1:72 MPM Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.1

[dr_gn]

Red Firecracker said:

Looking good. I do have to admit I'd have liked to see it black though

Black is very easy to apply as a featureless coat, but difficult to get looking 'right' in terms of weathering and depth. Most black Defiant models I've seen look either totally flat, or over weathered.

No doubt Airfix will release a new tool version soon, so if it's any good I'll get one and experiment with a black finish on that.

[Eric Mc]

I agree. All black aircraft are very hard to make look right when scaled down.

[Red Firecracker]

Agreed, but there be the challenge.

[lufbramatt]

Eric Mc said:

I agree. All black aircraft are very hard to make look right when scaled down.

The Defiant at Hendon doesn't seem to look "right" and it's 1:1 scale! I think matt black aircraft in general look a bit strange unless well weathered- the lack of reflections and highlights hides the 3D shape of the thing.

[dr_gn]

lufbramatt said:

Eric Mc said:

I agree. All black aircraft are very hard to make look right when scaled down.

The Defiant at Hendon doesn't seem to look "right" and it's 1:1 scale! I think matt black aircraft in general look a bit strange unless well weathered- the lack of reflections and highlights hides the 3D shape of the thing.

It applies to all models to different degrees IMO: If you paint a model in solid camo colours it looks like a toy. It needs something to break up the tone a bit. I've settled on preshading using light and dark patches of base colour and black panel lines, all toned down with an overcoats of base colour. It's tricky to get right, I've not managed to get the patches to show through enough yet without the panel line shading remaining too obvious (or vise versa). Because it's nearly the last part of the process, I'm reluctant to experiment on a model I've spent ages detailling in other areas.

[dr_gn]

Decals on now, and a coat of Klear:



Found a bit of green overspray on the fuselage; it's not too bad so I'll touch it in with the airbrush later.

[Mutley]

Excellent dr_gn, been following your build threads for a while, and am inspired to up my efforts.

One question, for the camo, do you use masks or go freehand?

[dr_gn]

Mutley said:

Excellent dr_gn, been following your build threads for a while, and am inspired to up my efforts.

One question, for the camo, do you use masks or go freehand?

Masks - at this scale for RAF stuff it's the best way IMO. Even for a more feathered edge effect (French Air Force for example) I'd still use masks, but raised off the surface a bit.

[Mutley]

Thanks, one more is that a tape mask?

[dr_gn]

Mutley said:

Thanks, one more is that a tape mask?

Yep, Tamiya tape.

The technique I've settled on is:

1. Get some thin tracing film and lay a bit over the model where a demarcation needs to be.

2. Draw the camo outline on the film with pencil.

3. Stick two layers of Tamiya tape over the line.

4. Cut the profile out with scissors

5. Remove first layer of tape and apply to model.

6. When all the outlines are done, fill in the middle bits with more tape.

[Mutley]

dr_gn said:

Yep, Tamiya tape. .......

Thanks for the tips

[Dr Jekyll]

dr_gn said:

No doubt Airfix will release a new tool version soon,

+1

I'd really like one in 1/24th but that might be a bit much to hope for.

[dr_gn]

Dr Jekyll said:

dr_gn said:

No doubt Airfix will release a new tool version soon,

+1

I'd really like one in 1/24th but that might be a bit much to hope for.

1:32 would be great, but 1:48 would be a good compromise IMO. It's not an easy aircraft to build - the undercarriage and doors are particularly tricky as I'm currently finding out...slightly larger parts and decent design for assembly would help (something that the new Airfix kits seem to do very well). Plenty of scope for making a good job of the turret at larger scales too.

Lots of options for variants as well - BoB, night fighter, target tug etc, etc. Plus currently there are no mainstream kits of it.

[dr_gn]

About time it stood on its own two feet:



Applied a wash to the removable panels and control surfaces too - still needs finessing a bit before exhaust staining etc and a final matt coat.

I must admit it looks terrible. Hopefully a matt coat and little details like unmasking the canopy, pitot tube, wheel covers, lights etc. will transform it in the same way the did for the Spitfire. If not...oh dear!

[dr_gn]

Noticed today that the u/c legs are anout 2-3mm too long. This makes it impossible to get the right amount of overlap on the main gear doors. The razor saw beckoned, but was replaced in the toolbox with a resigned shake of the head - enough is enough.

Anyway, u/c is done and a quick coat of matt varnish and some light weathering has improved it a lot:





Next is fitting the propeller, lights, rear view mirrors, access step, canopy & release mechanism, aerial wire & insulators, and finally...the turret (which was completed what seems like years ago).

[Red Firecracker]

A coat of matt always makes the difference. Looking good.

[dr_gn]

Now finished - it's been a long slog, but really enjoyable - more modelling than kit assembly, and loads of scope (or necessity) to add your own details.

Maybe slightly under-weathered, but it'll do.































Scratchbuilt / additional details include...

Turret:

Master Model gun barrels
Door knobs
Gun controls
Decals for the air gauges and nameplate
Gun wiring and rear extensions
Hydraulic elevation piston & pipework
Gunners notepad & pencil
Mk.IIIa gunsight and mechanism
Front hinged table and brackets
Turret lifting struts
Stbd. electrical panels and the suit heating & radio pigtails
Falcon vacform canopy modded for doors open
Gunners head-pad.

Cockpit:

Head armour supports
Circular plate next to headrest
Rear fairing air cylinder body
Radio box retaining strap
Correct spade grip
Wheel brake lever
Throttle lever knobs
Rear view mirrors
Canopy release mechanism

Airframe:

Wing tip light covers & bulbs
Landing lights
Dorsal navigation light
Pitot tube
Wheel brake pipes
Wheel well hydraulics
Wheel door actuators & struts
u/c leg modifications
Vacform canopy and front fairing cut to be lowered
Aerial and insulators
Access step and spigot
Rear navigation light
Drooped elevators
Propeller bearing

Edited by dr_gn on Thursday 28th November 11:25

[HoHoHo]

Lovely

What's next?

[dr_gn]

HoHoHo said:

Lovely

What's next?

Ta!

Finish the Curtiss Hawk is next, and an ASK 21 glider. Then some F1 racing cars I think.

[Roy Lime]

Dr, as I'm sure you'll understand I've been looking forward to seeing this one. Well done - turret in particular looks great.

It's been a really good thread - thanks.