SPA Modeler

jkim wrote:Great work on the Mustang! NMF is something that I don't have the confidence to do yet but someday!

I think it is more the newly available materials, AKI, Mission Models even the revamped Alclad that lend more ease to NMF than those of previous years. Certainly a level of skill is required and that is something I need to work on but if you get your basic surface prep down pat ( seams, alignment, filling & sanding etc.) the modern metallics just appear to cover beautifully. I still have a long way to go as it is a very unforgiving medium but as a first effort, I judge it in that context and I am pleased wit my progress. John, you would certainly not have any difficulty in pulling off a NMF. Just dive in!

Regards,

Yup, ya can’t get better if you don’t make any effort.

And I do recall some bare metal areas on some of your builds on the lower surfaces. That was fine work in a smaller area. You just need to expand on that.

Well the US insignia are on. My first attempt at multi part masking so I wasn’t expecting perfect but happy with the result:

























Regards,

Thank you Kent very much for this great picture set!

Your "templates" are really well done, did you just use "simple" circular cutters ?
Those stars look very sharp and good!
Just regular Tamiya (or similar) masking tape used?

Sorry for the many questions, but planning to paint the RAF roundels on my Spitfire project, using decals only for stencils, letters and serial numbers.
And I need to learn this methodology!

- Kari

KSaarni wrote:Thank you Kent very much for this great picture set!

Your "templates" are really well done, did you just use "simple" circular cutters ?
Those stars look very sharp and good!
Just regular Tamiya (or similar) masking tape used?

Sorry for the many questions, but planning to paint the RAF roundels on my Spitfire project, using decals only for stencils, letters and serial numbers.
And I need to learn this methodology!

- Kari

They are a ready made set from Maketar, I don’t have the ability to make my own (yet). There are a number of manufacturers that make them in both vinyl and “kabuki” or Tamiya type tape.

Regards,

Yup, I am aware of the readily made masks, which are of course excellent options!

I will however try to "produce" my round roundels with this "tool", just need A4 sized Tamiya paper (or similar)



- Kari

KSaarni wrote:Yup, I am aware of the readily made masks, which are of course excellent options!

I will however try to "produce" my round roundels with this "tool", just need A4 sized Tamiya paper (or similar)



- Kari

Those are great! I use mine often on various projects. A friend of mine uses the Avery brand paper in his portrait cutter with good results ( I used a set on this build). They are reasonably priced and I think suitable for use with the circle cutter. I am getting some to try.

Regards,

Such great work, Kent! Masking Stars & Bars makes a huge difference in realization of realism and detail! Thank you for the documentation as well. I know I refer back to builds such as this constantly when devising my own approach. The "Missouri Armada" thread on Brit Modeler is another "go to place" for ideas. Thanks also for "109ace" from eBay! Great resource.



Congratulations on your work so far!

Boy, that is some nice work going on in here!

Beautiful work indeed! Well done!!