I'm building a little diorama for a P-51. I have a PSP base which I've cut up and modified. I'd like to know what colour is best for painting. B/W photos would suggest a worn silver, although I've seen other photos where it's a rusty brown.

What would others suggest?

TIA

It depends on how much the field was used. Originally, the plating was painted OD green, just like everything else in the Army. If planes are running up and down the plating, the paint rubs off, the it will become very polished and be shiny steel. After a day or two of not being used, rust will start to form. The longer it sits idle, the more rust will form.