MPC Howmet Mark II paint guide

[bobthehobbyguy]

Just digging through my stash and found a howmet can an that I had started assembly on. There are no color callouts on the instructions. I've found some online reference which shows that the turbine is not chrome as the kit comes. I'm not sure what colors to use. Any thoughts on how to determine what colors to use?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Some of the online photos show the car with a later Allison turbine engine.

The color photo below is more correct as the car was originally (at right), powered by a Continental TS325.

Testors metalizers would be best for the engine colors. I think non-buffing "steel" would be about right for the hot section (which is stainless steel), non-buffing "aluminum" for the outsides of the exhaust ducts (which would appear darker inside and discolored outside after running), and other colors from this chart as you feel are appropriate. (colors are only approximations, at best).

Edited October 26, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy

[bobthehobbyguy]

Thanks that helps. Do you know if the suspension was chrome? I've tried to find shots of the suspension without any success.

[Ace-Garageguy]

[bobthehobbyguy]

Thanks just what I was looking for.

[935k3]

Testors Jet Exhaust is the perfect color for the exhausts.

[Art Anderson]

Thanks that helps. Do you know if the suspension was chrome? I've tried to find shots of the suspension without any success.

Just as a general note: Most race car suspension systems, particularly independent suspension components, are almost never plated, due to the fact that chrome plating makes magnafluxing or any other testing process for cracking very difficult to do--so those parts are generally left in bare steel or at best, painted.

Art

[bobthehobbyguy]

Art I've also heard that the chroming process can cause hydrogen embrittlement which can weaken the parts.

[Ace-Garageguy]

... Most race car suspension... components, are almost never plated, due to the fact that chrome plating makes magnafluxing or any other testing process for cracking very difficult to do...

Art I've also heard that the chroming process can cause hydrogen embrittlement which can weaken the parts.

Correct in both cases, which is also why you rarely see production-aircraft parts bright plated.

The issue of hydrogen-embrittlement is complex though, and depends on the base metal and plating processes used. There are also scenarios where hard-chrome plating is necessary, as on crankshaft journals, or landing gear and hydraulic-cylinder struts (for wear resistance).

(Quoting from http://www.aviationperformanceproducts.com/chrome-it.cfm) :

"So-called hydrogen embrittlement is well documented in the high-strength steel fastener industry, where fasteners are sometimes plated to improve corrosion resistance. Failures due to embrittlement, while not common, are hardly unknown. The usual fix is a post-plating oven treatment to drive off the hydrogen."

Edited October 26, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy

[Casey]

http://deansgarage.com/2014/the-howmet-batmobile/