SPA Modeler

BlackSheep214 wrote:I remember building the large scale PT-109 with battery operated motor back in the 70s. Came with figures including the gunner. Anybody remember that kit? Looking good, Lyle!

Sounds like the Lindberg 1/32 scale PT...

Stikpusher wrote:

BlackSheep214 wrote:I remember building the large scale PT-109 with battery operated motor back in the 70s. Came with figures including the gunner. Anybody remember that kit? Looking good, Lyle!

Sounds like the Lindberg 1/32 scale PT...

Honestly, I don't recall the make but it could very well may be.

Way to go Lyle, but I agree with Carlos. Time to get that bad boy painted. I spent all of New Year's day sleeping till noon (I went o bed at 3:00AM) and been catching up on my Forums all day. Soon I'll be back to the bench.

Thanks, Mark! Still have a dozen or so pieces to add. Mostly railings around the gun mounts, etc. I’m not adding the props, shafts and rudders until the last.

I hope I have enough paint. Looks like I may be scraping a couple of jars. I do not want heavy coats that will hide all that delicate shading effort!

Well, got some paint on this rascal. Moderately satisfied. Sort of Extra Medium level of okie-dokie. Cleaned the airbrush and managed to do something to the air valve. I was able to get it working to the point I could use it. May switch it out with a spare.

Anyway, per orders, here you go. I have no idea what to do with the topside to weather it properly, so feel free to through out suggestions.

I know your standards are high, but my eyes see a great job well done!

Thanks. Good to know it didn't put your eyes out! As it cures out more, the sides look alright. Again, topside is in need of something. A wash? Some dot filtering?

My first thought was, “the top side just needs to cure!” Honestly I feel you about wanting to create a weathering solution but I always always always treat the first color coat with respect. This comes not from within me but as a lesson I learned from making a Pinewood Racer back in the day and rushing the “flames” I planned to add to the sides. I’m not suggesting you are making any mistake as you are merely contemplating what to do next, but I honestly am relating my response and why. There’s no critical thought; only an emotional reaction. Protect and let the paint cure. I always rest a full day before coming back to a project after a major event such as a first coat.

Celebrate with a hot toddy, dig into research, let the paint cure. Personally the next move would be to do a very careful (think Mustang Joe) polish with a microfiber cloth to remove any defects then another close inspection to make sure the surface looks good would be on the docket....

Shoot - apologies if this sounds like armchair advice. If you want to weather I would start with a water based wash but not a black one. A gray wash just slightly darker than your color coat. Avoid black with gray. These ships are monochrome. Think, um, Shades Of Gray without the bondage or whatever was going on there.

I think your observations are good ones.

I’m done for the day and the boat is drying, at least overnight. Hit the unpainted upper pieces with some gray primer and then a mic of two partial jars of Tamiya grays. I’ll have to get the numbers later. They were about empty. They were also heavily thinned...something I don’t do as I should. I will hit it with a dull coat tomorrow.

Dabbed some Hull Red on the bottom, is sure is brown looking. I think it will work though.

Enjoy your day! All the best!