1/48 Tamiya Mosquito MK. VI FB (Work in Progress)

[Paul]

That's one sharp looking 'skeeter Joe. I have always wanted to see how this kit came together. I'll have to add one to my stash.

[lawdog114]

Thanks all for the input on the doors. Owl, that Mosquito is phenomenal! Very humbling. Lyle, thanks for the walk-around videos. They will be of help.

.... And thanks for all the kind words... I hope to start the scheme tonight...

Joe

[Firesmacker]

I don't have much to add since everyone already said it all. But I really do need to weigh on that 'pit. Absolutely fantastic!

[lawman56]

Beautiful weathering on that leather seat! One of these days I'm going to start practicing. So far, most of my leather looks just like....brown.

[lawdog114]

Thanks guys. Its just XF-64 Red Brown brush painted.

I'm in for a brief update. . My research showed that 418 Squadron Mossies were Medium Sea Grey upper and lower with RAF Dark Green camo on the upper surfaces. Hairless Joe had partial invasion stripes on the lower fuselage which is a neat addition. I fixed all of the ghost seams, to include filling the "V"s on the back top tip of the nacelles (I saw an awesome walkaround video which showed those lines weren't supposed to be there). Once satisfied, I highlighted the panel lines with XF-1 Flat Black. I tthen set out to create the invasion stripes. I painted the black first and taped it off. I then sprayed XF-2 Flat White but left it somewhat transparent to give the illusion of dirt with the black showing through. I may have used too much white, we'll see.



After the stripes were taped off, I then painted the whole airframe XF-83 RAF Medium Sea Grey.



I then lightened the grey with XF-2 and added condensation streaks on the upper wings.



The frame was given a post shade of diluted XF-64 Red Brown and XF-69 NATO Black.to dirty it up. I went easy on the upper wooden structure but grimed it up fairly heavy underneath around the engines and radiator vents.




I was going to start on the RAF Green upper (XF-81) but my POS air compressor overheated and shut down on me. I checked it a few hours later and still dead. don't know if it will work again. Word of advice, avoid Silentaire, and they have lousy customer service . Currently trolling Ebay for a new one....... any Suggestions?

Joe

[LyleW]

if you have a harbor freight - look them up. Always Hobby Lobby with the coupon

[lawdog114]

Thanks Lyle. My first compressor was a Harbor Freight jobbie that sounded like tank. I've been checking out the California Air Tool 1610A which looks like it may fit my needs. It has a huge tank and runs just above a whisper (60 dc). Its also in my price range so we'll see. I'm done with Silentaire.....they are

Joe

[lawdog114]

Quick update folks. My compressor is still hanging on. Last night got some work in. I started the arduous task of masking off the camo for the RAF Green. I used just about all of my Blue Tac for the task. I used the Owl decal sheet as a loose reference on how the pattern should go. I prefer this over hard masks because it leaves a soft feathered edge. It took two hours to get about here....



I then put down the green portion of the camo with XF-81. To my eye this color is perfect. I added XF-57 Buff to it then made condensation streaks in the green. The Owl sheet said that Hairless Joe was very dirty, so I went more than usual on the post shading. This looked about right to me...




The tape was then removed from the invasion stripes. I'm happy with their worn appearance.



Decaling soon,
Joe

[BorgR3mc0]

That is some exquisit paintwork!

[LyleW]

Show stopping!