Micro-Mark Tuskegee Red Paint, 20ml

Bold Heritage, Legendary Markings

Tuskegee Red is a deep, vibrant crimson that recreates the iconic tail markings of the famed Tuskegee Airmen—the first African-American fighter squadron to serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. This shade defined the distinctive look of the “Red Tails” P-51 Mustangs as they escorted bombers over Europe, symbolizing courage, skill, and determination.

Unfortunately, in our first production run of the label was in error and printed “Tuskagee Red”.  We are correcting this issue moving forward.

Key Features

• Accurate historical shade for P-51 Mustang “Red Tail” markings of the Tuskegee Airmen.
• Vivid crimson tone ideal for squadron identifiers, accents, and detail work.
• Works seamlessly with Aluminum, Insignia White, and Olive Drab for full aircraft finishing.
• Brush-ready acrylic that can be thinned for airbrush use.
• Proudly Made in the USA for dependable, professional quality.

Description

Tuskegee Red is more than just a paint color—it represents one of the most celebrated legacies of the U.S. Army Air Forces in WWII. The 332nd Fighter Group gained fame for its disciplined bomber escort missions, flying red-tailed P-51 Mustangs that became a symbol of excellence in the skies over Europe. This bold crimson allowed Allied crews to instantly recognize their escorting protectors.

For modelers, Tuskegee Red is essential for recreating P-51 Mustangs, P-47 Thunderbolts, and other aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. It also serves as a striking accent for squadron markings, nose art, or diorama elements requiring a historically accurate WWII-era red.

Tuskegee Red is included in the Micro-Mark USAAF Europe Acrylic Paint Set #29478, alongside companion shades like Aluminum, Insignia White, and Interior Green, making it easy to complete an authentic WWII air war finish.

FAQs: Tuskegee Red

Q: What aircraft used Tuskegee Red?
The Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group flew several U.S. Army Air Forces aircraft during World War II, and their distinctive red-painted tails became their trademark. The key aircraft included:

• Curtiss P-40 Warhawk – Early in their combat service (1943 in North Africa and Italy), Tuskegee pilots flew P-40s with red accents on the tail and nose.
• Republic P-47 Thunderbolt – As the group transitioned in 1944, the “Jug” bore the red tail scheme, continuing the developing identity of the squadron.
• North American P-51 Mustang – The aircraft most famously associated with the Tuskegee Airmen. Their P-51C and P-51D Mustangs featured entirely red tails, which earned them the nickname “Red Tails” and made them instantly recognizable to bomber crews they escorted over Europe.

Q: Why was Tuskegee Red so important?
The red tail was more than just paint — it became a symbol of trust and bravery. Bomber crews in the 15th Air Force knew they were safe when “Red Tail” Mustangs appeared, as the Tuskegee Airmen developed one of the best escort records of the war.

Q: Can Tuskegee Red be used on other WWII models?
Yes. While it is historically tied to the 332nd Fighter Group, Tuskegee Red can also be used as a vibrant crimson for squadron markings, nose art, insignia, and diorama details across multiple WWII aircraft.

Tuskegee Airmen “Red Tail” Aircraft Timeline

Tuskegee is a small town in Alabama just west of Montgomery. Tuskegee University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

·        It was founded in 1881 in Tuskegee, Alabama.

·        Originally established as the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers, it was led early on by Booker T. Washington, who became its first principal.

·        Over time, it grew into a full university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and the sciences.

·        It is also historically significant for hosting the Tuskegee Airmen training program during World War II and is associated with the Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932–1972), which later became a turning point in medical ethics.

Tuskegee University is both an HBCU and a historically important institution in U.S. education, aviation, and civil rights history.