Subj : Model Painting
To : Jamestyree
From : Moondog
Date : Sun Sep 22 2019 09:02 pm
Re: Model Painting
By: Jamestyree to All on Sun Sep 22 2019 03:44 pm
> New topic...
>
> I'd like to dive into building models again. I put a few kits together back
> high school (I think my mom threw them away after I went to college), mostly
> sci-fi related kits. I recently built an "Eagle" from the TV series, Space
> 1999. I haven't put any decals on it yet, nor have I tried painting it eith
> I'd like to try painting it with an air brush but I've never used one before
>
> Does anyone here have any experience with air brush painting? I'm totally o
> to any tips/advice/suggestions that you may have before I start spending any
> money.
>
> Thanks,
>
> James
>
I've gotten back into assembling models after several years of having some
kits placed in storage. I recently put together a 1:48 scale B-17e. When I
was building models in the 80's and 90's the Testors enamel paints were
cmmonly found at most big box stores. Nowadays the hot items are acrylic
paints. They can be thinned down to add highlights to seams and other
details, and also enhance weathering effects. while acrylics can be thinned
with water, there are special airbrush thinners that stay "wet" longer and
don't clog up air brushes.
Reagrding the B-17e, I didn't have any paints in my inventory other thatn
automotive paints. I primed the larger parts withgray etching primer.
Acrylics will not stick well to bare plastic. The primer also helped with my
primary project: learning how to wire lighting in a plane. I added a switch
and battery holder in the bomb bay and ran a couple of clear red lens LED's
through the fuselage to simulate the low light red lamps used at night in the
cockpit, radio room, and gunner's areas. I sprayed the exterior portions with
Krylon olive drab and later picked up a small acrylic set to paint the
seats, belts, metallic items, and other small features. I could not find any
regular model glue nearby (seemd like every drug store had some) so I
perfomred most of the gluing with either wood glue or Gorilla Glue clear gel
adhesive. Wood glue didn't work well and had to be re-glued in most spots.
The gel would etch into some of the clear pieces. In retrospect I should've
spent more time de-burring and fitting parts, and removed more flashing. The
kit must've been stored near heat, and the wing portions warped a little. I
had to use clamps to keep the edges bonded, as well as use a heat gun to
straighten parts out. I also need one of those magnified lamps. My eyes
aren't what they used to be.
---
� Synchronet � The Cave BBS - Since 1992 - cavebbs.homeip.net
