120mm B-17 GUNNER PAINTED UPDATED 4/29

Thanks Paul.

Never mind my leather questions.  I did some searching the forum and found a comment that asking what leather is like asking what metal is.  I see his point.... it can be just about any color.  I think I have mixed up something that is OK.  It will be what it will be.

I have learned something about my aircraft builds as a result of this project.  It is thate building is one of my favorites parts of the process.  Not sure if this is typical of figures but very fast build but a long painting process.  But I am happy with my 1st time out.  So you comments are welcome... from the critics too. Is it too shiny?

wing_nut wrote:

Is it too shiny?

Looks like a pretty new B2 jacket. This was a rougher leather, sheepskin really, than the typical "bomber" jackets, we see today. I'd hit it with a semi gloss to flat finish. Wear shows up as grayish-white spot and tears on the elbows and where there's rubbing, such as under the arms and possibly along the edges of the straps.

I's also use a different color, a slightly warmer white for the lining. This will help differentiate the lining at the bottom of the coat from the strapping. In the picture above, the lining seems to stop befor the parachute straps.  

In the first picture, tere are two straps hanging from the right collar. These should be a semi gloss leather with old brass grommets. They attach to the collar and the buckles are on the other collar.

Beautiful paint work there, Marc!

Leather is a funny material in that it develops a natural patina as it ages.  Just the oil from your hands are enough to darken it up with time. So don't be afraid to add patches of darker browns or even black where the gunner would most likely grab the jacket.  And when it rubs, it discolors to a much lighter (even off white) color.

-Fred