Paint: It's Time
After flying unpainted for 16 months and toying with the idea of keeping the plane polished, it's time to get it painted. Since I started building in 1998, I've always admired the stars-n-bars, 8th Air Force type of paint scheme. I've seen several RV's over the years with this type of paint scheme and they always look sharp. So now that the time has come, I've combined aspects of all of them into a something I hope I'll like for years to come. I chose to use Aircraft Painting and Interiors to do the work. They are a relatively new outfit, but seem to be off to a good start and get points for being 16 miles from home. So with a heavy heart I left my plane with strangers for 30 long days. I'll post updates as things progress.
Examples of paint schemes that inspired mine:
And here are the specs I left with the paint shop. One step above the cocktail napkin on the evolutionary ladder, but they have my number if they need clarification.
The paint schemes you've chosen will make the plane something to appreciate for sure. I'm all for the selections you made for the exterior paint scheme. I wish I had the time to visit your aircraft at the airfield in NC. ... I will visit the site often and enjoy your documented travels with Pam. Your story and love for this plane should be published in AOPA.
Best wishes!
Bob Crowley
I was excited to hear that someone else in SERV was going with a military paint scheme. The RV-8 really looks a lot like the P-51 profile and we are fortunate to have so many historical records and great schemes to borrow from. I look forward to roaming the NC countryside with you in search of Huns.
Awesome, Larry!