SPA Modeler

speedgraflex wrote:Based on what Carlos wrote about paint condition, I found these images of the third pilot in the “Cleanup Crew,” Nishizawa, and his A6M3... 22? I remember thinking the Tamiya box art Ken posted on page 1 of his thread was based on this photo.



The paint scheme is fascinating in its utilitarian patchiness: the prop is pretty much bare ass metal, too.

Kinda looks like it, sure. Heh, my cowling isn’t that nicely preserved though LOL. I’m not worried about that.

Just goes to show you that, there's always more than one way to skin a cat. Not that I've tried to skin an actual feline. The additional work with the microfiber has added a nice subtlety to your chipping effects... it seems more cohesive. Noticeable improvement! Chipping by removal will always be my preferred chipping method but it's also good to have other techniques available when there is no metallic base underneath. I find a mixture of techniques is beneficial to vary the chipping sizes, which creates a more realistic effect.

I agree, John. Whole-heartedly and thank you again for mentioning the microfiber. More cohesive was absolutely what I was looking to achieve. And that was the game-changer.

speedgraflex wrote:Based on what Carlos wrote about paint condition, I found these images of the third pilot in the “Cleanup Crew,” Nishizawa, and his A6M3... 22? I remember thinking the Tamiya box art Ken posted on page 1 of his thread was based on this photo.



The paint scheme is fascinating in its utilitarian patchiness: the prop is pretty much bare ass metal, too.

That is one of those field applied schemes that I spoke of earlier. Notice how the whole canopy frame is still light gray. IIRC, Nishizawa and Co. flew out of Rabaul on New Britain.

And yes, from the factory, the spinner and forward side of the props were bare metal. The rear surface of the blades would have an anti glare color, either black or primer red brown.

Kenny the cowling looks awesome!!

Thank you, Bruce and Mr. Medic Man!

Progress has not stalled. But I am glad I slowed it down, because I’ve had the chance to puzzle over this idea that’s popped up.

I’m weathering this bird pretty extensively. About like what I did with my last Corsair. And this aircraft has a fascinating paint scheme. Gray green on the bottom, that groovy dark green top-side, with yellow stripes around the fuselage, orange stripes on the leading edge of the wings, and the national insignias. The kit provides decals for the stripes and insignias, butbheres the issue:

1. They’re thick.

2. They’ll look pristine on a heavily-weathered bird.

So okay, Solvaset would probably handle the thickness issue.

I can dirty them with oils after application so that would help the “looking pristine” issue.

But while that method will make the finished product look good, it won’t push it over the cliff. Know what I mean?

So I’m opting to paint that stuff myself, so that I can chip and scuff those insignias and stripes so that the weathering is consistent. Chipped yellow band down to bare metal AND scuffed down to green as well. So I’ve been mentating on how to work that out, and I think I’ve got it licked, at least in my head. We’ll see.

Multi level chipping! That's gonna look sweet!

I know you can pull it off!

Since the Japanese markings are so simple, you don't need a Silhouette Portrait to cut masks for it. You can use one of these...


https://www.amazon.com/OLFA-9911-Compas ... 8318&psc=1

$8, same day delivery if you have Amazon Prime.