While some 1/72 kits exibit remarable detail, and their size is nice for storage. I find that I can do so much more with the 1/48 scale kits.
Some of the older Monogram kits are quite nice, and very resonably priced. I just finished a Monogram Classic Mosquito that has excellent detail, and the fit of the parts was remarkable.
On larger assemblies, and most smaller parts I use an airbrush. The old paint brush is just for detail painting. Any good enamel (I like Testors) made for plastic will work. If you use and air brush, be sure to use air brush thinner (Testors again) for best results, and compatability.
Here's a tip for decaling: Trim the decal as close as possible. To prevent the clear part of the decal from being visable, (like in between letters/numbers) spray clear gloss over the model prior to applying decals. If a dull finish is desired, a clear dullcoat over that. Don't lay it on to heavy or the decals/paint could lift.
Another tio for painting canopy frames: Pick up some "Bare Metal Foil". Lay it ove the canopy prior to painting the plane. Burnish it lightly with a Q-tip. Then lightly use a toothpick to burnish it down right next to the canopy frames. Using a sharp x-acto knife, trim the foil from the frames, leaving the glass portion covered. Reburnish with Q-tip prior to painting. Leave the foil on until all dull/clear coating is done. Remove foil with a toothpick when paint has cured. You'll find that the foil adhesive sticks to the canopy when you pull it off. Apply some liquid wax with a small brush, and buff it off lightly with a q-tip. Try it, it works like a charm, and you'll have nice crisp canopy frames.
Happy Modeling!
Weave
