advice for beginners

325LATIMER · 2 July 2007, 05:51 AM

I will try your suggestion.

BuzPezold · 2 July 2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325LATIMER

I will try your suggestion.

I look forward to see some of your results! Happy modeling!

Buz

MerlinV · 2 July 2007, 03:28 PM

I agree with BuzPezold.
Build, plaint, build, paint.
I tend to do as much as I can with the Cockpit and paint all that up. When I am happy with the Cockpit, I close up the Fuselage and add the lower main planes and horizontal stabilizers. I usualy leave the tail and rudder off though as it is easier to apply any decals that way; or seperate the rudder from the vertical stabilizer and then re-attach after painting and decaling.
Leave the engine and cowel off too.
You now have a number of sub-assemblies that you can paint to your hearts content, decal and then assemble.
I have never used a jig for fitment of wings but have sometimes regretted that I have not. I am certainly getting closer to the day when I will use one.

Good luck.

Cheers,

Hugh

BuzPezold · 2 July 2007, 04:49 PM

Hugh,

I agree with you as well. You bring up some excellent points in particular about the tail plane.

Buz

325LATIMER · 3 July 2007, 01:13 AM

Many, many thanks for your advice Buz and Hugh,

I will be putting it to practice (at least make a start!) this coming weekend, when i will have a couple of hours for myself.

I very much like your suggestion of paint as you go, create sub-assemblies and to apply decals before completing the model. In the past I have spent a very long time painting in the spruce, assambling in one go and then applying decals. Tense moments, I can tell you!

I hope Hugh, you will let me know about your experiences when using the jig.

One more question, once the model is finish do you recommend the application of a clear sealant (matt or semi-gloss)?

Best,

Fabio.

BuzPezold · 3 July 2007, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325LATIMER

One more question, once the model is finish do you recommend the application of a clear sealant (matt or semi-gloss)?

Best,

Fabio.

Fabio,

I highly recommend applying a clear finish to the finished model. Matt or Semi-gloss (Sattin) are great especially for 1/72 scale WW1 aircraft models. Not only does it seal and protect your paint finish but it also covers up residue such as Super Glue (CA). I use HUMBROL Matt Clear. I like giving my models a matt finish. A gloss finish in 1/72 scale does not look right to me. A point of interest to you, Fabio. When you apply decals to your model and the surface that you are applying the decal to is matt. I recommend applying a coat of Clear Gloss to the area on which you are applying the decal. Let the Clear Gloss dry well for a few hours then apply the decal. After the decal has dried for a few hours then apply the Clear Matt finish over the decal. By taking these steps when applying your decals you will avoid any "Silvering" of your decals on your model. The decals then look like it has been painted on the model.

Take care,

Buz

325LATIMER · 3 July 2007, 05:46 AM

As usual, excellent advice Buz: really appreciate your help.

And thanks for passing on your decaling technique: I had some silvering problems with my Revell Spad that hopefully will not be repeated. In fact, this was the very reason for my asking about finishing coats.

By the way, I also agree that gloss finish in WWI aircraft does not seem the right thing . . .

All the best,

Fabio.

Tom L. · 3 July 2007, 10:39 AM

I've been using Future for decals in my last couple builds; laying the decal into a "puddle" (thin coat, actually) of Future and adding another thin coat to the top of the decal, the results have been fantastic. No silvering, the decal lays down to the surface almost invisibly, and with a little dullcoat, they look painted on.

Santimor · 7 August 2007, 05:29 PM

Wow! I´ve found this thread REALLY useful for what i was looking for.

But i have a cuestion (i think is a problem about language

) What is a Matt finish? or what do you refer with that?

Thank you in advance!

Bye

Rittersbach · 8 August 2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santimor

Wow! I´ve found this thread REALLY useful for what i was looking for.

But i have a cuestion (i think is a problem about language

) What is a Matt finish? or what do you refer with that?

Thank you in advance!

Bye

Greetings Santimor,

Matt finish is a dull finish, the opposite of glossy.