Author Topic: Modellers question (Read 566 times)

frank3 · « **on:** November 10, 2003, 10:20:03 AM »

I'm planning to make a Catalina and I would like to make the plating a bit 'visual' like in this picture

How do I take care of where the plates combine get darker? (like in picture)

Also I have some problems with my airbrush, I haven't got an advanced one, just a 'student type' (so they called it) I've mixed the colour white with the proper amount of thinner. now my problem is, I don't get any paint out of it! I installed a new bottle of gas and there's enough paint. what's my problem?

Thanks in advance

Pongo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2003, 11:22:51 AM »

We call those "panel lines"
There are several ways to do that. A Dark wash. Pre shading.
That looks like a dark wash.
All I can sugest is to go to http://www.hyperscale.com. There are more detailed anwers to your questions there then anyone could provide quickly here.

Jester · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2003, 03:54:23 PM »

They have a Model Railroad paint from POLLY SCALE that is called "Grimy Black" #414132. It is water based so is very easy to use.

Take an old paint or medicine bottle and put about 1 part paint to 6 parts water. You want it abou the consistancy of very dirty water.

Get a very wide brush and add this on to your model brushing vertically to give a dirty look of something that has been out in the weather. Little goes a long way though. You can wipe off what doesn't look right with a damp rag.

To get your panel lines let the mix run into it while you are brushing. If you want real bold panel lines just wipe off the areas around it leaving the paint in the depressions.

Hope this helps.

Nefarious · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2003, 11:25:42 PM »

Use a .01 or .02 Micron pen, depending on the scale of model.

-ammo- · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2003, 12:38:06 AM »

I use a combo of preshading/postshading to get that affect, but others like to use pastels, and highlighting with a wash. There are a bunch of ways to do it. Agre that hyperscale is the place to go for info

frank3 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2003, 09:51:53 AM »

Tnx very much chaps, I think I got the panel lines now, but how about my other problem? sometimes I just can't get any paint out. even when I've installed a fres bottle of gaz and paint

Mathman · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2003, 10:54:36 AM »

A couple things:

1: Make sure the nozzle is open. It sounds like something stupid to check, but its a mistake that many (myself included) have made.

2: Make sure there is no paint dried in the nozzle itself. If there is, you will need to clean it out. I have found that the Testors/Model Master Metalizer thinner is a great solvent, even for dried acrylics (a real ****** to remove). Just make sure if you use it, that you are careful and don't spill it anywhere you wouldn't want it.

3: When using the can of propellant, you should keep it in a bucket of warm water (not hot, just warm). It works better this way.

4: If you can, get a compressor or air tank (a large one like the type used for helium or even propane). I got a decent compressor for about $120 about 2 years ago and am completely happy with it.

5: Hyperscale is a great place to check out. Another place to check out is Aircraft Resource Center. There are some good tips and such there. Also, the forums there are a little easier to use as they are very simliar to this one.

Good luck with the model!

-ammo- · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2003, 11:22:54 AM »

dont forget to provide pics when your model is finished! I love to admire someone elses work.

Monk · « **Reply #8 on:** November 11, 2003, 11:35:13 AM »

Burnt Siena Pastel, you'll get a nice "soft" look.

frank3 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2003, 10:57:56 AM »

Tnx very much chaps! I knew about the compressor, but you could say I just started with the airbrush (about half a year now) and I thought it was for more 'advanced' modellers, I'll give it a think tho.

And for the bucket of warm water, isn't that just for making sure can freezes and explode? Don't know though.

I'll give you guys some pics of the modell I will make first, a B-26B, the Catalina is on hold.

Btw, how do I make them smooth lines? (you know, upper side green and belly grey) how can I make them flow over eachother without taping it off? I tried that, but it leaves an ugly (very tight) line of where you masked it...

Any suggestion about it would be greatly appreciated!

Tnx Chaps!

chunder' · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2003, 12:11:52 AM »

An effective method of getting a smooth line is to hold a piece of cardboard up in front of what you are spraying, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 an inch from the model surface. This method makes it easy to do a scalloped line as well, just cut the cardboard edge in the desired shape.

As for panel lines, I always preferred using a thin lead pencil for recessed lines or pastels/charcoal with a clear coat for raised lines.

frank3 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2003, 09:50:13 AM »

Great Chunder! tnx alot, think this method really works for me! will try it out as soon as I can!