SPA Modeler

speedgraflex wrote:Thanks so much, Stuart and Tom. I’m looking forward to finishing the instrument panel. I was thinking initially that I would used a drill bit to create the textured finish of the aluminum back plate. I tried this, but I was having trouble making it look to scale. Then I thought I would take Mr S 500 and stipple the finish with a stiff brush. Now I’m not sure.

Ah the fun of experimentation!

Yes. I am still on the fence about the merits of Mr Surfacer 500 in the paint pot! I see how Duke uses it so brilliantly and I can’t seem to get it to behave the same way. I even stooped so low as to blame the material (a bad batch, of course!) but I have made it a priority to use the 500 up somehow, even if it is to make faux textured finishes!

speedgraflex wrote:

Oh dear God that is GLORIOUS. I need to get you on a Skype call with me about how you achieved this smoothness because this is tasty and EXACTLY what I want for a base when it comes time to do Spare Parts’ bare metal finish. It’s just lovely!

Also- I very much like what you’ve done with the seat. That seat, in that frame, very nicely built and done, Bruce. This is coming along swimmingly and I’m enjoying the hell out of your updates.

Keep up the great work brother!

I agree with Kenny Bruce! That has to be the most perfect gloss coat on a model that I've ever seen! Your work is stunning!

As for the Mr. Surfacer 500; I don't airbrush it. I simply paint it on with a brush. If I need to add more due to occasional shrinkage, I'll add a bit more until it is rounded enough. Then I sand it down with a medium grit stick until the plastic immediately adjacent to the Mr. Surfacer shows signs of being sanded. Then I know the Mr. Surfacer is even with the surface of the parts I'm 'fusing' After that, I use finer grits of sticks to get a more smooth finish until it all looks shiny and even. If you can do that kind of gloss on that cowl; you got this!

Awesome update Bruce! I look forward to seeing more.

Ken,

You’re too kind. I wrote a bunch of how to type shit but I deleted it. Feel free to call. With my girlfriend on lockdown in a foreign country and no end to the pandemic in sight, I feel depression setting in.

Duke Maddog wrote:I agree with Kenny Bruce! That has to be the most perfect gloss coat on a model that I've ever seen! Your work is stunning!

As for the Mr. Surfacer 500; I don't airbrush it. I simply paint it on with a brush. If I need to add more due to occasional shrinkage, I'll add a bit more until it is rounded enough. Then I sand it down with a medium grit stick until the plastic immediately adjacent to the Mr. Surfacer shows signs of being sanded. Then I know the Mr. Surfacer is even with the surface of the parts I'm 'fusing' After that, I use finer grits of sticks to get a more smooth finish until it all looks shiny and even. If you can do that kind of gloss on that cowl; you got this!

Awesome update Bruce! I look forward to seeing more.

Duke!

Thank you for your explanation!!!

Bruce, old "Spochtsfreund"!

the progress on your GeeBee Looks awesome, gorgeous!
Cockpit: subtile and perfect match!
Cowling: The best finish I have ever seen. Chapeau!
Wheel-housings: Polish the primer surface. You will get as similar perfect result as said above.

If you bring it to finish you will get an extrordinary scale model.

Might look great next to my upcoming Macchi-Castoldi MC 72?

Marius! Thank you so much! I think I just got lucky.

Glad that you're making some good progress on this Bruce! I'll be eyeballin' this later when I'm off of work since I can't view the pics here.

Mustang Joe,

I’m so grateful for you, bud. Your advice and work have always made a huge impact upon me!