Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: frank3 on April 13, 2005, 08:54:22 AM
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I just finished this model today, it's a 1/48 P-51D Mustang from Revell.
This model I tried to make exactly like the front:
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399544_front.jpg)
I'm just going to tell you how I experienced making this modell, what went wrong and what not :)
Ofcourse added with pictures, I hope you'll like it!
To start with the kit, it was packed very securely in plastic bags, to avoid scratches and such, I've had worse...thanks Revell
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399690_layout.jpg)
The first thing you have to do with every kit, is cleaning the parts.
A oil-ish substance coveres the parts after molding, by removing this, the paint will stick alot easier.
Just use some water, soap and a tooth-brush.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397168_cleaning.jpg)
Next, I started with the cockpit, here are the parts you need.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397301_cockpit.jpg)
All in all, the cockpit is fairly detailed, I never liked the pilot figures very much, but this one looked promising, I decided to give it a go.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397330_cockpitright.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397317_cockpitcompleted.jpg)
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The model will be painted in it's natural metal look.
I used a regular aluminium paint for it.
To give it that 'worn look' I needed to highlight the panels, if you look at a real metal aircraft, you can see none of the panels are the same.
before (http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399558_fuselage.jpg)
To do this, I taped off some panels on the wings, fuselage and such.
I then sprayed on the aluminium color, make sure it fully dries, then apply a second coat.
after (http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399713_taped.jpg)
Remove the tape, and then lightly spray the whole part with the same color.
By aplying a thin 3rd coat, the panels look abit darker then the other panels (which had 2 coats)
It might not show very well at the pictures, but it works really well, a distinct difference has been made between panels.
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I then glued the fuselage halves together with the cockpit in.
The next thing I did was painting the anti-glare green on the nose.
I decided to give it a weathered look, by having green paint chipped off.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399572_fuselage1.jpg)
To do this, spray a coat of aluminium first and let it fully drie.
Then spray some Future or something like it to protect the base coat. (the aluminium)
Make sure it fully dries and then spray on the green coat.
Wait some 5-10 hours so it's touch-drie. Press a piece of tape on the part you want chipped and pull it roughly.
You'll see some 'weathering'.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399608_fuselage2.jpg)
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Prop!
The propellor pieces, very obvious and don't need further explanation actually.
Spinner, propeller and pieces
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399701_prop_and_spinner.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399659_fuselage4.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399645_fuselage3.jpg)
Here you can also see the gun-bay, when buying the kit, I didn't expect this and almost bought a expansion set!
It isn't very detailed, but it's better than nothing.
(Make sure you paint the gunbay before you glue the wings together!)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399676_gunbay.jpg)
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At this point, I added all wings parts, stabilizers etc.
The wheels were abit of a problem though, I had to melt the wheels to the struts, this left a hideous molting mark which still can be seen. I had no idea how to remove this.
wheel wells and gear
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399737_wheelwells.jpg)
the lower part of the nose hasn't been painted, this is because it will be covered with decals
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399725_underside.jpg)
As you can maybe see, I started adding the checker decals on the nose. I never liked big decals like this, and obviously, it was a terrible job.
The decals don't stick very well to round surfaces, and as you all know, the nose is round
I had to do alot of cutting, re-attaching and cursing before the nose looked somewhat presentable.
The kit also supplied checker decals for the wingtips.
Point of advice: do NOT use these, they are awfull to stick on (the wingtips are bent, so can't be applied properly)
Instead, I painted the tips
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113403225_dsc00001.jpg)
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Weathering
Beside the chipped-off paint, I decided to add some more weathering.
I wanted to have some gun-smoke, oil spillings and such.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397343_dsc00005.jpg)
For this, I used a stick of compressed charcoal, a knive, small container and some brushes.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113396711_charcoal.jpg)
Apply it on the part, wait awhile untill it's almost dried and whipe it off with a slightly damp cloth or tissue.
(remember to wipe it into the direction of the airflow!)
With this method, I made the gun smoke and ejection chute smoke.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399531_ejectionchutes.jpg)
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Finished!
Well, the model has been finished today and I shot some pictures, please tell me what you think!
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397360_dsc00007.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397377_dsc00008.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113397391_dsc00009.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399397_dsc00011.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399420_dsc00012.jpg)
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(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399439_dsc00013.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399456_dsc00014.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399472_dsc00015.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399487_dsc00016.jpg)
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/68_1113399499_dsc00018.jpg)
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I love it. One thing though. I think you went alittle overboard with the weathering on the prop blades. I know I would never let my prop get that chewed up, and I have a hard time thinking the crew cheif would too.
I also think the weathering on the prop covers way to much of it. You will get small little gashes in your prop, but most of the marks are along the leading edge. Play around repainting the prop. When I get a chance today I will go out an snap an upclose pic of my airplanes prop. I have a three bladed Mccully that has about 60 hours on it. The two bladed one I had on it last summer started throwing oil on a trip up to NY. Rather than having my old one rebuilt, I just went and bought this one.
But in the pic you will see bug guts, blood from bugs and some small nicks and scratches along the leading edge. This is more realistic in my mind. A plane with a chewed up prop doesnt fly well. I just cant see a fighter pilot flying his that way.
Other than that great job. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to walk us though all of those steps.
EIDT: It just started pouring here. Tomorrow is suppose to be nice and sunny. I will go out then and take a few detailed photos for you. I will also take some other pics from diffrent aircraft. That way you will have the full spectrum of chewed up props. I am a polishing nut on mine. I found if I use some lemon pledge along the prop, spinner and leading edge of the wings the bug guts wipe off with ease.
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The plane is obviously post-mission, as those gun smudges would be removed when the guns were cleaned before any subsequent combat flight. most have scratched his prop on the tall grass in some low strafing
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I'd agree with Kegger. A bit too heavy on the weathering. This was the Group CO's bird too and those tended to stay in pretty good shape.
One minor point. You have the Star and bar on the wrong wing. Should be top of left wing and bottom of right.
Sure looks like you know what you are doing though. Nice work :)
Dan/CorkyJr
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I think it look's like you did an excellent job! I agree with others, propeller looks like it needs a replacement - talk to crew chief to get that done.
Re: decals on rounded surfaces. have you tried "Micro-Sol" and "Micro-Set"? Applying this when you put down decals makes them snuggle down and settle into places like the spaces between aielorons and wing, panel lines, etc. If you haven't used it, I definitely advise you to get some on your next trip to the hobby store. Great stuff.
BTW - why isn't this P-51D skined in Aces High yet?
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Originally posted by bunch
The plane is obviously post-mission, as those gun smudges would be removed when the guns were cleaned before any subsequent combat flight. most have scratched his prop on the tall grass in some low strafing
If it was post-mission, why are the drop tanks still atached?:)
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Thank you for comments and advice guys, I will go easier on the propeller next time.
I know about the stars 'n bars Guppy, but I found that out too late, the manual didn't give a very torough explanation about the decal settings. (though it's still my fault ;) )
John, about the micro-set and sol, I assume I can get it in the regular hobby-shob, but has it got other names? Remember I do live in Holland
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Originally posted by SKJohn
If it was post-mission, why are the drop tanks still atached?:)
They didn't always have to drop the tanks.
(you'd wonder why it does have gun-smudge, but still has it's dt's on...)
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Sometimes the tanks would not drop, meaning the plane had to fight with them on. Usually this happened 1 wing at a time, but it's possible it could happen to both wings.
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Not much reason to drop tanks if you're ground strafing, in fact there good reason not to
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Originally posted by frank3
John, about the micro-set and sol, I assume I can get it in the regular hobby-shob, but has it got other names? Remember I do live in Holland
Our local hobby shop does have it in stock sometimes, but I ordered mine from the internet at:
http://www.squadron.com
I'm not sure if it goes by other names in other countries or not, but it's made by Microscale Industries in California.
You need two kinds:
Micro-Set (blue writing) and Micro-Sol (red writing).
I apply Micro-Set to the model where I'm going to apply the decal. It helps it to soften it and makes it adhere better. Next, I brush Micro-Sol on top of the decal. Don't touch - it'll sort of shrivel up and you'll think you've ruined it. But, when it dries, it will be settled down into every nook and cranny of the model, and the decal will apear as though it was painted on.
Sells for $2.50 a bottle at the website listed above, about $2.79 at the local shops.
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Thanks John, that really is what I needed with this one, I'm going to my local shop friday, I'll let you know if I find anything.
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Originally posted by frank3
Thanks John, that really is what I needed with this one, I'm going to my local shop friday, I'll let you know if I find anything.
Well... from the viewpoint of the less knowlegeable model makers here.... I think it looks SWEET. I've never been able to weather things correctly or add the gun port smudges etc. I don't know if the prop is overdone or not. Looks fantastic to me.
:)
Woof
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Thanks Skywolf, it's only my 2nd or 3rd time I weathered it completely too! (Im amazed this model actually came from me!)
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You bastards. Now I am going to start making models again. I havent done in since high school. I gave all of my models I did to the flight school I work for. So there is about 40 aircraft hangin and sitting all over. Most of the stuff I did was GA stuff though. So I think I might get into Helicopters next.
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You're welcome Kegger :)
Good luck btw, please post some pics too!
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I just started up on modeling again. It's hard to find a good model that depicts almost everything. I've got a 1/24th scale Airfix P-51D and it's missing way too much stuff.
I'm trying to make all my aircraft in 1/32nd scale. I've got a Tamiya F-15C and F-15E in 1/32nd scale. I've also got two Testors kits in 1/32nd that I wish I had never purchased. I wish more companies would make good 1/32nd scale aircraft so I can make a room full of them.
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Awesome job Frank. Only thing I thought about when I looked has already been mentioned. looks like gremlins been chewing on the prop blades, but other than that it's beautiful.
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(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/839_1113520141_doll.jpg)
From when printing a picture with a dot matrix printer was cool.
I actually still have this pinned on the cork board next to my computer.
:D
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Well that certainly came out screw up :confused:
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ROFL
well it's the same model allright :)
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Originally posted by Cobra412
I just started up on modeling again. It's hard to find a good model that depicts almost everything. I've got a 1/24th scale Airfix P-51D and it's missing way too much stuff.
I'm trying to make all my aircraft in 1/32nd scale. I've got a Tamiya F-15C and F-15E in 1/32nd scale. I've also got two Testors kits in 1/32nd that I wish I had never purchased. I wish more companies would make good 1/32nd scale aircraft so I can make a room full of them.
Cobra, the reason the 24th Airfix P51 has crappy quality is because it came out 20+ years ago! I have the 109E of the same make and scale, and it lacks a lot of detail. I had to add some in (for my sake).
As for 32nd and 24th, avoid them. Especially if you're just getting back into modeling. For one, 24th scale is limited. Half the kits are very old, so you can't nit-pick about the lack of details (no gear wells in my 109E -- wtf?). The other half are all new, like the Trumpeter P51D, and cost literally an arm and a leg. Avoid 24th until you get back into the flow of things.
As for 32, you get the same problem. A lot are utter crap! (Avoid Revell's P51B at ALL COSTS!!! Not worth the money) And a lot are too damn expensive, like the Trumpeter P40E and the P38 that came out recently.
No, I'd stick with 48th or 72nd if I were you. Far more choices, better quality, more detail than most 32nd and 24th kits. They also take less time to complete, take up less storage room, and make a stunning collection when you have a lot of the same size.
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Originally posted by Lye-El
Well that certainly came out screw up :confused:
Think I recognise that picture, done by Frank Williamson aka
Grey Eagle. Had the poster for a while myself.
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Originally posted by Rino
Think I recognise that picture, done by Frank Williamson aka
Grey Eagle. Had the poster for a while myself.
Yes, that is Frank's painting of the Doll. He gave us a bunch of lithos to pass out at the '95 AW con.
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Hiya Frank,
Nice job on the P-51. Don't feel too bad about the decal on the wrong wing. Take a look at the P-51 at this link for a LOLOLOL.
http://www.hitechcreations.com/ (http://www.hitechcreations.com/)
Regards
Cement1
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The prop "weathering" isn't really off base by much. Remember that cosmetics weren't a priority in war time. One point IS off on it, the tips show much less weatherng than the blades. They should match a bit more to the rest of the blades.
Overall it looks pretty darn good.
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Thanks for the reactions everyone!
Cement; LOL now I can say 'I based this model on Aces High'!
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Cosmetics in gerneral were not important. Especially during busy times like BOB and whatnot.
Only, the usual exception is flight critical parts. Including the prop. If the prop were "worn" that bad it wouldn't be just the pain, it would actually represent the metal being eaten away (like flying through a really bad sand storm, for example), and would be changed out before the plane was listed as servicable again.
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(http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/images/smilies/idhitit.gif)