SPA Modeler

I changed my mind about one thing: dot fading. I decided in-favor of it. So here’s Emil after some gentle dot fading with raw umber artist oils:







I like the look it gives the aircraft.

You've done a great job with the oils! I could never get a satisfactory result but maybe it was because I was using such crappy oils (a children's set). Now that I've gone some of those MIG oilbrushers, I can play around a bit more with them.

As for a pin wash, I make my own using pastel chalks (cheap) and water (even cheaper). It works well... no grittiness. Since it is water-based, it is completely safe with any paint finish and you can easily make any shade you desire. The only hassle is I have to make a batch every time I want to use a wash. But I could probably pre-make a larger amount to store it in a small bottle... hey, that's an idea.

Great stuff Kenny,
Truly brilliant results. Happy New Year.

Regards,

Kenny, I'm glad you changed your mind. That dot wash truly does enhance this model tremendously.

John, try an empty Tamiya Extra Thin bottle for your wash when you make a batch up. They work magnificently!

John,

Thank you! I’m a fan of good oils. For me they were a game-changer. And I like the pigments too. I’ll be applying washes made from pigments this week as a matter of fact!

Kent,

Thank you sir!

Duke,

I am too. These oils, man. They’re a game-changer like I said. I feel kind of stupid because I’d see these photos of these aircraft and I’d wonder how to cut certain things, like the inherent shininess and sparkliness of decals, or I’d wonder other things too, like how to get that sheen on there. Oils. Yeah man they’re a keeper for sure!

These little guys took a long time:



And there’s still a ways to go yet on these parts, but at least all the heavy lifting is done.

The tires are NATO Black, rims are X-1 Black. They still need *something* and I’m really not too sure what that something is, yet. I’ll have to give that some thought.

The struts still need aluminum, and they’ll be getting a wash with oils as well. The covers I took my time with in-particular. Instead of bombing the paint on, I took them in sections just like the rest of the aircraft. I’m trying to upload our friend John’s philosophy into my own framework. Gear isn’t an “after-thought” anymore.

Spinner is NATO Black.

Also, I’ve been moving my paints and stuff into my new painting area:



I like it out there a whole lot.

OH! I also started on the exhausts. I’ll post pics of them later on once I’m happy with them.

Dude!!!! I'd surely be happy with the way that turned out. That looks magnificent!!!

For that “something else” on the wheels, here is a thought. Both sides were usually operating from grass fields for the most part. At least the fighters were. As opposed to all weather concrete airfields. So some sort of earthen weathering in those areas...

mustang1989 wrote:Dude!!!! I'd surely be happy with the way that turned out. That looks magnificent!!!

Thanks my man!

Stikpusher wrote:For that “something else” on the wheels, here is a thought. Both sides were usually operating from grass fields for the most part. At least the fighters were. As opposed to all weather concrete airfields. So some sort of earthen weathering in those areas...

That’s what I was curious about! Okay, it’s as Inassumed -correctly for once- dirt and grass airfields. Earthen weathering! THAT I can definitely do.