Color Call Outs for AMT Romulan Warbird TNG

[Felinoid]

I have acquired an AMT Star Trek:The Next Generation Romulan Warbird. It is a pretty good kit, but there is no painting guide. The instructions say to use the box art and available references to use as painting guides. Can anyone provide something slightly more detailed? Also, what to use as a base color? The closest that I can find is Tamiya JA Grey-Green, but I am a little bit color blind. Any input is welcome. I may be contacted at dinorich1@hotmail.com.

[spejic]

The studio model was done in a sort of emerald green with a lot (and I mean a LOT) of post-shading in very dark grey and near white. The thing is, these studio models were painted in mind of how they would eventually look on screen after various levels of lighting, processing, and the effects of film and analog television. So I wouldn't necessarily copy it directly.

 

I would start with a hunter or forest green - a green that is very slightly on the purple side - and just do details in the way that feels right to you. It's probably better to err on the side of being subtle (maybe a light dry-brushing, particularly on the "feathers", maybe pick out a panel or two...). The main on-screen effect making the Warbird look sinister is the stark lighting.

 

Tamiya JA Grey-Green is too pale compared to how to looks on screen. In Tamiya paints, I would probably start with a base of either XF-5 Flat Green, XF-13 JA Green, or XF-27 Black Green. But honestly, it's science fiction. You can get away with painting it JA Grey-Green if the model is skillfully done and you make up a good backstory. Maybe the Tal Shiar paint theirs that way.

 

[Felinoid]

spejic,

     Many thanks for your input. I will probably go with a black primer coat and I will test with the Tamiya JA Grey/Green. And yes, I will build up the kit in sub- assemblies, masking off the contact points and clear pieces.

 

Felinoid

[spejic]

I was just reminded of some pertinent information - the Romulan Birds of Prey in the TV series Enterprise were painted a lighter green similar to Tamiya JA Grey/Green, so there is canon precedent for the Romulans using that color.