Academy 1/72nd P-47D Completed Page 2

OK, so I've looked the photo over very closely and I can say with 100% certainty that those ARE invasion stripes under the stars and bars. 3 white and 2 black with perfect spacing, it can be nothing else. Those are NOT painted over and the photo must have been taking very very close to either side of the invasion, likely after. It's your kit, but if it were mine, I would most certainly add the stripes. That's just my opinion, but they are there.

BK

Thanks for the input BK. What i don't get is why they look so ragged and why the white does not show on the undercarrage doors. It would take some time for that to achieve such a worn look.

That occured to me as well. I'm thinking you are looking at a plane that has or is undergoing the coverup of the stripes and is either sloppy or incomplete. Tough to paint that look though. I'd be lazy and either paint with or without stripes depending on what look you want.

BK

I am wondering if this might have been taken after the unit had switched to P-51's.

Well, i have decided to play safe and go without the stripes for a pre d-day finish. Safe and easier.

Thanks again for the input.

I remember seeing somewhere those invasion striped being painted using big brushes and even a mop. They did not look very neat either.

As for your plane, maybe the stripes were hastilly applied, not enough paint to go around, etc.

If the stripes are there under the wing, they may not have painted the doors due to the demarcation lines not matching? We can sit here and just imagine a bunch of scenarios.

Ye, thats true PJ. Didn't think about that under the wing. I know the orders were issued at short notice. It could have also been that if the unit was in transition, they may have just done a quick job knowing the aircraft would be replaced in a few days.

As you say, could be anything.

Got quite a bit done to my build in the last week. So after finishing off the seams and other small bit, got it masked up ready for primer and paint.

After a coat of black primer, it was painted with my usally brand of Xtracolor, grey underside and OD on top. I got a bit carried away and started masking for the white tail stripes before takeing pics. Those nose was also masked for the green band.

For the white bands, i started out with a coat of Alclad clear gloss. I have had issues in the past with Alclad primer bubbling when applied on enamel paint, so better safe than sorry. This was followed with a coat of white primer and a coat of white Humbrol gloss enamel.

I made up my own mix for the green nose band.

Blurred pic alert, sorry about that.

Then my favorite bit, dcals. These are from LPS Hobby and were really nice to use. I didn't go to mad with the stencils.

And yes, i have just this moment spotted that i have missed a piece of the national insignia. Will fix that.

And i added the door for the ammo section of the gun bay before weathering.

I just have to finish off wiring the engine, then i can get that and the nose fitted and then start on the weathering.

So thats all for now.

That's a fine looking paint and decal job Bish. You are almost done with this one.

Thanks PJ, yep, almost there.

Excellent work Bish!

Really like the Jug in Olive Drab, you have produced another supereb build. Not such a fan of decals as you are, need to do more research on producing my own me thinks.

Damian

P.S. Having a background in Graphic Design, Illustration and Drafting helps.

Thanks Damian.

I like the decalling stage because it gives the subject an identity. It turns it from just a tank or planeto a certain one with a history and a crew.

I have made my own a couple oftimes where i could not buy ones i wanted and like most things it turned out easier than i expected and was pleased with the outcome. Its somthing i should do more of.

She's looking might fine. A jug in the making for sure.

BK

It amazes me how you lined up those tiny interior wing supports just perfectly. GEEEZ you're good!

Awesome job, things are really pulling together just fine!

Toshi

Thanks guys.

Jay Jay, i think that was mostly down to the Aires set. As long as you cut the panels out right, it fits nicley. I will see how it all looks once i get the guns in a barrels on.

Bish

Thanks guys.

Jay Jay, i think that was mostly down to the Aires set. As long as you cut the panels out right, it fits nicley. I will see how it all looks once i get the guns in a barrels on.

 Ahh I see. I'm looking forward to the rest.

Thanks Jay Jay, me to.

Time for me to wrap this up. Took me a couple of days to get back into it after the weekend away, but once i did i just got stuck in, but there wasn't ,much progress to show anyway.

After the decals, it was just a case of some flory washes. I also added some oil staining useing AK interactive engine oil behind the oil dump and very light exhaust staining inderneath at the rear. Trying to do the engine useing lawdogs tut in this scale was almost impossable. Some of the pieces just need to be so smal you just can't get hold of them. And once its fitted, you can't see anything anyway.

I used some Aluminium tubing for the gun tubes. They are not to bad, but a litle rough. Next time i'll stick to masters metal barrels.

So heres some pics.

And then to add it to the base for a simple little dio.

Thanks for looking and following along.

All comments welcome as always. Now onto some armour.

Brilliant exacution Bish, just Brilliant.

I really like the diorama, the paint on the Jug and overall exacution.

Top points.

Bish, Excellent job! That 1/72 stuff is getting too teeny for Max! What's next?  

Max

Oh Man, that came out a beauty. Lovely paint job and details as well. but one critique if I may..it's just too small  LOL

Thanks for looking in and the coments guys, its much apprecuiated.

Max, Jay Jay, you know what they say about good things coming in small packages.

But as i always say, its what i am used to. Been doing 72nd for a long time and it suits me especially for diorama's.

And next up is a 35th Pz II.

Spectacular Razorback. That turned out very beautiful, Bish. Another well done kit. Love it!!

BK

Super job as usual Bish. The figures gives it a sense of scale. 

Thanks guys. This is certainly bigger than my usual single seat fighters. It seems to just exud how powerful it is.

Wow! Once again you did a superb job, Bish. Your figure work is excellent as well! Those "JUGS" were enormous fighters alright. Big and powerful!

Lots to love about this one!! :)

Thanks a lot Mike. And i was checking out your fig tutorial and used that to imprive them from what i had done before. So thanks for that as well.

I am so happy that my simple tutorial helped you so much. Those little guys look quite convincing! That makes my day!! :D

Thats what this place is all about Mike. Shareing what we know with everyone else. Till now i have just done a quick paint job on my 72nd figures, concentrating on improving my main subject. But know i am at a level i am happy with, it time to work on the smaller things.