RNZAF Pacific Roundel colour question

[Naki]

I have just noticed that the Aeromaster 1/48th decals I have for the P-40N ("Esma Lee") are the wrong colour (a pale blue -- not dark blue) if I compare it with the Esma Lee profile in the Dec 1999 copy of Scale Aircraft Modelling which had a feature on the RNZAF in the Pacific. Looks like Aeromaster corrected the colour in later sheets (ie RNZAF in the Pacific) as they had darker roundels ..unfortunately this is not available anymore (I emailed the makers in the US and they dont have any in stock and not intending to produce anymore)

I also note that the 1/48th Hasegawa Dauntless roundels are also pale blue.

Venturas earlier sheets also seem to be blighted with pale blue roundels although their latest P-40N sheets look good with the correct roundel colours.

Are my above assumptions correct? .... and where can I get decent decals for a 1/48th RNZAF Corsair .. Ventura have some but they are also have pale blue roundels.

[Dave Homewood]

The pale blue would be ok if you're making the model really weathered and rough, because the NZ made paint that the RNZAF used faded considerably very quickly in the Pacific conditions, with the coral dust blasting at it in the propwash. However if you want a more pristine looking model then you'll need the darker colours.

It's very annoying that many early profiles and decals show the RNZAF roundels only in very pale blue. Lord knows where they got the idea from but it must have stemmed from early researchers putting the wrong message out, perhaps looking at the roundel colours of those sitting at Rukuhia after years of wear and neglect??

[Naki]

Thanks Dave - just found these ! www.runforcoverbooks.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=4894112&keyword=rising&searchby=keyword&offset=0&fs=1&CLSN_689=124037375568930cc11a6a1c5e08c4a1- from Rising Decals of the Czech Republic the P40 looks right (actually might get these as I would love a 1/48th Gloria or Waiarapa Wildcat (if only I had picked up the Hasegawa P-40 in RNZAF colours )) but the Corsair is still pale blue!!!