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Painting props leading edge question

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  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Boston
Painting props leading edge question
Posted by Wilbur Wright on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 1:02 PM

Hi Guys,  Posting here for aircraft expertise. I'm well into my build of Revells A-400 in 72nd scale.  The props on this aircraft which are 8 bladed X 4 props have a leading edge that is a bare metal. So that's 16 leading edges on each prop and 64 in all.  A great deal of work. 

I'd like to get them (painted leading edges) uniform in size. Any suggestions or do I just have to bite the bullet and spend a week masking with 1/8th inch tape? I free handed one prop and it is so-so.

Thanks for any opinions.

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 1:18 PM

Well Wilbur, probably your best bet is to paint the bare metal first.  Paint the entire prop surface of all the props all at once.  When the paint is dry, cut a piece of masking tape to fit over the leading edge as needed.  Keep in mind that the surface will be curved, so you'll have play with this mask shape a little.  Once you've found the shape, just cut out what you need.  It may seem a little tedious at first, but the results will be well worth your efforts.  =]

On the bench:  

Tamiya F4U-1  Kenneth Walsh

 

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 1:30 PM

And then there are the yellow tip stripes.

yep it will be a really great looking model if you take the time to do it right.

make a pattern for the long edges, whether you choose to mask silver or black.

cut the curve, don't try to bend tape.

i have never been successful with using decals for this kind of thing.

looking forward to seeing this model.

 

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Boston
Posted by Wilbur Wright on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 11:17 PM

Thanks guys. I'm going to try painting the metal edge first then the black that may be the easiest.   I'm going to attempt the yellow decals and hope they work. I do agree that painting is always better in cases like this however we're talking 128 yellow lines, or block painting the yellow then go back over with black.

I don't know what people are doing with the 144th version of this.  At least at 72nd scale I have a reasonable shot.

 

I'll try to get photos up when I can.

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