Zvezda/Berkut Tupolev ANT-5 1/72

[Stikpusher]

Cleaning up those holes where the bombs were to go looks like it will be a challenge.

[BorgR3mc0]

Cleaning up those holes where the bombs were to go looks like it will be a challenge.

No, that was easy. Because I use sprue the plastic just melts in. When hardened I cut off the sprue with a sharp scalpel. No putty needed and the corrugated surface can be restored because I use hard plastic not putty. I actually started painting (black base coat).

[Stikpusher]

I figured that the corrugations would make clean up work a bit difficult...

[BorgR3mc0]

The black base is on. I used a Duplicolor gloss black spray can.

[KSaarni]

Oh, that is a very nice development with the bird!

Was there some decals with this one (a red star or so)
Interesting to see how it will settle on the corrugated surface.

- Kari

[BorgR3mc0]

The prototype ANT-5 didn’t have any markings so that is easy in this build

[speedgraflex]

Beautiful... beautiful. Duplicolor is soooo good. Sharp work, Borg!

[BorgR3mc0]

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. Now it is time for the seemingly obligatory setback each build has. The BMF has cracks instantly after hitting the plastic. so I sanding it back and resprayed. Cracks again!
This is probably because of the temperature. This has dropped to near freezing but I have to spray in the ( unheated) garage. Other suggestions as what might be the problem are welcome.

[Stikpusher]

My only other thought on the cracking is due to time. How long in between the black base before the silver? Perhaps the black had not fully cured yet.
But yes, near freezing temperatures can be a factor here. Usually on spray paints there is a recommended temperature working range in all that fine print on the labels.

[speedgraflex]

Borg, so sorry you are having this challenge—you will overcome. In my opinion, having grown up painting models in the dead of winter in my parent’s garage, your issue is temperature dropping after the paint has been applied. There could also be a moisture issue, but I am going to second what you wrote that the reason is temperature. Is there a way to set up a space heater to improve conditions? I could imagine getting a large cardboard box for an appliance (microwave maybe) and set that on a table, point the heater at the back, heat that up, bring the model inside the box after ten minutes of heating, spray, then keep the model dry and warm inside the box for the degassing stage. Let us know what your ideas are to solve the issue!