Accurate Miniature RAF Mustang Mk-1A

[moon puppy]

My next trick is the mask off the canopy and paint the edges. I have never done that before. A video I watched showed to use a toothpick to delineate the edges, but the relief is so feint that I am having an extremely hard time finding the edge. I tried shining a flashlight through but still cannot see them. I am using blue tape and may have to try something else.

There's a lot of different methods, just find one you like and good luck!

 

[Greg Kimsey]

There's a lot of different methods, just find one you like and good luck!

I am trying clear scotch tape, first stuck to my jeans to remove some tack. I will let you know how it goes whenever I can squeeze the time in. I am babysitting the grandkids today and took advantage of naptime to do the decals!

 

[Greg Kimsey]

I finally abandoned trying to mask the canopy and using the canopies not used on the other model I painted by hand. It looks "OK".

One problem, (at minimum LOL), when I sprayed the body with matt finish this morning it clouded everything. So disappointing! I will have to look up why that happened.

 

[moon puppy]

Woo, looks lke it went on thick Greg. Give it a shot of gloss and see how it comes out. Try it on a test spot first.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Any idea what these rectangular holes are for. There is nothing in the kit that goes there and the directions don't mention them as far as I can tell, but the illustration shows the holes as if they are supposed to be there.

 

[jeaton01]

Shell ejection chutes.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Shell ejection chutes.

So leave them as they are?

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Paint black on the inside, but other than that they are supposed to be there so do like the Beetles song and "Let it Be".

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Thank you @jeaton01 and @Heavens Eagle!

 

[moon puppy]

How did the gloss coat go covering up the frosting?

 

[Greg Kimsey]

How did the gloss coat go covering up the frosting?

Meh, not great. Lesson learned I guess. I don't think I want to start over on this one to redo it, although I probably should. It's uhhh, extra weathered. Yeah, sure, that's the ticket.

I don't think I should be finished yet, but I am going to let it sit a bit then see what needs to be worked on with fresher eyes. There is lots to be cleaned up. I got my feet wet again with this project after several (5+?) years of not modeling, so my next one "should" be better...I hope? While I don't feel terrible about this one I think I AM better than this. Hopefully the next one will show that.

I attached some pics of where it is at now, before setting aside for a day or two.

 

[moon puppy]

Dang good effort I say. It looks good and you learned some things along the way. Well done Greg!

 

[Mo_]

Dig the RAF colors! Nice build.

 

[jeaton01]

Yeah, give it a rest and go back if you feel motivated. It might work to go over it with a clear but only if it the clear of the same type paint that you applied the matt coat with. The second coat will have to have the ability to penetrate and soften the underlying matt paint. I have an old 1/72 Italeri P-51A that has a similar problem, I just keep it at the back of the shelf and maybe will replace it with a better kit someday, or not.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Yeah, give it a rest and go back if you feel motivated. It might work to go over it with a clear but only if it the clear of the same type paint that you applied the matt coat with. The second coat will have to have the ability to penetrate and soften the underlying matt paint. I have an old 1/72 Italeri P-51A that has a similar problem, I just keep it at the back of the shelf and maybe will replace it with a better kit someday, or not.

Didn't know it had to be the same type . The matt was a lacquer. The gloss I put on top was acrylic. Live and learn. I have lacquer gloss. I will try to remove the acrylic with alcohol then use lacquer gloss and see how it goes. Thanks!!

 

[Heavens Eagle]

You can also "LIGHTLY" mist a bit of thinner with the airbrush on the lacquer once you get the acrylic cleaned off. Sometimes the white that happens with the clear coats is due to humidity problems and possibly drying too fast. Before messing with it, try laying some paint on a test item like a piece of plastic card. Fix it on the card before doing anything on the model.

 

[centaur567]

Looks great to me. Windex work when removing Future type acrylics. It might work for you too. Gary S.

 

[moon puppy]

I wouldn't not try to remove anything, especially lacquer. I have history on this. Might be best just to step away and get started on next project.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Well, I knew (or was pretty sure) that the alcohol wouldnt affect the lacquer, only the acrylic. I have used alcohol to age art I have painted over lacquer on furniture for 30 years. Well,... it worked like magic. Totally fixed the whited out decals. I don't understand it but am calling it a win!

 

[Greg Kimsey]

I know, Pics or it didn't happen