The Official Monogram U.s. Navy And Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide- Vol 2- 1940-1949 May 2026

Also, the book assumes you know what a "BuNo" is. It is technical. It reads like a mechanic’s manual—because it is essentially a mechanic’s manual for historians. In the world of aviation color research, there is "guesswork" and there is "evidence." The Official Monogram U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide- Vol 2- 1940-1949 is the evidence.

Volume 2 doesn't just cover paint. It covers the font, size, and color of every stencil. "No Step." "Rescue Arrow." The "Meatball" insignia borders. The shift from the red center dot (pre-war) to the blue border (1943) to the red outline (1947—briefly, and then removed again). It’s all here. A Critique: Who is this NOT for? Honesty in reviewing: This is not a coffee table picture book. If you want glossy, full-page spreads of Mustangs in formation, look elsewhere. The images in Volume 2 are often grainy, black-and-white official Navy progress photos. They are chosen for detail , not drama. You will see close-ups of corroded cowling fasteners and peeling paint on a catapult hook. Also, the book assumes you know what a "BuNo" is

5/5 Corsair wings. Essential reference. No shelf is complete without it. Have you used the Monogram guides for a build? Did you discover a weird variation in WWII Navy paint? Let me know in the comments below—especially if you’ve ever tried to mix "Intermediate Blue" from scratch. In the world of aviation color research, there

If you want to paint an "average" Navy plane, go buy a hobby magazine. If you want to paint the Navy plane—the specific aircraft, on the specific day, from the specific squadron—you need Volume 2. It covers the font, size, and color of every stencil

When you hold this book, you are holding the actual standards that came out of the Bureau of Aeronautics. You are holding the directive that sent thousands of blue angels (lowercase 'a') screaming across the Pacific.

Yes, they are printed, but the color correction in this edition is legendary. Monogram used a five-color process to match the original BuAer lacquer chips. Compare the chip for Insignia Red (used on the national insignia) to any hobby paint—you will be shocked how "orange" the real red actually was.