Inspired by James May
Discussion
back in the day (wot a rotten, truly rank expression, but...) I used a salvaged fridge compressor with an air pipe with a moisture trap on it.
Sounded like a bus parked in the spare room when in use. hummmmmmmmmmmmmm, used to drive me mad sometimes.
the missus hated it too, but it was far quieter than the small airpump compressor my mate loaned to me
I sorta think that I'd get dragged up before the European Criminal Court of Made Up Scientific Global Warming/Freezing Statutes if I tried to make another.
anyway, even with the water trapper it wasn't a lot of use usually some water coming out of it, but you could hear the water start to fester in the pipe before it popped into the spray field
Nowadays I would use the big compressor in the garage...
Paasche like a Ferrari? Yes sounds about right, but you really do need to become a bit of a formula one type driver to get the best out of it.
When I bought the garage compressor (from Aldi £60) it came with a schutz gun, air blow gun, normal gravity spraygun and a small "Badger 250 type" of airbrush too which works quite nicely too and would give a reasonable brush to learn on.
One of the best £60s worths I ever spent
Sounded like a bus parked in the spare room when in use. hummmmmmmmmmmmmm, used to drive me mad sometimes.
the missus hated it too, but it was far quieter than the small airpump compressor my mate loaned to me
I sorta think that I'd get dragged up before the European Criminal Court of Made Up Scientific Global Warming/Freezing Statutes if I tried to make another.
anyway, even with the water trapper it wasn't a lot of use usually some water coming out of it, but you could hear the water start to fester in the pipe before it popped into the spray field
Nowadays I would use the big compressor in the garage...
Paasche like a Ferrari? Yes sounds about right, but you really do need to become a bit of a formula one type driver to get the best out of it.
When I bought the garage compressor (from Aldi £60) it came with a schutz gun, air blow gun, normal gravity spraygun and a small "Badger 250 type" of airbrush too which works quite nicely too and would give a reasonable brush to learn on.
One of the best £60s worths I ever spent
With regard to airbrushes, Harder & Steenbeck are also very good.
http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/Harder_...
Paints are a bit marmite and most will have there own favourites. Tamiya, Lifecolour, Vallejo, etc just depends which you feel is bette for you. Normally you want a consistancy of skimmed milk for airbrushing. You can also get retarders to stop the paint drying out too quickly. I have used water Tamiya thinner, and cheaper de-icer from Tescos.
the main thing is not to get frustrated at first, but i guess it's quite common. You will block the nozzle at some point, to minimise this habe a cotton bud with IPA and wipe the nozzle every so often.
Small dental brushes are good for cleaning after use.
Might be obvious but you will get better results by using 2 or 3 thinned coats than a single one.
You will also get better resluts if you prime the model first. Halfords grey or white is very good for that.
Paint a base coat of the colour you are using, and then add a batch with a few drops of white to give a ligther shade on upper surfaces etc. to give some depth to the subject. Maybe buy a few cheap kits from the likes of modelzone to practise on.
I would also go for a cheap compressor rather than cans as theyt are relatively expensive.
http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/AS_Seri...
http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/Harder_...
Paints are a bit marmite and most will have there own favourites. Tamiya, Lifecolour, Vallejo, etc just depends which you feel is bette for you. Normally you want a consistancy of skimmed milk for airbrushing. You can also get retarders to stop the paint drying out too quickly. I have used water Tamiya thinner, and cheaper de-icer from Tescos.
the main thing is not to get frustrated at first, but i guess it's quite common. You will block the nozzle at some point, to minimise this habe a cotton bud with IPA and wipe the nozzle every so often.
Small dental brushes are good for cleaning after use.
Might be obvious but you will get better results by using 2 or 3 thinned coats than a single one.
You will also get better resluts if you prime the model first. Halfords grey or white is very good for that.
Paint a base coat of the colour you are using, and then add a batch with a few drops of white to give a ligther shade on upper surfaces etc. to give some depth to the subject. Maybe buy a few cheap kits from the likes of modelzone to practise on.
I would also go for a cheap compressor rather than cans as theyt are relatively expensive.
http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/AS_Seri...
Found this picture while searching for the definitive answer to "how were real Sptfires masked and painted?"
It occurred to me that if someone presented a model of the above aircraft, painted exactly to match that photograph, it would look totally crap, even though historically correct. Indeed, you could spend considerable time trying to make it look that bad, and still fail.
The concensus answer to the initial question seems to be : thick rubber template masks were layed over the surfaces and sprayed. The amount of 'feathering' on each aircraft depended on how the paint sprayer angled the gun relative to the mask edge (and obviously each aircraft was slightly different since the masks were hand placed).
Many bombers were pre-painted in sub assemblies, and when fitted together, the joints were taped and hand painted to match the patterns.
I find it interesting that modellers strive to achive a perfect finish, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
It occurred to me that if someone presented a model of the above aircraft, painted exactly to match that photograph, it would look totally crap, even though historically correct. Indeed, you could spend considerable time trying to make it look that bad, and still fail.
The concensus answer to the initial question seems to be : thick rubber template masks were layed over the surfaces and sprayed. The amount of 'feathering' on each aircraft depended on how the paint sprayer angled the gun relative to the mask edge (and obviously each aircraft was slightly different since the masks were hand placed).
Many bombers were pre-painted in sub assemblies, and when fitted together, the joints were taped and hand painted to match the patterns.
I find it interesting that modellers strive to achive a perfect finish, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
RacingPete said:
Having watched the first episode of James May on iPlayer I became inspired to try this Airfix lark (I know from reading here there are probably better kit makers). Last Christmas my ex-girlfriend (now wife) gave me a lovely starter kit of a Spitfire MkVb 1/72 scale, so last night I went straight home and got it out of the box and made it.
The box did say Easy and it will take 2 hours - so 5 hours later at about 1am I finished it
Despite growing up heavily into RC, model trains etc I never had done an airfix kit to the end (some poor attempts at Red Arrows Hawks when around 8), I did rather enjoy it.
Not the best attempt (plus lacking yellow paint), nor brilliant photo, on iPhone late:
Now looking at some of the other models on this forum (and wanting to do a few more models) it is obvious my technique is about 1/10, so questions are:
1) The paint work is amazing on some of the models with blended colours, what methods do you use to paint the models?
2) How do you paint the really fiddly bit, presume there are custom tools out there for holding the parts, anywhere good to look?
3) I would like to keep going with 1/72 scale at the moment so are there any good kits or paths of improvement people recommend?
Have a look here at the Tutorials sections. Site is really model car oriented but the techniques are the same.The box did say Easy and it will take 2 hours - so 5 hours later at about 1am I finished it
Despite growing up heavily into RC, model trains etc I never had done an airfix kit to the end (some poor attempts at Red Arrows Hawks when around 8), I did rather enjoy it.
Not the best attempt (plus lacking yellow paint), nor brilliant photo, on iPhone late:
Now looking at some of the other models on this forum (and wanting to do a few more models) it is obvious my technique is about 1/10, so questions are:
1) The paint work is amazing on some of the models with blended colours, what methods do you use to paint the models?
2) How do you paint the really fiddly bit, presume there are custom tools out there for holding the parts, anywhere good to look?
3) I would like to keep going with 1/72 scale at the moment so are there any good kits or paths of improvement people recommend?
www.briansmodelcars.com/
WRT dual-action airbrushes, don't expect perfection from day one. Spend lots of time spraying onto, say, a roll of wallpaper lining paper, (ex-B&Q), to get used to controlling the thing................they're not that easy to start with, regardless of some of the comments you'll see. Air in cans can work out b****y expensive so budget for a small compressor at some stage. On the other hand, there's a lot to be said for brush painting, particularly on small-scale aircraft as the originals were hardly works of art. The most important thing is to have FUN and enjoy the hobby. There'll always be someone better but that's life. Don't beat yourself up over minor imperfections.
If you do use air cans standing them in some warm water will stop them from freezing up and will make it easyer to keep a consistent pressure.
I have a badger 360 airbrush which im very happy with, far better than the badger 200 that I started out with. Any higher quality dual action airbrush should give good results. As with anything if you have cheap kit then it will be harder to get a good result, but you dont need the most expensive airbrush to get good results.
Skodaku has given the best advise so far.
Airbrushing is almost all down to preperation, especially thinning the paint correctly.
It took me a long time to figure it out, expect a splattery mess in the beginning.
I have a badger 360 airbrush which im very happy with, far better than the badger 200 that I started out with. Any higher quality dual action airbrush should give good results. As with anything if you have cheap kit then it will be harder to get a good result, but you dont need the most expensive airbrush to get good results.
Skodaku has given the best advise so far.
Airbrushing is almost all down to preperation, especially thinning the paint correctly.
It took me a long time to figure it out, expect a splattery mess in the beginning.
Interesting thread with some great tips. Like Pete, I was inspired by James May. I think my eyes were bigger than my belly though, as it were, as I'm currently not very far into a 1/24 scale spitfire.
One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
Stuart said:
Interesting thread with some great tips. Like Pete, I was inspired by James May. I think my eyes were bigger than my belly though, as it were, as I'm currently not very far into a 1/24 scale spitfire.
One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
I ordered a few bits from these people last week, and got my order delivered the next day:One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
http://www.creativemodels.co.uk/
I also ordered something from Hannants at the same time:
http://www.hannants.co.uk/
...but I'm still waiting.
If you want aerosol sprays go to your local Halfords, I use their Plastic Primer all the time and also their Clear Acrilic Lacquer. Other good ones are Chrome Aluminium which is brilliant for natural metal, and Appliance White - a really bright white; airliner modellers use this one a lot. Because they're acrylic they're idea for use on plastic and being car paints you'll find just about any shade you could ever need. A lot of people I know use little else, the only other thing you'll need of course is matt clear, as it's all gloss.
dr_gn said:
Stuart said:
Interesting thread with some great tips. Like Pete, I was inspired by James May. I think my eyes were bigger than my belly though, as it were, as I'm currently not very far into a 1/24 scale spitfire.
One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
I ordered a few bits from these people last week, and got my order delivered the next day:One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
http://www.creativemodels.co.uk/
I also ordered something from Hannants at the same time:
http://www.hannants.co.uk/
...but I'm still waiting.
For more general stuff, I try to buy local (if I can find a local shop). The nearest to me is a shop in Camberley and an Antics and Modelzone in Guildford.
Hannants are great and they always deliver - but you better not be in a mad rush to finish your project.
Edited by Eric Mc on Saturday 14th November 15:31
Eric Mc said:
dr_gn said:
Stuart said:
Interesting thread with some great tips. Like Pete, I was inspired by James May. I think my eyes were bigger than my belly though, as it were, as I'm currently not very far into a 1/24 scale spitfire.
One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
I ordered a few bits from these people last week, and got my order delivered the next day:One question - where's the best place to buy modelling supplies online, or where would you recommend? I'm keen to pick up some aerosol sprays for some of the larger sections of my Spitfire, but my local modelling shop had a rather woeful selection.
I must say though, it's taken me right back to standing in Beattie's as a kid, staring longingly at all the boxes that were stacked right up to the ceiling.
http://www.creativemodels.co.uk/
I also ordered something from Hannants at the same time:
http://www.hannants.co.uk/
...but I'm still waiting.
For more general stuff, I try to buy local (if I can find a local shop). The nearest to me is a shop in Camberley and an Antics and Modelzone in Guildford.
Hannants are great and they always deliver - but you better not be in a mad rush to finish your project.
Edited by Eric Mc on Saturday 14th November 15:31
Which was nice.
I don't know whether it is because I'm a male, but there is definitely something about the biggest box in the model shop that says BUY ME. I did avoid buying the huge Revell North Sea Oil Rig though. However, had there been a photo-etch set I might have given in. I suspect that would have ended up in the loft with several other just-started models too, all waiting for that rainy day. I regularly look at the Revell/Match 1:72 Corvette (that's the ship not the car) and then remember that all the add-on parts I REALLY need are nearly £1000...
Anyway, can I suggest you get a 1:72 Hurricane or something? There is a danger with big kits that they take so long to complete, that they kinda act as aversion therapy.
Footnote: I made the mistake of getting "Anatomy of the Ship: The Flower Class Corvette Agassiz" which has many diagrams of the internal structure. It would be a crime not to have some internal detail on the model. That isn't included in the £1000 of extras... This may take some time!
http://www.djparkins.clara.net/gls/glsmast.htm
http://www.sirmarmodelships.com/shownonsirmar.asp?...
Anyway, can I suggest you get a 1:72 Hurricane or something? There is a danger with big kits that they take so long to complete, that they kinda act as aversion therapy.
Footnote: I made the mistake of getting "Anatomy of the Ship: The Flower Class Corvette Agassiz" which has many diagrams of the internal structure. It would be a crime not to have some internal detail on the model. That isn't included in the £1000 of extras... This may take some time!
http://www.djparkins.clara.net/gls/glsmast.htm
http://www.sirmarmodelships.com/shownonsirmar.asp?...
Oh don't get me wrong, I'm doing it and enjoying it. Gradually and with care. The kit I bought came with paint and, while that's great, I am aware that they've deliberately gone for a reasonably limited palette, and I have to fight the urge to go for lots of paint to make sure that all the detail is *just so*
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