Page 54 - Model Airplane International - Issue 175 (February 2020)

KIT BUILD

fuselage and tail. Though not accurate, I am technique I have been using is one that I constantly moving the template around added
delighted with the result. picked up from Spencer Pollard, and it is the a texture to the surface. This is a fantastic
To take away that toy-like appearance, use of Artool mottling templates. I used the technique that creates a grimy and dirty paint
it was time to fade and weather down the template and a highly thinned Tamiya XF-85 surface. This must be the best technique I
paintwork. I started by bleaching the paint; I rubber black at a ratio of 80/20. Holding the have learned in years.
lightened all three base paints and then faded template to the surface of the model and “Oils make everything better”. This is
all the individual panels on the aircraft. Once gently misting on the highly thinned paint and something that I have been saying recently.
faded, I then darkened the base paint and
applied random patterns onto the paintwork,
fi gures of eight and squiggles broke up the
faded paint surface. The fi nal layer of paint
was a very thin application of the base tone
to blend the weathering back to a more subtle
appearance.
At this stage it was time for a gloss coat.
I used Mr. Hobby GX100 and Mr. Hobby
Leveling Thinner and applied a few thin coats,
followed by a wet coat to get a nice smooth
shine to the model. With the gloss coat as
hard as a rock, the application of decals could
begin. This aircraft did not have that many
decals or stencils to apply, which for me is
always great. The markings are simple so
decals could be completed in one evening
sitting. With a cup of warm water and my go to
decal solutions ready I could start the decals.
I cut each decal out and then soaked them in
the warm water and then put them aside whilst
I applied a small amount of Micro Set to the
surface where the decal would go. After the
decal has had time to soften, I gently placed
the decal into the position and then removed
all the excess solution from underneath. Once
I felt that the decal was not going anywhere,
I then applied a layer of Micro Sol and then
DACO Strong. Unfortunately, no matter how
many applications of decal solution, the decals
would not conform that well and needed
cutting. I also thought that the decals were
extraordinarily thick and even after a sealing
clear coat of GX100, there was a noticeable
edge to each design.
To bring out the surface detail an
application of Mig Ammo Dark Brown
Panel Line wash was applied and
once dried, the excess was
removed with a paper towel.
The surface was then
polished smooth and
then weathering
stage began.
Firstly, a
new

54 MODEL AIRPLANE INTERNATIONAL - February 2020