1/48 Emil Do-Over

[KennyX]

Yeah, John, I can’t build without it. My eyes have suffered from years of staring at dark windows with white text in them, on a computer screen. So the optivisor is absolutely necessary, even a cheap one like mine. But it works good.

As to the white, that totally explains why those insignias seem to come off the backing so much more nicely than the kill marks did LOL they kept folding over the side of the backing. Wasn’t expecting that. Those insignias with the white seemed a whole lot stiffer and thus way easier to work with.

[speedgraflex]

You nailed that Mickey Mouse with a hatchet. That makes the whole project come to life. The spirit of the plane and pilot are bound up in that symbol. Forgive my rambling earlier, that was a whole lot less modeling than it should be. But, it’s weird how the mind works.

Interesting shot of you holding the model. Makes me think about how best to work on projects. I appreciate the persona as much as the work. Good job.

It’s amazing how powerful the design of the 109 is... I still believe Kurt Tank is the ultimate fighter designer, but there is something to Messerschmitt and Lusser as well.

[KennyX]

Bruce-

Bro, I liked your comment! You can write-down whatever is happening in your mind as a result of something I post, any time! I like the rabbit holes. And what’s more, your mind is important! After all, all the amazing stuff you’re doing on that Mustang issues forth from that amazing mind of yours.

I like all your stuff, but I think I like your comments, and your sketches, best of all.

[Stikpusher]

That is looking so good now with all the markings going on! Looking very sharp Kenny!

[KennyX]

Thank you! I’m really happy that as soon as this kit got here in the mail I cracked it open and got to work.

And I STILL haven’t dropped it!!!!

[KennyX]

Also, Carlos,

I will say, the clear coat and decals didn’t tamp down the weathering effect caused by the manner in which I painted her quite as much as I thought they would. She’s still a bit more weathered-looking than what this aircraft actually was. I’m still 100% happy with it, but I did Lear a valuable black Basing lesson as the method pertains to me- I have a tendency to under-do the blend coat, as opposed to over-doing it. Lesson-learned. I’m still totally happy with the build though. But I’ll totally carry that lesson over to next time.

[Stikpusher]

The final top flat coat over the decals should tone it all down and tie it all together. Just make sure you mask the canopy first... more than a few folks have forgotten that detail...

[KennyX]

THANK YOU, Carlos! I’ll make double-sure I don’t forget!

[Stikpusher]

Pulling off canopy masking is one of the final steps that I do. After final coats of any airbrushed weathering, and before adding the final pastels, fiddly bits, etc. It’s the beginning of the butterfly emerging from the cocoon...

[KennyX]

So I’m thinking about washes and panel lines. I don’t think I want to do them on this model. The black primer has already accentuated the panel lines and details, and they’re subtle but evident. They’re visible when the light is right. I think for this model, they’re unnecessary. This model.
For me. This is not an indictment against what y’all do, if you like to pre-shade or post-shade, that’s alright by me, that’s your self-expression and it’s valid, lovely, and awesome. This is for me and for this model. This is your friend, the old boy Kenny X, finding his own style, for an aircraft like this. I like how they appear and disappear depending on the light.