Bolleken's 1:72 stuff

[Bolleken]

BTW... I worked on my F-117. Fill - sand - polish - primer - fill - sand - polish - primer and then first color layer.




Revell's color No. 6, heavily thinned and applied marbled.
Painting a F-117 is a big challenge. Saw one from Desert Storm at Paris Air Show 1991. On every picture its flat black looks different.

[speedgraflex]

Marius! Just now seeing this.

First, “just in case” this helps add to Mimi:

http://summithelicopter.com/mamamimi.htm

Second:



I would fill the page with applause. What a beautiful paint job in progress. All of the hard work filling the seams paid off handsomely. I love love love seeing friskettes in action to create the paneling changes.

Your approach to the depth of color is always fascinating. The small changes are captured by the way you divide the aircraft with a sectional approach. In this case, your subtle methods make the surfaces much more realistic. I realize realism is also the goal of nearly everyone, but you make the gap between representation and reality very small in one of the smallest scales.

I was also concerned that your modeling cabinet was alright following your house repairs. Is it? I still think about adding an ambient strip light outside the cabinet as well. I will live vicariously for the moment. Do let me know if everything is alright.

[Medicman71]

Nice work on painting the black on the F-117! Funny note is that they may have been in combat again recently. And they're flying all over Death Valley.

[BlackSheep214]

Way to go on the F-117! Looking forward for more. Interesting to hear it was in different shades of black. Perhaps caused by natural weathering during its use.

[Stikpusher]

Way to go on the F-117! Looking forward for more. Interesting to hear it was in different shades of black. Perhaps caused by natural weathering during its use.

Yes, it’s from the weathering and repair work. I’ve seen them at a couple at air shows up close in the 90s (in a roped off area that one cannot get any closer and armed guards). Of course for ground display at air shows they were always cleaned up and looking fresh in an overall flat black.

[Bolleken]

Very interesting details you posted guys! Thank you very much.

After a long journey of fails and success, I am almost at finish line. My last post had shown a satisfying pre-result (in my view). However, after a glossy layer for decal preparation the effect was almost gone. I protected those decals by another layer of pledge and started with different washings, which looked all like hell.

Disappointed I tried a new way for me. I applied mottling dull coats. Then I took another semi-gloss black (Revell 302) and made it almost thin like water. Low pressure, applied as spots and along edges. This procedure was the key that it came out as I hoped to. Very tricky for me on a decaled model.

Next step is to emphasize the countless wire structures and to simulate wet stains on the underside. In addition, some more weathering is needed, applied sensitively. Hope to finish soon.

[speedgraflex]

Hullo! What a great save, Marius! This tip may be useful if there is a next time. If there is a next time that is. To protect your decals, cut a business card into a basic shape on its edge for paneling - assuming you want smaller panels - and use the card as a friskette. I did this on one of the smaller Space 1999 Eagles.

[Bolleken]

This might be a good idea. I am happy with the current look as the Revell F-117 does not have so many panels. BUT - this where your suggestions is back in the game - I might consider to make it "sharper" on the control surfaces. In this case I would mask with post-its. Cheap - quick - and I am experienced with it.

[speedgraflex]

Post-Its are wonderful as well. I just like to be able to adjust the height of the friskette away from the model to feather the paint. I realize with your goals to add color and protect decals you desire a hard seal - or protective enough to eliminate overspray.

With each new project, more fascinating techniques are revealed! Congratulations!

[Medicman71]

Nice save!! It still looks great!