In 1/72 scale, there are many interesting model kits representing aircraft flown in this era. Many of these kits are quite old and of older manufacturers like Frog (later Novo copies). For several kits there are after market decals (like Modeldecal) and detail sets (like Aeroclub) available to upgrade the in many cases very simple kits. With some effort, nice models can be made out of them.

Models discussed, see links below:

1.  Westland Wessex HAS.3 , shipboard helicopter, Revell / Matchbox 

2.  Blackburn (Hawker Siddeley) Buccaneer, carrier based attack plane, Airfix

3.  DeHavilland Sea Vixen, shipboard fighter, Frog /Revell /Novo kit 

4.  Fairey Gannet , anti-submarine and patrol aircraft,  Frog  (Novo)

5.  British F-4K Phantom, shipboard fighter from Fujimi

6.  Short Seamew, propeller "submarine hunter",  Contrail vacuform model 

7.  Havilland Sea Venom, carrier based fighter-bomber, Toko (ex-Frog) 

8.  Supermarine Attacker , carrier based attack plane , Frog (Novo / Fabrika Igrushek)

9.  Supermarine Scimitar F1, carrier based fighter, Czech Master resin

10. Westland Wyvern, carrier based propeller fighter/bomber, Trumpeter

11. Hawker Sea Fury , carried based propeller fighter/bomber, (Hobbycraft 1/32 scale or 1/72 scale )

Typically earlier FAA colour schemes were the BSc Medium- and 
Dark- Sea grey  upper finishes and Sky   lower surfaces (Humbrol #90 or White Ensign Model paint WEM ACRN01). 

Later FAA aircraft got an Extra Dark Sea Grey   and White finish. The Extra Dark Sea Grey can be done with Humbrol #123 paint or White Ensign Models WEM ACRN02. The Humbrol paint is a bit dark for 1/72 scale, so a couple of white paint drops were added for scale effect... making these models looking more realistic when looking at them at this scale. Most finishes were rather glossy. 

Interiors were mainly black applied in the cramped cockpits and crew stations. Roundels were the blue-white-red type with high visibility and black markings and lettering. 

Interesting read about flying FAA planes: 
> Wings of the Navy, Captain Eric Brown, Jane's / Pilot Press , London, 1980

Internet: 
Thunder and Lightnings
excellent website with historical info about many FAA aircraft
 

Updated February 26, 2009