SaintsPhil

Thanks, that was my initial thoughts about the flaps. I've read in some places that they're White and in others that they're grey! The revell instructions point to a bit of both!

I'm currently building a revell gr1 as the all black anniversary jet of I think 15 squadron (could be 16 as decals sheet has both and I've got a memory like a sive!) I've used the resin replacement wings with dropped flaps and slats and I'm coming to finish the painting and wondering would the exposed areas within the flaps (ie exposed when deployed) have been painted or would they remain the dark grey as before? Also can anyone confirm the U/C bay colours and airbrake colours please? Many thanks Phil

I'm reading this with interest as I only spray acrylics and had read that a normal painters style dust mask was all that was required. If this is not the case then I'd better get down to halfords or B&Q before I do anymore spraying!

Thanks guys, I've been brushing up to now, but I find it a little awkward to get everywhere sometimes, especially using a big flat brush to avoid brush marks. I assume it cleans up ok with water as well? From the the airbrush that is!

Morning! Has anyone had success spraying the windsor and Newton artist varnishes? If so I assume it needs thinning, any suggestions what to thin it with? Thanks Phil

Try eBay I got a mixed pack including clear

I've had problems with it too, I did get a gloss finish but it was very thick and was bumpy to the touch, I assume this is the orange peel effect. Sorry doesn't help you but at least you're not alone!

Doesn't answer the question in anyway but have you tried the Vallejo game white paint, thinned with their thinner? Or even their white primer, at least you can control the thinner to paint ratio then. I have tried to spray the Vallejo air white and I agree it isn't great, oddly I find it brush paints well though!!

Might be a good option, I just tried printing one to get an idea of size and they're very small!!

Yeah a pen had crossed my mind, only the markings are white! I thought maybe a tipex pen but they might not be fine enough.

Morning all, I'm nearing the end of my latest project, might even finish this one! I've been working on a 1/72 jag from the Bosnia conflict, one of the GR1B standard. The aircraft was used as a designator for the harriers dropping LGB. It was marked with lightning flash mission markings and I'm stuck as to how best replicate these. I had thought of trying to draw them on a piece of masking tape and cut them out with a knife but they will be pretty small, I think about 2mm by 1mm! I wondered if anyone had any spare decals that might do the job? Thinking back to my modeling youth I remember WWII German soldiers had the SS badges on their helmets and started to think they might look about right... Here's a pic from the extremely useful Sepecat Jag site: http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5941/xx725guc.jpg Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Phil

We use something like that where I work, it's called tak pak, made by 3M comes in a blister pack with a tube of the glue and the accelerator, plus some precision needles. Only think I have no idea where you can get it from!! I'm sure a quick web search will find it. Phil

I'm not an expert but I use the Vallejo primer and an H&S airbrush. I don't thin the primer at all as it pre thinned I find it works fine that way. I also tend to use a lower PSI around 15 ish, although I'm not sure how accurate the regulator is! I just spray with the brush fully open for primer. A couple of things I've learnt, from asking here, and reading the very useful tips on the Vallejo website. 1. Keep a bit of tissue/cotton bud soaked in airbrush cleaner handy to clean the airbrush tip from time to time, the Vallejo paints do dry on the tip. The drying retarder helps too! 2. Do not use IPA with Vallejo paints! Turns them to jelly. 3. If you're still having problems check the Airbrush needle is chucked fully forward as this can cause the tip to clog if it's not. 4. Take the time to watch the DVD you get with the airbrush so you know how to clean it. Like I say I'm far from an expert but I hope if I share my lessons learnt through mistakes you won't learn them the hard way!! Phil

I'd certainly be interested, aside from buying and selling there is always the option to trade part sheets. Don't forget about the decal bank though I've got a few part sheets from Colin, and I intend to send at least some of my surplus left overs his way, so hopefully they help someone else out.

Slightly randomly if look at the wikipedia article about the tornado the pic of the RAF GR1 is that very aircraft!

One thing I've tried, when the decals don't line up, is to cut the individual instruments out of the decal and apply to the raised detail. Another option is to drill out the instrument detail, leaving a raised lip, then apply the decals to rear of the panel, so it shows through. Of course this is probably only practical in larger scales! For 1/72 I just apply the decal to the panel and use a decal medium. Phil

Thanks guys, that was what I was thinking as well, especially as I was using the Vallejobair which is pre thinned! I guess I should practice on an old kit first next time! I think it's salvageable though. Phil

I thought I'd have a go at trying some tonal variation on my latest project, which is all over grey. I tried to overspray with the base colour lightened with some white, and thinned to more of a wash consistency. It didn't quite work as I'd planned, and instead of leaving a washed out faded look it has just left a speckled finish! I can't work out where I've gone wrong, it seemed a simple technique. I used Vallejo paints and tried thinning both with their own thinners and water, same effect. Airbrush was clean before I started and I used the usual pressure I have been spraying at ~15psi. Any airbrush masters tell me where I'm going wrong!! Thanks Phil

I also use them all the time with no issue (although I'll check the nozzle before I use it next time). Is it possible it's the 'type' of cotton buds, the ones I use tend not to break up and are good for a few uses. Phil

I got this same kit and the compressor is ok, but lacks a tank, you can find one with a tank on eBay for not much more. I didn't get on with the airbrushes, they stopped working after a few uses. I'm pretty sure that was my inexperience of how to use and more importantly clean them! As they come with the compressor anyway they will be ok for practice! I would suggest doing a little bit of research before you use them as they come with no instructions.

I brought some of this, having used the model air primer, I assumed it was the same thing, which sands very well I find.

I've got umpteen decal sheets, I'll see what I've got tonight, might be able to scan one and email it over! Phil

Very nice build indeed, I had a look at the build thread as you went, nice to see it finished. I like to see a model with a back story as well, I tend to choose my subjects that way! I like the display stand, did you make that? Phil

From previous posted I read and pics I have trawled the usual load would be a targeting pod (TIALD on gr7 or sniper on gr9) in place of left side stake (viewed from above) the other stake, or an empty gun pod would be fitted for aerodynamic stability. Any rece pods would be carried on the centre pylon between the stakes, these can be carried along with targeting pods. Worth noting they wouldn't both with targeting pods if carrying 'dumb' weapons such as iron bombs or rocket pods. Standby for corrections!

I find the Vallejo filler with the small applicator nozzle extremely good, you can wipe off excess with cotton bud, either dry or soaked in IPA.