Tuttle

Nice work. I have just built this kit and stuffed up the wing by putting in the photo etch - you need to leave it out for Depailler's wing and I have decided on the Depailler version and mis-read the instructions..... Here it is wingless.... One of my favourite kits I have built.

Sit rep: have started on the cab section as I am waiting for the paints to come in the mail that I need for the chasis. Seems all the local stores are sold out of Titanium Silver. Bits at the back are not secured in place yet, just there as a test fit and some tidying up needed on the paintwork of the missiles in the racks. I went with the desert storm colours, but mis-read the instructions and didn't realise until it was too late that the interior of the vehicle should still be NATO green even though the exterior is sand. oops. Not going to change it now. I too am enjoying using the Tamiya acrylics. Works great with the airbrush and I have really enjoyed keeping it simple, following the Tamiya instructions (except the interior colour). Mistakes like that just make me want to build another... I am also using the Tamiya TS80 flat clear for the final coat, seems to be doing OK so far. At least with military vehicles shine isn't too important. I have never managed to get the clear layer on my models to work very well.... T.

I used photobucket for the first set and Flickr for the latest set. Flickr seemed to work.

Try this... And this...

Try again....

Hmm, yes, pictures do seem problematic. Will investigate... Thanks for advice re mixing the spray and acrylic paints. Will crack on using a mix of those two across the model. Model parts now washed and undercoat applied. T.

G'day everyone, So, back into building stuff after a break. I have never considered myself any good at building stuff, but I enjoy it immensely and it is really a form of mindfullness for me. I generally get back into modelling for 12 months or so then have a break of two years or so... and have been doing so for about 30 years. This time though, is different. I have a good workspace, a little bit of time and the resources to learn how to do things a little better. To keep me honest, and to be able to ask a few questions, I have started to record my build of a Hummer. Why the Hummer? No other reason than I saw the kit in the shop and it just looked cool. That and I haven't tried building a military vehicle before. A few planes yes, but not vehicles. Oh, and I am posting on here to firstly, keep myself honest and inspired with the build, and secondly, to hopefully get your help to learn a few things along the way. So, first step, the obligatory couple of pictures of the kit, which has been washed and is drying, ready for an undercoat. My first question... I will use the Tamiya paints. I am fairly comfortable airbrushing them previously so assuming they are still good quality. The kits recommends a spray, but not sure if I can mix the TS cans with the acrylics for the detail? Wish me luck.... T.

East. Will be travelling west in March for the first time, can't wait to visit Perth. Prefer just mucking around with vehicles, although keen to have a crack at some aircraft sometime soon. T.

G'day again, More of a re-introduction. I have just unpacked all the gear and set up a new workbench in a new house after having my shed packed up for about two years. Looking forward to getting back into it. Can't remember how to do everything but am looking forward to re-learning! I have pulled out some old half-built kits and can't for the life of me remember how I got a couple of things looking so good ;-) T.

Nice one. I have a soft spot for the Revell muscle cars and kits from the 50s. My first kit as a kid was a 57 Chevy and to this day i try and build one very couple of years for sentimental reasons. Tuttle.

I am trying to master the final gloss coat and I can't seem to get it right. I have used both Humbrol and Tamiya products mainly because they are the ones available at the local hobby store. Using Humbrol clear cote seems to end up in a crazed finished. Looks great except for the cracking in the gloss coat. When I air brush it is seems to just spatter and look like an orange peel. Tamiya proudtcs don't seem to be glossy enough.... the one that I haven't tried is the Vallejo stuff.. So, given I have this selection available - Humbrol, Tamiya and Vallejo - and I use acrylics as they are the easiest to use for me, what is the best combination of paint/gloss coat and do you have any tips or tricks you could pass on? Cheers Tuttle.

That padlock is possibly my favourite piece of etch I have seen..... Tuttle.

I have tried and tried using the Vallejo primers through my airbrush, but I find it just clogs up each time. I can't seem to get it right. Good to hear that some are using it straight from the bottle! Might have to keep persevering with it as I do like the Vallejo paints. Tuttle.

They look like they have really improved their kits over the last 12 months. Tonight I started on a 57 Chevy, which is a kit I also did 12 months ago. The instructions are so much better! Tuttle.

Is the Alclad Klear any good though? I am looking and experimenting with it and some other clear coats. Not too successful at the moment! Tuttle.