**** DONE: GB-42 1/48 Spitfire Mk.Vb - MTO II

[nuuumannn]

Nice detective work, Terry, great modelling as always, Geo. Watching you guys work is fascinating.

 

[fubar57]

Thank you Grant. One cannon in place, working on the other

 

[Crimea_River]

Thanks Andy. This morning I saw a thread at Britmodeller that you may have seen already. He just finished his XIV without too much drama

Yep. saw it and also posted links. Waiting for his video on how he accomplishes a high back version without cross kitting.

 

[N4521U]

Nice work,
can't wait to see it done!!!!

 

[Wayne Little]

Lots of interesting details and info...doing good George.

 

[fubar57]

Many thanks. This is just a test. In the photo on the first page the aircraft looks far from pristine so I thought I'd try some pre-shading. I didn't want to use black, being too stark, but too late in realizing that this shade of grey might be too light. C'est la vie.

 

[Crimea_River]

Now you just need to make sure your paint goes on in very light, thin coats until you achieve the effect you want. Nice to see you experimenting with colour variations.

 

[fubar57]

Thanks Andy. A work in progress. I used a 1:2 paint/thinner ratio, 0.8ml:1.6ml shot at about 18psi. I think I need to have one more shot...

 

[Wurger]

 

[Crimea_River]

Yep, another blast wouldn't hurt.

 

[fubar57]

Blasted again.

 

[Wurger]

 

[fubar57]

Thank you sir. Next time I'll just stick to panel lines until I get a feel for all those dots like the others do

 

[nsmekanik]

Looks ok Geo, I've been playing with that technique myself. There are two methods of achieving a similar result, one being what you are doing, a light and dark pattern of an undercoat, or to lighten/darken the base color. I tend to lean more to the later as you have more control over the immediate outcome. I would suggest maybe starting out by lightening highlights and work toward a random pattern rather then just spraying random dots.

 

[fubar57]

Thanks Tim. I'll try using the later method for the top side. One thing I'm trying to figure out is how to achieve the dusty look of the photo. Looking at lightly dusting diluted Middlestone or RLM 79 on after the decals

 

[nsmekanik]

I'm particularly Leary of pics, especially B&W, where equipment looks very dusty/grungy, I think it's a trick of the light. What you'd be more likely looking at is along the lines of "road film", which I think a subtle mix of pastels, Matt and semigloss clear coats bring out. the best. Along the same lines of what you are thinking is to add a touch of grey or brown to the clear coat which is a more controllable approach.

Not Malta but I think from the same climate so would probably give you a good idea of what you are shooting for

 

[fubar57]

Doing some little stuff. Struts and hubs painted with XF-32 and weathered with Citadel Agrax Earth; one strut not weathered yet to show the difference. Exhausts painted with Mr. Hobby H-76 Burnt Iron

 

[Wayne Little]

Good progress..

 

[Wurger]

Agree.

 

[Crimea_River]

Dusty look. Three choices come to mind, all of which require experimentation on a mule.

1. The flat clear coats that I have used tend to get a dusty look the more coats you apply so more clear coats might give you the look you want.

2. Apply a VERY thin spray coat of a light sand colour from 8 to 10 inches away from the model.

3. Add a tiny amount of the light sand colour to the clear coat that you will use.