Before I started the build, as a written commandment, I read the instruction manual thoroughly only to find that several Tamiya XF codes were not available.  So for any one interested.  Here are the XF codes.

And now the cockpit.

Gamera

Toshi: The Sharpie does work but I think I saw someone here complaining about 'bleed-though' and getting bad reactions with the paint. I won't use them again. I think your paint marker is probably much safer. 

Gamera

A while back I mentioned about the use of the regular Sharpies and the reaction to model paints on another thread. Sharpie makes a separate line of oil based markers that are safe to use. Testor's paint pen is safe too. I'm sorry to say that the Sharpie ink will eventually burn thru your paint. It may take months but it may eventually happen.

There are many threads on this very subject so here is one of them:

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/91035.aspx

Toshi

You are off to a good start.

The fuesalage was painted, photo etch added, and per Eduard, I added a copper line on the right and left according to instructions.  Once that dried, the fuesalage and the cockpit were assembled.  Then the other half was placed together, I lined everything up, and it literally went together like a "Snap Tite" kit.  Wow.  Tamiya knows what there doing.

Next up is the assembly of the engine, cowling and the attachment of these assembled parts to the main frame.  This is something I very much with great excitement look forward to!  I can't wait to assemble the wings and the tail.  Dry fitting already has confirmed my assumption that these items are also built like a "Snap Tite" kit.  The body was glued together with the ubiquitous Tamiya Extra Thin Cement.  I've noticed that this is a industry standard.  Well, it worked like a charm.  With the help of some rubber bands.  Please enjoy the photos below.  

By the way, I ordered a Trumpeter 1:32 visible Me262 from another seller with a tracking number, for the second time.  Dear Lord, please have this kit not lost and provide me with the Me 262.  With no mail lost, I should be able to receive my Me262 by Monday and a huge bottle of Iwata AB Acrylic cleaner.  I hope this works!  I know this will work!!!!

I tapped my ruby slippers three times and said"There's no place like Tamiya Extra Fine Cement"!  LOL!  

Toshi

Toshi that pen work you wont like. Trust me. You will end up painting it out before you are satisfied.

Either go back over it with more primer, sand it down to a level thats subtle, or seal it with flat lacquer and then prime it.

GMorrison

Toshi that pen work you wont like. Trust me. You will end up painting it out before you are satisfied.

Either go back over it with more primer, sand it down to a level thats subtle, or seal it with flat lacquer and then prime it.

 

 

plasticjunkie

 

 

Gamera

Toshi: The Sharpie does work but I think I saw someone here complaining about 'bleed-though' and getting bad reactions with the paint. I won't use them again. I think your paint marker is probably much safer. 

 

 

 

 

Gamera

A while back I mentioned about the use of the regular Sharpies and the reaction to model paints on another thread. Sharpie makes a separate line of oil based markers that are safe to use. Testor's paint pen is safe too. I'm sorry to say that the Sharpie ink will eventually burn thru your paint. It may take months but it may eventually happen.

There are many threads on this very subject so here is one of them:

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/91035.aspx

Toshi

You are off to a good start.

 

Toshi

Toshi, I used that exact method on my Me-410 and it just didn't look right while I painted it so I kept painting until it disappeared. 

This is where I repainted it. Too the eye, it just doesn't look right. The uneven lines applied by the airbrush provide a more convincing panel deformity that perfect lines with the pen. But, hey do what YOU find works best for you and that YOU like the most. They are your models and no one elses.

BK

PS, you work on the pit is fantastic. Great job, truly amazing.

Toshi

The issue with using these pens is that it creates a sharp dark color contrast and it takes some effort to attempt to blend the top coat colors over it. Doing these dark lines with an air brush is different as it creates a soft fading effect making it much easier to blend over with the top coat. 

I'm in no way saying it can't be done with the paint pens, simply that it's easier and the effects are better if air brushed on.

PJ: Thanks, I remembered someone had commented on the use of the Sharpie but couldn't remember whom. No big deal, the aircraft I'd used them on I ended up junking for another reason.

I have to agree, pre-shading can look too perfect. Here is one place you want to colour outside the lines at least some.

Toshi: Cockpit does look good!

Thanks guys!  I now understand what needs to be done.  I really appreciate the heads up.  This has turned into a positive event.  I'll do what GMorrison said and Laquer dull coat the aircraft.  Then I'll re-prime it and go from there.  Again thank you gentleman.

Toshi

Hey Toshi, you dont have to apologize for "lack of contributions to the aircraft forums." I think youve contributed more than anyone of us in the last few months.

allan

Hey Toshi, you dont have to apologize for "lack of contributions to the aircraft forums." I think youve contributed more than anyone of us in the last few months.

 

 

Toshi

Hi Toshi,

Checking in to see things are progressing on your Skyraider build.I thought about you the other day when sorting through my stash as I found a 1/72 A-1 Skyraider kit (Tskuda brand) I forgot about even owning! 

roger_wilco

Hi Toshi,

Checking in to see things are progressing on your Skyraider build.I thought about you the other day when sorting through my stash as I found a 1/72 A-1 Skyraider kit (Tskuda brand) I forgot about even owning! 

 

Toshi

Hi Toshi,

I'm looking through my stash currently trying to decide what to build.I have several Zeros in 1/72nd scale and a couple of those are peaking my interest. But knowing me I could change my mind and wind up building a 1/48th scale jet!

roger_wilco

Hi Toshi,

I'm looking through my stash currently trying to decide what to build.I have several Zeros in 1/72nd scale and a couple of those are peaking my interest. But knowing me I could change my mind and wind up building a 1/48th scale jet!

 

Toshi

To my fellow forum members,

I want to thank the forum members that stepped in to show me that there were several options for me on building the A-1.  I went over everything and finally decided that I'll spray the Sky Raider with Testors Dullcote and use Tamiya primer to cover up the Testors Black Ink Pen panel lines.  This suggestion by GMorrison made sense, thank you GMorrison! I also saw Brandon's experiment of which did not appeal to him nor I.  Thank you for sharing that Brandon.  Lots of fantastic feedback.  I love this forum And it's members.  I guess now, when I need something to be painted black I'll just use the ink pen until it dies. LOL!  

I did my best to outline the A-1 panel lines and per some very useful information from M.Brindos, I applied the base coat.  What really helped was that the primer was the same color as the MM base coat.  I still have not been able to replicate what I deem as exceptable, but I did get a half step further.  The panel lines in my opinion are way too subtle.  There's things I can tweek on my next build.  I have some photos of the Sky Raider below.  Please don't laugh as hard as I did!  LOL!  

Most importantly, as suggested by everyone here, I had fun and lots of excitement, and I'm still not done with this aircraft.

Toshi

This is where it gets really intense!

I did the cowling first, if I screwed that up, no problems and it was the least of panel lines.

It's looking really good Toshi. By the time I type and submit this you'll probably have the next coat of paint on! Really looking forward to seeing the completed model on this one.

Toshi my friend that is really looking like a Skyrader. I had no idea they had such large speed brakes! The panel lines IMO, look fine, remember, while darkened panel lines look great on models, you really don't see them to often in the real world.

Steve

roger_wilco

It's looking really good Toshi. By the time I type and submit this you'll probably have the next coat of paint on! Really looking forward to seeing the completed model on this one.

 

Toshi

modelcrazy

Steve

modelcrazy

Steve

Toshi

I think you pretty much nailed it Toshi, that's just what you want- just barely visible. 

It looks great Toshi, looking forward to seeing some color on it.

BK

Hi Toshi, another great looking build taking shape.  I learned the same way you did about pre-shading.  I thought skipping the set up and cleaning of the airbrush by using a pen or brush on the panel lines would be fine, until the top coats went on and then, like GM said, I could really see the demarcation between black and the top coat. Yuck!  With the airbrush, you can feather the pre-shade out so it will give the subltle, blending effect.

For me, easier said than done, I am still a big novice at it and will be trying it again on my Zero.

Keep on building and posting.

Scott

Gamera

I think you pretty much nailed it Toshi, that's just what you want- just barely visible. 

 

Toshi