There's always a discussion among scale modellers regarding the
correct colors for IJN Mitsubishi Zeros. One of them is about the
existance or not of a color called "Ameiro". Some say it was the
actual color used on some Zeros, while others say it was not a color,
but actually a varnish applied over the original IJN Gray (or white)
that became yellowish with time.

Have you looked at the Aero Detail 7 book about the Zero?

The standard color is given as gray, IJN Official Paint No. J3, an
equivalent of FS No. 36251. "Varnish for surface protection was
applied over this gray, giving [a] somewhat brownish gloss tone. From
this impression, this coloring was unofficially called [actualy, the b
book says "inofficially"] Ame-iro (color of caramel)." Page 37.


all the best -- Dan Ford
email: (requires authentication)

see the Warbird's Forum at www.warbirdforum.com
and the Piper Cub Forum at www.pipercubforum.com