Vallejo Model Air A-14 Steel Grey (18ml) â Soviet Aircraft Interior Color
Getting the right grey for Soviet aircraft interiors can be difficult, especially when cockpit walls, wheel wells, structural parts, and small interior details need to look convincing without becoming too dark or too blue. Vallejo Model Air A-14 Steel Grey 18ml, reference 71.336, gives modelers a ready-to-airbrush matte acrylic color matched to the A-14 Steel Grey reference used in Soviet aviation modeling.
This shade is especially useful for WWII Soviet VVS aircraft interiors, cockpit areas, wheel wells, landing gear bays, and internal structural details. It also works well as a practical cool grey for Russian aircraft subjects or scale model areas where an FS 26187-style steel grey tone is required. Because it belongs to the Model Air range, it is formulated for airbrush work, with finely ground pigments that help preserve panel lines, rivets, raised details, and cockpit textures.
The Model Air Performance Edge
- Historically useful Soviet aviation color: A-14 Steel Grey is a key reference for Soviet aircraft interior painting and related detail work.
- Airbrush-ready acrylic formula: Designed for smooth airbrush application straight from the bottle in many setups.
- Matte finish: Creates a realistic scale appearance and a good surface for washes, dry brushing, and detail painting.
- Fine pigment structure: Helps maintain small details on cockpits, wheel wells, landing gear parts, and structural components.
- Easy workflow: Can be adjusted with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner or Flow Improver when extra smoothness or fine-line control is needed.
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Beyond the Label
Vallejo Model Air A-14 Steel Grey 18ml is not limited to cockpit interiors. It can also be used for landing gear bays, internal frames, service panels, exposed structural areas, mechanical details, and subtle grey highlights on Soviet or Russian aircraft projects. On 1/72 and 1/48 scale aircraft, it gives enough contrast to remain visible after weathering without overpowering the model.
For a more realistic finish, apply A-14 Steel Grey as the main interior tone, then use a darker grey-brown wash to define recessed panels and corners. After that, lightly dry brush raised edges with a pale grey or light neutral tone to bring out switches, frames, and molded cockpit detail.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Vallejo reference | 71.336 |
| EAN / Barcode | 8429551713368 |
| Color name | A-14 Steel Grey |
| Color reference | FS 26187 |
| Range | Vallejo Model Air |
| Bottle size | 18 ml / 0.6 fl oz |
| Paint type | Water-based acrylic |
| Finish | Matte |
| Format | Eyedropper bottle |
| Primary use | Airbrushing Soviet aircraft interiors, wheel wells, and structural components |
| Recommended surfaces | Primed plastic, resin, and metal model surfaces |
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Pro Tips from the Studio
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| Requirement | Expert Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Recommended PSI | Start around 15â20 PSI and adjust based on your airbrush, needle size, and distance from the model. |
| Thinning | Model Air can often be sprayed directly, but add Vallejo Airbrush Thinner for smoother flow or very fine work. |
| Flow Control | Add a small amount of Vallejo Flow Improver if you experience tip dry during longer airbrushing sessions. |
| Surface Prep | Apply over a clean, primed surface for better adhesion and a more even finish. |
| Layering | Build coverage with thin coats instead of flooding cockpit or wheel well details. |
| Maintenance | Flush the airbrush with Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner after use to reduce residue and tip dry. |
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Expert Tip for Soviet Cockpits
For WWII Soviet interiors, spray Vallejo Model Air A-14 Steel Grey 18ml as the base color, then apply a controlled dark wash around raised frames, pedals, sidewall detail, and instrument panel edges. Once dry, use a light grey highlight on raised surfaces to create depth without making the cockpit look too bright or toy-like.
Safety Note: Contains 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one. May produce an allergic reaction. Always follow the product label, use in a ventilated area, and avoid contact with eyes or prolonged skin contact.