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A-10 Warthog canopy actuator system "pit" color and other details


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I'm having a trouble even describing this area of the cockpit so I'll just call it a pit. I'm talking about the spot where the canopy mechanism is housed, right behind the ejection seat. I haven't found any photos of this area which I'm not surprised of but I'd love to know what color it's supposed to be - Dark Gull Gray or black? 

 

y1NjhuE.jpeg

 

Of course, the section is gonna be filled up with the system for the canopy but some color will still show through. On my last build I painted it gray, but that was just a hunch, I think, as I wasn't able to find any photos.

 

I'd appreciate any input or best case scenario, a photo!

Edited by Lasinaatti
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On 1/24/2025 at 2:12 AM, BillS said:

The general rule on US tactical aircraft is any surface above shoulder height is black. There are a couple of exceptions but the A -10 is not. Black is the color.

that's a good tip!

 

On 1/24/2025 at 1:01 AM, A-10 LOADER said:

Black

Steve

while I have you here I've got another question regarding that area - the kit has a rod-like piece in there:

U0Avicb.jpeg

 

and I'm wondering if the yellow color in this photo is accurate, and if it's for the whole rod, or just the tip. Also curious about what the other circled "tube" is for.

FHgIis4.jpeg

 

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The rod-like piece is the explosive canopy jettison cylinder and the color is a bronze / brassy color. The curved pipe is for the canopy seal pressurization. When the canopy closes it mates with a port on the canopy frame.

Steve

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5 hours ago, A-10 LOADER said:

the color is a bronze / brassy color.

That's good to know! I'm assuming this includes just the tip and the rest is black?

 

Another photo I found where it almost looks like the tip is black as well, although that could be the lack of light.

cYZ8cOO.jpeg

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I’ve got the Jake Melampy book on the  A-10, and it’s outstanding.  If you have more questions, I may be able to answer them for you using this book. 

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On 1/27/2025 at 4:18 AM, Curt B said:

I’ve got the Jake Melampy book on the  A-10, and it’s outstanding.  If you have more questions, I may be able to answer them for you using this book. 

Does it have any photos of the rear of the cockpit? It's the most difficult spot to find photos of! I'd really appreciate it.


I wish reference books weren't that expensive!

 

 

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Jake's book has tons of pics but, he doesn't want them floating around the internet without his permission. Here are some pics from my Verlinden Lock-on book, hope they help.

Steve

 

a51dfa82-cc31-476e-b185-68161d70ced0.png

 

3d10407e-21e1-406d-b65b-163cd8910169.png

 

0a4c7823-45d5-4ab1-a63b-0d2c7b790a51.png

 

2a58bf8e-d2dd-4b74-89d6-305e1b723725.png

 

13b9797d-eb23-494e-b701-3f4b70affa1d.png

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4 hours ago, A-10 LOADER said:

he doesn't want them floating around the internet without his permission.

That's understandable! I'll definitely have to look into getting that. These photos are exactly what I was looking for though!

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I agree with A-10 Loader about not posting images from Jake's book without permission.  That's why I offered to verbally describe anything you wanted to know about.  But let me tell you that if you want a book about the A-10, Jake's book is THE book to have.  Is it a bit pricey?  Sure, but there are times you get what you pay for.  This is the book, but it's getting harder to find:  https://www.scalemates.com/books/the-modern-hog-guide-2nd-edition-modern-guide-jake-melampy--114583

 

Edited by Curt B
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  • Lasinaatti changed the title to A-10 Warthog canopy actuator system "pit" color and other details
On 1/26/2025 at 10:09 PM, A-10 LOADER said:

No the entire thing is bronze / brassy.

 

Got another color question for you Steve: how should this section of the barrel assembly that peeks through the cooling vent up front be painted? It obviously gets quite dirty, but I'm wondering what the base color should be. ADC grey? Light Ghost Gray? Furthermore, I'm assuming the the interior panels in this vent are ADC gray as well?

uz1BkgO.jpeg

Edited by Lasinaatti
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2 hours ago, Lasinaatti said:

 

Got another color question for you Steve: how should this section of the barrel assembly that peeks through the cooling vent up front be painted? It obviously gets quite dirty, but I'm wondering what the base color should be. ADC grey? Light Ghost Gray? Furthermore, I'm assuming the the interior panels in this vent are ADC gray as well?

uz1BkgO.jpeg

That is the forward gun mount and, when fresh it's Light Ghost Gray. Correct, the interior is a light glossy gray ( not sure of the color name or FS number ? ) but, obviously fades and gets rather dirty over time. Our crew chiefs took excellent care of the jets and kept things quite clean considering. Our Gun Shop guys would clean the insides of the drop down gun panels everyday when they would do their morning gun inspections before flying.

Steve

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