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ColinM · Posted: Wed 07 May 2008 08:25 am Post subject:

Thanks for the link Sarge.

Colin

ColinM · Posted: Fri 09 May 2008 21:11 pm Post subject:

OK. Before I can repaint anything I need to get the duff paint off. After a couple of coats of Fairy Power Spray and a scrub under running water with an old toothbrush and scratching some of the recesses with a fine screwdriver I got this...

Part of the tailplane fell off, the tail wheel went down the plug and the radio antenna has been swallowed by the carpet monster.

I then invested in a fresh pot of Yellow Acrylic paint. I couldn't find any Humbrol so bought what looked like the nearest Revell colour and brushed it on.

Result was as bad or worse than before, streaky, lumpy, horrible, too embarassed to photo.

In desperation and frustration I then went in search of an airbrush. I remembered 'Badger', forgot '350' and came back with '250' and a tin of compressed air.

Getting impatient now, didn't read the instructions, just guessed.

Far from perfect but the few minutes of spraying (and the subsequent many minutes of cleaning up) have made clear to me the advantages in some situations of airbrush over 'hairy stick'.

I can see that I need to do some serious practice with the airbrush on scrap materials to find out how to adjust the spray to get the effect I want, how much to dilute the paints, etc. I have concocted a spray booth out of a couple of cardboard boxes to protect my conservatory, now need to sort out some protection for me and my clothes from the spray, lots to learn, lots to learn.

I just want to say thanks to all the people here for their help in this and other threads.

Stick with me a bit longer, you'll make a model maker out of me yet.

Thanks again.

Colin

ColinM · Posted: Tue 13 May 2008 19:58 pm Post subject:

So I masked the canopy with Tamiya tape and tried to cut out where the glazing bars should be with a scalpel, and sprayed everything with Dark Earth.

Then I rolled up some sausages of White Tac, applied lots of tape in between and sprayed everything in Dark Green.

Not sure I've got the hang of this yet....

But peeled off the masking and was quite happily surprised.

Still lots to do, and lots to correct, the underside looks like it has been dragged through a muddy field.

The model is far from finished but here is what it looks like when both planes are together.

The speckles on the Mostquito are just sanding dust, everything will need a touchup and sealing when it is finished. In the background is the 'Dambusters' Lancaster which is having a revamp.

Overall I am pleased: first attempt with an airbrush, first attempt with the Blue Tac technique, never really tried masking a canopy before.

Thanks for all the tips and ideas!

Colin

Brews · Posted: Tue 13 May 2008 20:40 pm Post subject:

ColinM · Posted: Tue 13 May 2008 21:04 pm Post subject:

Hi Brews

Thank you for your comments, much appreciated.

When I first sprayed yellow paint all over the plane, and me, and everything else in range I thought, 'Oh dear'. I couldn't believe how well the paint dried, even though I could see I had put on too much. I have only tried with acrylics so far (Revell) and I have been impressed. Not sure I want to try enamels.

I need to practice though and can see where I can improve things.

I agree about the compressor v aircans but I needed to prove to myself (and my wife) that the airbrush was worthwhile (job now done in that respect) before spending a chunk of money.

I expect it is a case of getting what I pay for but any recommendations for a compressor?

I don't have a 'stash' so my next projects are likely to be a 1/72 P38 Lightning already on order and another 1/72 Hurricane I bought as a spare for this build before I attempt the 1/24 ME109 I won in the charity draw.

All tips gratefully received!

Thanks again

Colin

dancho · Posted: Tue 13 May 2008 22:11 pm Post subject:

Black. It's the new black.

(Looks good! I'd be still be spraying if I could...by the way...lost in a fog of fumes and testing my liver to destruction...

)

You may wish to check out the option of using C02 instead of a compressor. Here's a link:

http://www.airbrushtalk.com/abtv5n2.htm
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“Build what YOU want, the way YOU want to, and above all, have fun.”
- Al Superczynski (1947 - 2007)

Brews · Posted: Wed 14 May 2008 00:35 am Post subject:

CO2 is a fine alternative to a compressor, but it's as expensive to buy a regulator as it is to buy a compressor!

The more you pay for a compressor, the quieter they are, generally. You will want one with a storage tank, though. That's the main criterion, otherwise you will experience "pulsing" when you spray.
_________________
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

ColinM · Posted: Mon 19 May 2008 20:39 pm Post subject:

Finished!

I'll wait for natural light before posting to the GB gallery, the flash shows up too many faults that aren't really there.

It has been a challenging build for me, never attempted anything other than straight out of the box before. I learned about lots of new techniques, notably airbrushing and Blue Tac sausages, one day I may master a few!

Realise now that the Mosquito probably doesn't need squadron markings...

Don't think Stanford-Tuck ever flew this combo either...

I lost a tail wheel earlier and haven't got a spare, hopefully one will turn up later.

Thanks to all who helped along the way.

Colin

ColinM · Posted: Tue 20 May 2008 07:56 am Post subject:

It looks better in daylight.

Colin

farmroad38 · Posted: Tue 20 May 2008 08:05 am Post subject:

That looks excellent Colin! Very nice job.
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Cheers,

Adrian

hewman100 · Posted: Tue 20 May 2008 09:30 am Post subject:

A great looking 'what-if' Colin

TopGun · Posted: Tue 20 May 2008 12:29 pm Post subject:

Awesome
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Ratch · Posted: Tue 20 May 2008 16:57 pm Post subject:

Lush

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Brews · Posted: Tue 20 May 2008 18:41 pm Post subject:

Well done.
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“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

ColinM · Posted: Tue 20 May 2008 19:55 pm Post subject:

Thank you everyone, it was a lot of fun.

While researching this build I found a wonderful model maker in New Zealand who has a nice collection of Mistel and other models including some 1/35 British Tanks.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/4082/

Colin

Heinkel51 · Posted: Fri 23 May 2008 22:50 pm Post subject:

Lovely job Colin, Very well done.