1/24 airfix mosquito

[db]

anyone built one?
it's been years (decades!!) since i built a plastic model, how have things changed?
is painting best done by airbrush and if so, where/how should i start?

[Eric Mc]

If it's years since you built a model, I would definitely not return to the hobby by splashing out £120 on a 1/24 Airfix Mosquito. It's an impressive kit and I've seen a couple made up now - they are BIG. However, the instructions are divided up into over 50 subsections - which just shows how much there is to do in constructing it.

Initially, I'd go for something far less ambitious - such as a small 1/72 or 1/48 WW2 fighter - like a Spitfire, Mustang or 109 - just to get your hand in.

There is no doubt that airbrushes give the best results - although I've seen impressive traditionally hand brushed paint jobs too.

Again, if you want to go down the airbrush route, buy wisely. It's taken me 5 attempts to finally get hold of an airbrush that REALLY does what I want it to do.

[Shar2]

I have two in the stash along with loads of resin and a Sea Mosquito conversion set. The kit is fantastic, but not perfect. It is marred by lots of injector pin marks, (although easily filled) and details like the control rods behind the cockpit missing. If you visit www.britmodeller.com you will find a number of amazing builds.

Whilst the detail work on the kit can be done with a brush I would recommend an airbrush to do the majority of the painting. Although, as Eric has said, some amazing results can be acheived using a suitable brush.