Bedders Posted November 27, 2022 Share Posted November 27, 2022 (edited) Very much enjoying this build. Lots of really helpful pointers on how to get the best out of this very nice kit. Thanks for doing the pics etc. Justin Edited November 27, 2022 by Bedders 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted November 27, 2022 Author Share Posted November 27, 2022 2 hours ago, Bedders said: Very much enjoying this build. Lots of really helpful pointers on how to get the best out of this very nice kit. Thanks for doing the pics etc. Justin thanks Justin this really is a nice kit, I think we've finally got a successor (better) to Tamiya's 1:48 P-51? rgds John(shortCummins) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted November 27, 2022 Author Share Posted November 27, 2022 I’m using Tamiya LP-11 for the “painted” wings… …the trim tabs which were masked… …and also the elevators and rudder. LP-11 was also used for the “paper” fuel tanks. Next, I’ll be attempting the NMF for the fuselage. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 I’m using various Xtreme Metal colours for the NMF, the “base” will be AK479 aluminium. Before applying the base aluminium colour I masked the wings and re-applied the GX2 where I’d over-sprayed the LP-11. AK479 was then applied in a couple of light coats. Next, I’ll be adding different aluminium shades to various panels. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81-er Posted November 29, 2022 Share Posted November 29, 2022 That went on nicely I'm about to try the Xtreme Metals myself, I'll be using the same aluminium base you've used here to be the airframe colour under the paint chips on my P-38's James 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted November 29, 2022 Author Share Posted November 29, 2022 4 hours ago, 81-er said: That went on nicely I'm about to try the Xtreme Metals myself, I'll be using the same aluminium base you've used here to be the airframe colour under the paint chips on my P-38's James build the opacity up in thin layers and you won't go far wrong rgds John(shortCummins) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted November 29, 2022 Author Share Posted November 29, 2022 Whilst browsing the old inter-web I came across this photo that shows various panels appearing as different “shades” of aluminium… …so I thought I’d use it as a guide for painting my aircraft I have several different Xtreme Metal aluminium shades, I will use these to differentiate some of the fuselage panels. AK478 - white aluminium AK480 - dark aluminium AK482 - duraluminium AK488 - matt aluminium AK477 - chrome (not sure if I’ll use this shade) AK476 - steel used for the exhaust panel Post-it notes, liquid mask and Tamiya tape were used to mask the panels and then the different were shades applied… AK476 - steel AK488 - matt aluminium AK482 - duraluminium AK480 - dark aluminium AK478 - white aluminium Mask(s) removed… Next, I’ll be adding the anti-glare and red nose paint. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted November 30, 2022 Author Share Posted November 30, 2022 The anti-glare panel was first, I used MrColor H52 olive trap 50/50 MrLeveling thinner… …’highlights’ were added with a couple of drops of MrColor H326 yellow added to the thinned H52. I tried spraying the red directly over the aluminium, olive drab and black (primer on the spinner) colours however there was a very obvious difference in the red, caused by the underlying colour? So I applied a base colour of white. You’d think that white wouldn’t give better coverage than a darker colour?, however Once the white had dried I masked for the “red nose” and sprayed MrColor 003 red 50/50 MrLeveling thinner. The red was also applied to the spinner. Next, I’ll be adding the invasion stripes. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81-er Posted November 30, 2022 Share Posted November 30, 2022 The paintwork is shaping up really nicely James 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted December 1, 2022 Author Share Posted December 1, 2022 Before attempting the invasion stripes I fixed the ailerons, elevators and fin. I masked for the white areas and sprayed a mix of MRP 004 white and a couple of drops of MRP 256 bleached linen to make a slightly off/dirty white. I’ve deliberately made the off white slightly blotchy, my thinking is that the invasion stripes were applied at the airfield rather than the factory?, so the paint wouldn’t have been “perfect”? Following this theme the “black” was a mix of MRP 077 NATO black with a couple of drops of MRP 59 RLM 66… …mask(s) removed. Next, I’ll be adding the decals. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles87 Posted December 1, 2022 Share Posted December 1, 2022 Hi John, the 'white' looks just right to me, but the 'paper' tanks may be a little dull. I have an excellent book called ' Fighter Command ' which is full of period colour photos of WW II USAAF aircraft and shows the tanks to be painted really bright silver. John. 🇺🇦 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted December 2, 2022 Author Share Posted December 2, 2022 7 hours ago, Biggles87 said: Hi John, the 'white' looks just right to me, but the 'paper' tanks may be a little dull. I have an excellent book called ' Fighter Command ' which is full of period colour photos of WW II USAAF aircraft and shows the tanks to be painted really bright silver. John. 🇺🇦 thanks for the tip, I'll have a look at trying LP-11 with levelling thinner rather than rapid thinner? levelling thinner tends to make the paint more "glossy" while rapid thinner makes it "flatter". Alternatively I may try a light mist coat of white aluminium, that should make them brighter without making them look metallic? I'll have a play and see what works best. rgds John(shortCummins) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles87 Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 I used to use Humbrol ‘ Airframe Silver ‘ for very bright finishes but I think it has been replaced by ‘ Metallic silver ‘ which has a duller metallic finish so not really suitable. john 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81-er Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 Those invasion stripes look very good indeed, John, nice work on those! James 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 That's me caught up, John. Looking good mate. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted December 2, 2022 Author Share Posted December 2, 2022 3 hours ago, 81-er said: Those invasion stripes look very good indeed, John, nice work on those! James thanks James I think that "pure" black and white would have been too stark, having said that the stripes look black and white 🤪 3 hours ago, Pete in Lincs said: That's me caught up, John. Looking good mate. thanks Pete if you ever get the itch to build a 1:48 Mustang I can't recommend this kit highly enough! rgds John(shortCummins) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeaWeasel Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 Some really good stuff here. I tried Alclad NMF on my Mustang and it just ended up melting somewhat so great to see a better example. With the differing panel shades, is there any form of pattern or symmetry used or is it rather random? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted December 2, 2022 Author Share Posted December 2, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, TeaWeasel said: Some really good stuff here. I tried Alclad NMF on my Mustang and it just ended up melting somewhat so great to see a better example. With the differing panel shades, is there any form of pattern or symmetry used or is it rather random? I've painted both sides of the aircraft the same, I've painted adjacent panels the same shade, however I chose the "aluminium shades" at random, does that make sense? I used this photo... as a reference and tried to make the panels "more or less" match the different shades shown in the photo, however I didn't follow the "brightness" or "dullness" depicted and just chose different colours to help "break up" the overall effect. in the past I've tried Alcalds but couldn't get on with them, I also found they were very fragile, picking them up left finger marks!, these Xtreme Metals are far easier to work with, they spray beautifully providing you spray in thin coats building up the effect. As a hang-over from using Alclads I still handle the model wearing gloves and try to check my gloves for any paint or other detritus before handling the aircraft, on the odd occasion I've not checked I end up with a smudged paint mark transferred to the model and a quick expensive visit to the swear box. rgds John Edited December 2, 2022 by shortCummins 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles87 Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 I had much the same experience with Alclad which is why I don’t use it any more except for their pale burnt metal and exhaust which I brush on over already painted surfaces. John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81-er Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 4 hours ago, shortCummins said: I think that "pure" black and white would have been too stark, having said that the stripes look black and white 🤪 They do, but scale-appropriate and not overly stark. As for Alclad, I’ve used them a fair bit (and absolutely love their black primer), but wholeheartedly concur on the fragility of the finish. The look great but need protecting. Having just tried the AK Xtreme Metal (wonderfully named for a fan of extreme metal music like myself), I have to say it’s gone on just as nicely as the Alclad. I’ve yet to thoroughly test the durability of the finish, but initial impressions are indeed that it’s tougher. James 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeaWeasel Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 2 hours ago, shortCummins said: I've painted both sides of the aircraft the same, I've painted adjacent panels the same shade, however I chose the "aluminium shades" at random, does that make sense? That makes sense, thanks for the tips. Will definitely give the AK metals a go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.P. Posted December 3, 2022 Share Posted December 3, 2022 Oh great, now I want to build a P-51. 🤬 But I will resist, too many other kits started need to get finished first. 🤥 🤣 Great work so far, the varying shades look very convincing. As for Alclads, I use them exclusively for NMF finishes and have yet to have any fragility problems....look at me dancing on a land mine. 😬 They are a huge improvement over Model Master's Metalizers. May just break down and try the AK stuff at some point. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted December 3, 2022 Author Share Posted December 3, 2022 (edited) The decals supplied with this weekend kit are digital printed by Eduard themselves, “in theory” the carrier film can be peeled once they have fully set, although Eduard don’t “officially*” recommend this, we’ll see how it goes? For this decalling session I’m only going to apply the scheme specific ones. Before removing the carrier film. The main reason for this scheme… This is the only decal, so far, where the carrier film is visible. I left them to fully cure overnight and then tried to gently peal away the carrier film by using a “new” scalpel blade to lift a corner and then tweezers to remove it. Carrier film removed… Will Patterson also mentioned on his YouTube channel that you can dissolve the carrier film with “mineral spirits”, not being American I can’t, reasonably priced anyway, easily get hold of mineral spirits however Google tells me that the “British” version is “white spirit”, luckily I had a bottle of this in the shed. So I tried applying the white spirit with a cotton bud to see if it is easier, could be useful for the “stencils”? The removal of the carrier film worked well however the white spirit?, could have just been over exertion with the cotton bud? I rubbed along the panel to try and make it uniform. *It’s worth noting that Eduard don’t recommend removal of the carrier film however in one of their monthly magazines, May 2021 pages 52-61, they provide detailed instructions on how to remove the carrier film. Next, I’ll be attempting to repair the damaged aluminium panel. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) Edited December 3, 2022 by shortCummins 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted December 3, 2022 Author Share Posted December 3, 2022 I used the transfer paper to trace the outline of Donald… …the outline was cut out and the transfer paper taped in place… …Xtreme Metal AK479 aluminium applied… …repair complete. Its not perfect but a lot better than before. Next, I’ll be adding the “stencil” decals. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliGauld Posted December 3, 2022 Share Posted December 3, 2022 I've been lurking with this one and marvelling at the fabulous work done. It looks utterly brilliant and what a fantastic save on the nose. One word of caution, I also saw the Will Pattison video and have used it to good effect, but as AK Xtreme Metals are enamels and not lacquers the white spirit will react with them and lift them. Hope this helps, Cheers, Alistair 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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