A30_737_AEW&C

Just this past week, I used the Bondall water-based turps to clean up my mixing palette after using Vallejo polyurethane acrylics as I didn't want to consume my limited supply of Vallejo airbrush cleaner. Performed admirably. Updated link to Bondall water-based turps

Thanks Jabba, This was the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'll be masking however, because I'll be airbrushing

Thanks Bertie, Planning a clear coat over the first lay down of decals. So should be (fingers crossed) ok.

Cheers all, Having a bash at the Airfix 1/72 Harrier and looking to build XV762 in its various guises/configurations, one of which is the attractive (to me at least) white distemper scheme which appears to have been applied for deployment into Norway. There appears to be very little evidence of the actual scheme on the 'interwebs' and the extract from the Xtradecal sheet is pretty much all I've got to go with. I've done a scan of a wide variety of reference books I have available, and again, not much to be found. The white distemper finish appears to have been applied to the existing green areas of the camouflage, with the existing maintenance markings thereon masked over. This is what I understand (and sort of makes sense) from the red notes on the scheme below. While this isn't reflected pictorially of the images below, I'm planning to paint the aircraft in the green/grey scheme, apply the maintenance decals, then mask those same locations and apply a weathered 'dirty white' distemper finish over the green areas. Any thoughts based on any specific knowledge anyone may have of this scheme from the mid-1970s ? Any insight would be gratefully appreciated. TIA A30 (Alfred)

Just become aware of these. I'm aware that a UK modeller I follow on Twitter has one in his hands. On the other hand HLJ is forecasting August. I assume readily available from AK Interactive currently ahead of a wider retailer release. None in AU 🇦🇺 yet.

Looks like an 'SNB' is a US Navy designation for a Beech 18. An entirely different beast. SNJs had a couple of different canopy styles, along with the Commonwealth Harvard variants, so it will be interesting to see what 'bag of (resin) bits' Special Hobby provides and what AT-6/T-6G predecessors will fall out of the new boxing.

What is an AT-6/SNB........'SNB'.............🤔..........surely they mean an early SNJ variant ? "Bueller , Bueller" ?

Yes, by Petersplanes but I'm not sure how widely available these were/are. Tailored for war gaming by the looks of it. https://www.scalemates.com/search.php?fkSECTION[]=Kits&q=petersplanes&fkTYPEGROUP[]=%22Bristol%20Blenheim%22 If anybody would produce a typical kit in the future, it might be someone like Mark I Models. They've released a family of Beaufighters not so long ago. https://www.scalemates.com/search.php?fkSECTION[]=Kits&q=1%2F144+bristol+beaufighter&fkCOMPNAME[]=%22Mark%20I%20Models%22&fkSCALE[]=%221:144%22&fkTYPEGROUP[]=%22Bristol%20Beaufighter%22

Masterful work Andrew-san

A wash should generally be of a dissimilar paint type to the painted surface you are applying it to. To use an enamel-based wash, ensure the underlying surface is finished in an acrylic or polyurethane paint/clear coat. Conversely, to use an acrylic wash successfully, apply over an enamel paint finish. The solvent in each wash type will simply attack a like-solvent paint when applied over the top. It's obvious isn't it ? I've used the Tamiya enamel product mainly for interior pin-type washes as as Martin points out, a further thinning adds to the utility of the Tamiya product. HTH

A general comment about navigation and communications antennas seen on commercial passenger aircraft (and other aircraft for that matter). Most of the common types are actually made by companies who specialise in these things. It is rare for an airframe manufacturer to design/manufacture antennas. Sensor Systems, Cobham, etc are some of the well known manufacturers. Once you know the system, it's pretty simple to home into the specific antenna type/family. Manufacturers websites will usually have some sort of basic product data which usually includes general arrangement drawings of their antennas, from which you may appropriately scale your required dimensions.

Great job on your Blenheim, Adam ! Don't feel alone in encountering the assembly issues you have. I've had the same.

Many thanks Walter

Most impressed by your progress after such a long absence. You clearly 'have a feel for it' as the former Irish Chief Designer I worked for used to say A couple of other things to throw into the mix, Trav.............. Windex is fabulous for stripping acrylics from painted parts/assemblies. Similarly, an ammonia based windscreen washing solution will do the same for you. I recently had the need to strip four assembled Airfix Blenheim cockpits and a soak in the stuff for a couple of hours, a brisk shake and rinse/dry, had them ready to go for the paint again. By the way, this is the same reason I don't use Humbrol's Maskol liquid masking agent on acrylics, as having a similar make up, I found it leaves a 'footprint' behind on the paint once removed. On the matter of 'stains' from Micro Sol/Set, I've used cotton buds dampened with warm water to remove such minor blemishes. All this 'stuff' will become second nature to you soon anyway

Hi Trav, I just spotted your build thread this evening. Welcome 'back' and I hope you're enjoying yourself. Don't get to serious about wringing your hands over minor issues. There's always the next build to get it just right. If you find you still have 'a thing' for the Zero, and you've built up a little more confidence, you might want to try one of the Tamiya 1/72 Zeros. They are gold. Almost a dozen parts in the cockpit alone. As I think you are discovering, the Gunze paints are a dream to airbrush. I 'converted' to them in the last few years after being a 'Model Master enamels man' since my early 20s. I like your choice of kits for your 'initial stash'. I am a Bf 110 fancier of the Eduard variety. You'll find them exquisite kits. The new tool Airfix kits are very cooperative and buildable kits. Great choices ! I think all but the Curtis Hawk are new tools. As someone stole a favourite saying of mine earlier in your thread - "Well done that man" !