Invasion stripes.

Get hold of the March 2003 copy of FSM. There's an article all about invasion stripes, and an article showing an easy way to paint them.

Midnight,
This is the method I use when it comes to painting the invasion stripes.
1. One step is already taken care of, which is the black part of the invasion stripes(a/c will be in overall black(used as primer)).
2. I then go and use "non porous" surgical tape(thin width) and cover the area that the stripes will be located in.
3. Once I have the a/c painted in the scheme I want, I then go back and remove the first mask. I then outline the area again w/ the surgical tape so the surrounding color will not get sprayed.
4. Then using the tape again I will cut to size the black portion of the stripes and apply them. At which time I can start applying the white on.
I do not know if you checked out Blackwolf's thread entitled "P-51 built up" I built that a/c and that is how I applied my invasion stripes.
The invasion stripes were also done as decals(I think super scale did them) but you will not get as good of a look as if you were to paint them on yourself. Well that is how I feel anyways.
I hope the way I explained my method will not confuse you Lee.
Flaps up,Mike
If you have any more question feel free to e-mail me at Falcon42177@yahoo.com

Butz:
Isn't the black hard to cover with white? wouldn't it be easier to prime with white?

claymore68,
This is how I look at using a "black" or "scale black" as a primer. It makes the paint look like it has some depth to it. Make sense?
Also when using a dark color as a base coat, it also helps bring out the "natural shadows" or a used look on the a/c.
So my answer is kinda yes, it is a lil harder to apply the actual paint but that is why I apply the final paint job in light coats. The final result is pretty impressive I feel.
This is my method of painting and helping out w/ the natural shadows.. I guess its more of a artistic way on how I represent my models. Basically do what ever makes you feel more comfortable.
Flaps up,Mike

I think I understand. Painting this way gives you an overall "dirty" appearance before you even start weathering and because the black show throuch white better than OD it appears that the white is showing more weathering (which would be natural). The shadows would be a result of the natural surface tension of the paint vs. bumps or recesses on the surface. Am I correct, close, or on the moon?

WOW, you are right on...!!!!!! You basically understood what I said when I only had about 4hrs sleep I'm impressed!!
Flaps up,Mike

After last post I got inspired and pulled down Revell's 1/32 Typhoon and started it Wow am I disappointed wing halves and fuselage halves fit is horrible! time to remove all locating pins though I don't think this will help everywhere but I digress. It has Black and white stripes on lower wing surfaces only, we'll see how this puppy turns out.

claymore68,
Looking forward to seeing your Typhoon. Remember one thing "practice".
The first few times I used black as a primer and the method of applying the invasion stripes, i felt overwhelmed. So you may have to practice on some scrap plastic or an old test bed a/c.
But as I did more a/c and these two methods, it came like second nature to me. Now I am very pleased how the results are.
You'll do fine...!!!!! Dont worry just go for it. The more you think about it, the more you will get nervous Make sure you have some spirits near by and I dont mean Angels LMAO..!!
Flaps up,Mike

Scrap plastic? That pretty much describes the whole kit! But I am making progress anyway (i am smarter then plastic). Mised one locating pin though, on the bottom of the scoop, might try to seperate the sections and redo. I decided to use this kit for a test-bed for a couple things.