Radial engines, how do you paint them??

[lancman]

Hi guys any tips on how to paint a realistic radial engine for a B17??

Thanks

Graham.

[Huey Gunner]

Center housing a medium grey. Cylinder housing a dark steel with a black oil wash then followed by dry brushing with silver. I also usually add my own ignition wires.

[A-4Silverfox]

Vector R-2800-59

[Steve N]

Considering B-17s have Wright R-1820s, adding P&W R-2800s would be quite a boost in horsepower!

I have to agree with Huey..I usually spray them silver, paint the gearbox gray, and then give the whole thing a wash of black. One thing of note..most American WWII radials had black pushrods and rocker arm covers, not silver as seen on many models and restored warbirds. For some reason, I see a lot of red ignition wires on models..the real ones are actually a brass or copper braided cable.

SN

[moeggo]

I usually spray them silver, paint the gearbox gray, and then give the whole thing a wash of black.

Yeap thats what normally do..

[tourist]

I agree with these gentlemen but I've also seen people do the opposite with great results.

They paint the cylinder housings black and dry brush them with aluminum.

[DErickson]

I agree with these gentlemen but I've also seen people do the opposite with great results.

They paint the cylinder housings black and dry brush them with aluminum.

...like I did with all six of these BMW's

on my 1/72nd Bv-222

[Cunumdrum61]

I usually use Testors metalizer,magnesium on the cylinder heads. I put it on with a brush and do not spray it. I follow wiith a wash of tamiya smoke and a flat coat. I use neutral gray for the gearbox housing and add copper wire for the ignition harness. Black rocker arms and covers.

[lancman]

Thanks guys, great pics by the way very realistic.

Graham.