't be surprised to see @Forbin in here shortly with his personal opinion on all of that - and he's a good one to listen to.

Another good site (and it still has VERY old threads intact) is HobbyTalk:

https://www.hobbytalk.com/forums/science-fiction-modeling.99/

 

[Atolm]

I agree.
And just a note on the TNG Warbird, the actual studio model was never green, it was a greyish colour...but it got translated into green. Oh, and you'd be shocked to realize that the tos Klingon D7 was actually multi tonal in colours.

 

[StarCruiser]

Yep - the TOS D7 appears to have been painted in two-three different colors. The bulk of it a greenish grey - the back of the "manta wing" hull in a darker grey (possibly with a purple tint) and some areas may have been in a slightly different light grey tone.

The TNG Warbird is an odd beast to interpret and most modelers just go with two or three shades of green, maybe with some grey in the mix.

 

[Dukhat]

Thanks for the links, @StarCruiser . I have to join starshipmodeler.net to actually see some of those posts, but I'm assuming it's free

And just a note on the TNG Warbird, the actual studio model was never green, it was a greyish colour...but it got translated into green.

Yeah, I've seen the studio model and know that it wasn't that bright lime green it was in the show, but gray (which I actually prefer.)

 

[Forbin]

I won't be surprised to see @Forbin in here shortly with his personal opinion on all of that - and he's a good one to listen to.

Honestly I'm still trying to figure it out.

 

[valkyrie013]

I've never really been a "screen Accurate" painter its pretty much a what looks good in my eye.
As for paint, It depends on your local hobby shop and what they carry. (Online paint ordering is.. costly. usually $5+ a bottle online but $3 or less for the same paint at the store)

Tamiya is a great paint and is what I use for 90% of my painting. Only problem is the limited selection of paint colors so you will have to custom mix your own paint.
Testers isn't all the way gone, but is really scaled down from what it used to be.
Mr. Color is a great paint, with a buttload of color options. Hard to find sometimes, and in my opinion it chips quite easily after its dry, but its a minor crit. And oh.. IT STINKS BAD.
Tamiya and Mr. Color is best if you use Self Leveling Color Thinner ( Mr color brand stuff and also stinks horribly DONT SPILL IT!)

TOS Color, there is a page2 with the color callouts, but it is in Testors and might not be able to find certain paints.
https://culttvman.com/main/a-modelers-guide-to-painting-the-starship-enterprise-by-gary-kerr/

https://culttvman.com/main/what-color-is-the-classic-enterprise-by-paul-m-newitt/

https://culttvman.com/main/nathan-p...e paints we used are,parts), Gun Metal (mixed

https://www.hobbytalk.com/threads/correct-color-for-the-klingon-d-7.450410/

 

[Sgt_G]

I believe there is a Facebook page for people who paint Star Fleet Battles minis. I'm not on Facebook myself (never saw the need), but I'll see if I can find the link and post it here.