waynec

anybody going to ipms usa nationals?

Not me, but my Tiger build will be with a group of guys from AMPS here...

Thanks Stik! Seems like I have to find a M4A4 then...

waynec

anybody going to ipms usa nationals?

Ok guys, I'm currently in the color planning stages for my Spitfire. After looking at 2 different paint companies (Model Master Acryls and Tamiya Acrylics) I'm at a crossroad when it comes to the color Sky. Not sure whether to go with MM's Sky #4840 or Tamiya's Sky; which comes in two different shades. One being XF-19 more of a grey color or XF-21.

I have decided to go with Model Master Acryl's RAF Dark Green, RAF Medium Sea Grey and RAF Interior Green. The only Tamiya color I'm looking to get is Ocean Grey (XF-82). Thoughts?

As much as I like using Tamiya paints and as well as they airbrush, I would suggest going with the MM colors for accuracy. Tamiya's are not matched to any color standards, RAL, BSC, or FS. As far as the Tamiya Sky goes, Sky Gray is more of generic light gray shade for aircraft undersides, while their Sky is their attempt to match the RAF color.

SchattenSpartan

Thanks Stik! Seems like I have to find a M4A4 then...

Two options- top of the line is Tascas, and then Dragon does one, including an Orange Box release.

pyrman64

waynec

anybody going to ipms usa nationals?

you couldn't pay me enough to go to one.

Why not? I went when they were local here in 2007. The vendor room was most excellent. The builds are pretty nice to see as well... 

I'll have a look at those kits to see which one is easier for me to get my hands on... I'll buy the Dragon kit most likely: It is cheaper and I'm used to Dragon's instrutions...

So I guess I'm better off getting Model Master's Sky instead. Looking back at Tamiya's Ocean Grey; it is a lighter shade compared to MM's Ocean Grey. I might as well go with MM's Ocean Grey instead too. :)

mma is my airbrush medium of choice. don't have to thin it much and it brush paints ok too. just really clogged up my airbrush with tamiya. forgot how thine you have to make it and i think that causes it to not covwe as well around camo masking. but my airbrush skills are so so right now.

Hmmmm, never been to an IPMS Nationals but I've done two regionals and they were great fun. Our local chapter is going to do the regional for this area this year.

BS214: I think the MM is probably more accurate too but the Tamiya sprays soooooo nice! Never had any problem with it clogging on me, other than drying on the tip. I use a cotton swab/bud with a little rubbing alcohol to swab the tip on mine.    

Hi guys I have read through this entire build thread and was wondering if I could join in the fun?

I was planning on doing an RAAF Spitfire Mk.IXe from 453 squadron who were attached to RAF Fighter Command.  At the time of the invasion 453 Squadron was flying CAPs over the beach heads followed by close support missions.

The kit is the 1/48 Hasegawa Mk.IXc converted to a Mk.IXe wing configuration. Most of the AM I've ordered should arive Monday so I'll get some pics up of the parts that have then.

Oh that would look nice....

Never had a clog here with Tamiya either.  2 parts paint to 1 part thinner has always worked for me.

Devil's advocate time:  Sheperd Paine would say that there is no such thing as a color standard.  I cite the book in my signature below.  I used to obsess on colors too but since I read that I felt better about just letting some color things go, as it were.  But that's just what I read.  You guys definately know more about it than me and probably more than he does.  It's a pretty old book.  *shrug*

Yes and no- Yes there are color standards. Various governments or militaries come up with them and issue teh specs for paint companies to comply with. But.... once the item is painted mother nature and man step in. Sometmes paints are altered for various reasons, by various methods, or due to circumstances. Then the sun, climate, and weather take over and alter the paint from the standard original color. You are right not to obsess on color, pick your favorite shade of OD, Panzer Gray, etc, and go with it. Close enough for government work is a good rule to follow...

stikpusher

pyrman64

waynec

anybody going to ipms usa nationals?

you couldn't pay me enough to go to one.

Why not? I went when they were local here in 2007. The vendor room was most excellent. The builds are pretty nice to see as well... 

Stik: There are a number of reasons, in no particular order:

• primarily because I'm no longer a contest modeler - I had an awakening about 12-yrs ago - and that's what IPMS is mainly about, as far as I'm concerned. 
• I also don't like the 1-2-3 judging style - it's all subjective.
• Too many rivet-counters and paint policers, IMHO - I once stood about 10-ft away from a couple of guys who smelled bad (and I was UPwind) sandlistened to them argue about the proper shade of grey used on a certain sci-fi vehicle that doesn't even exist in the real world! 
• Don't get me started on those who proclaim to be NATIONAL AWARD WINNING MODELER on evil-bay!! 
• Then there was the" political" discussions on their forum - I was once banned (without the web admin looking at the "offending" posts) because a few decided they didn't like my opinions - I was reinstated within 24hrs, after I started posting about the banishment on every website that had a forum.
• the attitude toward car modelers......

Yeah, modelers do come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and scents... I understand about the subjective part. And yes some members can be difficult and annoying. But others are superb and helpful modelers who like to share thier knowledge in a helpful manner. I know that my own skills have improved drasticly since I have become a member (again) 6 years ago. I suppose each chapter has its own flavor. Locally we have a very strong car contingent and they are looked upon favorably within the chapter.  I hear you about those "award winning modelers" on the evil bay... I do wonder about them myself... As far s competition goes, I think at least more than a few of us compete with ourselves, trying to improve from last years work quality.... Out chapter has a "display only" area for those who like to share their work but dont want to compete. I like that aspect....

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Ok guys, I'm currently in the color planning stages for my Spitfire. After looking at 2 different paint companies (Model Master Acryls and Tamiya Acrylics) I'm at a crossroad when it comes to the color Sky. Not sure whether to go with MM's Sky #4840 or Tamiya's Sky; which comes in two different shades. One being XF-19 more of a grey color or XF-21.

I have decided to go with Model Master Acryl's RAF Dark Green, RAF Medium Sea Grey and RAF Interior Green. The only Tamiya color I'm looking to get is Ocean Grey (XF-82). Thoughts?

BlackSheep if you are looking at a choice of sky colors for the fuselage ID band and spinner, I would certainly go with TAM Sky XF21 as it's supposed to be match for the actual color.

For the rest of the bird I'd stick with MM colors for the RAF Interior green, Dark Green, Ocean Gray & Medium Seagray if that's what is most handy.

Just to add  about Sky,  squadron codes were also that colour.

As far as Tamiya Ocean Grey goes, some like it while others think it too blue compared to some other paints.   A recent publication from SAM on the Spitfire made note of this bluish look appearing very early in 1943, but the authors found no explanation for it.  Only tidbit I've found on the net is the factories switched from cellulose to synthetic resin paints.  The result was a much smoother finish.   Would the shiny surface better reflect the colour of the skies?

---------------------------------------

Yes, my second post here, I am guilty of lurking.   I've a couple GB's to get out of the way before fully committing here.

regards,

Jack

>I understand about the subjective part. And yes some members can be difficult and annoying. But others are superb and helpful modelers who like to share thier knowledge in a helpful manner.<

Cases in point.  I am smelly and annoying while Stik is helpful and knowlegable.  Although I would be helpful if I had knowlege. 

As for my color shading point, I think you pretty much hit it on the head.  I'm not saying to paint something pink that is supposed to green as I'm sure you understand.  But, among other things, without actually quoting it as I'm sure you all have the book, he states that he once saw when an order to paint out stars on the vehicles went out he watched them all come by afterwards and not one was the same shade of OD ranging from khaki to near black.

Yup, got that book, and knew the part you were referring to before you paraphrased it.

Well, truth be told, if you're not around to tell me what to do when I get stuck, I usually turn to that book.  

Mr Paine is The Man when it comes to old school modeling...

stikpusher

Mr Paine is The Man when it comes to old school modeling...

You got that right, it was Shep Paine's books that got me back into modeling in the first place and I still love flicking through them.

Stik, I'm sure this has been talked about over the years, but with these builds soooo delicate, how do they travel to shows. On occasion I build for family/friends and I'm a wreck just driving 15 miles in a car?

Bish, regarding the GB, I'm just finishing a Jagdtiger and Brukenleger starting on the Tiger next week. And what would a DDay build be without a Landing Craft, so I'm I'm thinking about a LCVP.  

Okay, I said there was an addition in the Hollywood Group Build, So, I also have an addition for this build as well. Go ahead and list it Bish. It's the 1 48 scale Academy P 38.

Here is the addition for the Longest Day. Sorry about the flash, but i figure its only the box. I will have better pics (I hope LOL) when I'm finished.

I have had a life change recently. I figure this and the anti tank gun (that's in the Hollywood GB) is my present to myself, because I quit smoking. I didn't buy any tobacco this month and had some extra money.

jibber, no problem, let me know which kit and scale and I will add you. Are you posting pics of the jagdtiger and Brukenleger, would love to see those.

Ken, firstly, congrats. I have tried quitting a few times but no luck so far. I keep trying to tell my self just how much more money I would have to spend on models, but not worked so far. I think we will be trying again son, so I might be joining you. Keep it up.

I have been building dios for about 25 years, and it was the pics of one of Sheps that got me into them. But after all this time, I have only just got a copy of his How to build dioramas this week. had a quick flick through it and defiantly looks its going to come in handy.

i'm doing my LCVP in the british tri-color scheme.

jibber

Stik, I'm sure this has been talked about over the years, but with these builds soooo delicate, how do they travel to shows. On occasion I build for family/friends and I'm a wreck just driving 15 miles in a car?

So am I... I drive like an 80 year oldwomen when I transport any kits to local meets/shows. Those are in the 15-25 mile from m house range. Over the past few years watching other guys pack their stuff, I have gotten into saving the foam packing materials that come with appliances, electronics, etc. I bought a few tupperware type bins that are big enough to transport a kit or three at once. Towels on the base, and lots of foam placed strategicly usually accomplish the mission... but I am still nervous as anything unitl my build is on the display table... 

I have no idea how the AMPS guys are gonna do it this year, but they have "lessons learned" from the last attempt at this for another national convention.

Ok Ken, add you to the roster.

Lots of great builds here guys, looking forward to seeing them progress. I'll be keeping on top of this one.