painting 1:72 scale models

I model almost exclusively in 1/72 aircraft, and believe me, there are some pretty tight areas on those models (wheel wells, etc.).

Everyone above has made very valid comments and I would emphasize plasticmod's comments regarding better results from spraying the smaller scales. Just the thickness of the paint alone will stand out more on a smaller model. I have been quite surprised at how little paint it actually takes to cover an entire airplane, and at how much detail remains after multiple coats (two or three color camo), especially over panel lines. I love the way you can go back and touch up tiny areas, too (I use an Eclipse).

I, for one, will never attempt to brush paint an entire aircraft now that I have been using an airbrush, and this includes tiny parts such as landing gear legs, cockpit seats, joysticks, etc. The ONLY time I will use a brush is for cockpit details (switches, levers, headrests) or for LG details like silver and black on the struts.

Get a good double action a/b, learn to use it, and you will never regret it.

As for primer, I only prime areas that have been filled or sanded, but I do make sure that my model is completely clean before painting.

Good luck and keep us informed.

Hello, and it's nice to see another 1/72nd scale modeler on here! The rational is generally the same for 1/72nd scale as it is for 1/48 and larger scale models; be it armour or aircraft, etc. Using an an airbrush to paint as much as possible except for small parts and detail that you can easily dispatch with a paintbrush. Priming is largely personal preference but, it does privide some insurance for your models finish; if you had to do alot of putty work, do a NMF (natural metal finish) or to get poor covering colors like Gloss White to lay down with full opacity. Personally, I usually don't have to prime my models when using enamels, but I've heard that priming is often nesessary using some acrylics. I know master modelers who prim every model thay do, and even evey part!-Yikes! But their finishes are near flawless to my discriminating eye. I model modern military jets in 1/72nd scale and have airbrushed some rather complicated camo schemes, all of which I airbrushed using single as well as double action airbrushes, that I couldn't have duplicated by hand brushing. A few of my most attractively finished jets; their camo schemes were done with the Paasche H with the #1 tip and thinned MM enamels...so it can be done. Although, I would agree, like others have mentioned, a double action unit would be preferable; such as the Iwata Revolution HP-CR, Eclipse HP-CS, Badger/ Omni 4000, and the 100LG. All of which are easy-to-use gravity feed, double action units. It may sound like over-kill to take the time in airbrushing such a small vehicle or model, but the advantages are that you will avoid and /or/ eliminate brush strokes that hide suface detail, achieve smoother color coats, learn-utilize-employ better airbrushing skills and techniques to furhter inhance your models. In the way of primers, my tried and true products are Floquil Gray Primer, and Testor Model Master enamels thinned with Floquil Dio-sol or T.R.P.S (Turpintine Replacement Paint Solvent). Hope helps!

I also build alot of 1/72 armor. I usually dont prime, although lately I have been. Mike and Al made areally good point. I just sprayed some OD on and OD plastic model, it was quite tricky telling where i had already painted.

I airbrush every part of my vehicles except for the tools(shovel, axes.....)

I have a single action Paache H and it does the job of getting the camo on just fine. If you want the really thin lines like on some German stuff, you'll probably want to get a double action. I have gotten pretty thin lines before with my Paache H, but they were always inconsistant.

Good points Al. I forgot to add that.

Thanks

Mike

I agree with what Mike says about priming, but I would also add that priming is also helpful when applying certain colors. Everyone knows how hard it can be getting good coverage with white, a light grey primer coat can really help with that. Also, when painting an NM finish, I've always been told a black primer coat is essential (especially if you're using a lacquer).

Al

QUOTE: Originally posted by goatmonkey First of all, would you primer a 1/72 model? specifically tanks and vehicles. airplanes might be quite different.

I only prime to reveal any flaws in the surface that will show when the paint goes on.
Priming also seals any small imperfections and also works as a good base coat that allows the paint to adhere better to the surface.

QUOTE: Would you bother with an airbrush to paint a 1/72 vehicle model? getting the spray into all the tiny areas might be more of a paint than poking in there with a small brush.

I airbrush every part I can on a kit as it looks better than paint brushing it and I like using airbrushes.

QUOTE: Would you use an airbrush to paint relatively fine details like camo patterns? just masking things off might not be a problem but i'm looking at a few schemes that require gradual blending. it looks like something that an airbrush would be perfect for but i'm not sure that my single action would have the control for that kind of job.

A single action can be adjusted to spray fairly fine although it does not allow the level of control that a double-action model has. I think it can be done but it would be easier with a double-action airbrush.

Mike