PACIFIC CARRIER AVIATION GROUP BUILD

Gentleman, 

Some fantastic modeling going on. Most impressive.

I finally have started on my AM SB2U. The kit has lots of detail, and should build into a very nice example. But, the kit does have many flaws which have been difficult to fix. Plus, some of my own mistakes have added to the difficulty. 

Sink holes are all over this kit. I managed to fix most, but did miss a few.

Even the fuselage has some sink holes, which I found out is very common for this kit.

I'm not happy that the IP had no detail and was a decal. Then when I added the bottom decal, then put the fist coat of Micro Sol, the decal shifted. Not to big of a deal, but, I'm used to being better at this.

But I was successful at getting the front and rear cockpits painted, here they are waiting for a gloss coat prior to a wash. 

I also noticed a few sink holes that I missed during the prime coat but decided to leave them.

Fantastic results with the panel lines, Craig.  Looks really good.

Thanks guys.  I did the topside last night.  Once I get it cleaned up, I'll post photos.

Craig

Wow Craig!  What a job!!!! Looks awesome.

Craig, I wish my washes looked that OK ha....I think it turned out great

Joe: The paintwork on your Hellcat looks fantastic!

Craig: The pin wash turned out really well! It really brings out all the surface details Eduard packed into that kit!

Flyer: Great looking Hellcat you got there!

Very nicely done Craig. Very nice indeed. Appears to me that you have got a handle on the whole oil wash thing. It certainly adds a lot to the overall appearance of your Hellcat.

I ran into town today and picked up some Turpenoid and white artists oil.  I started a pin wash on the belly this afternoon.  I think it turned out OK.  It brought out the recessed rivets.  I'll start on the topside when I get a chance.

Craig

Thanks CMK.  I will probably hit HL tomorrow to pick up some Turpeniod.

Craig

Impressive results, both Joe and Hellcat Flyer.  Looking really good there!

Thanks Josiah. It's good to hear from you.

. Craig, I thin my oils with Turpenoid. Turpenoid is an odorless substitute for turpentine that is used by artists. It tends to be less "hot" than turpentine. Available right where you found your oil paints. Using turpenoid allows me to gloss coat with lacquers such as Testors, Tamiya or Mr. Surfacer. The turpenoid is not strong enough to damage these lacquer based coats. You'll really like that Windsor & Newton oils. They work excellent and will last a long time.

Its great to see that thing covered in paint Joe, and it looks splendid indeed!

I picked up some gray artists oil form Hobby Lobby this evening ( not cheap).  Probably pick up some white for blending.  Anyways, what do I use to thin the oil?  Turpentine, mineral spirits, or something else.  What's best to coat the model first, Future or an acrylic gloss coat?  Been watching videos and I've seen a few different techniques.  Thanks.

Craig

Thanks guys, I've enjoyed looking through this thread and seeing everyone's models. I'm still getting the hang of my AB, an Iwata eclipse CS.  Tip drying and flow issues have plagued me. Golden retarder and flow aide have helped, but I still have to keep a wet sponge handy to frequently wet and wipe the tip. Luckily, the photos don't show it super well, but I over did it on the weathering on the wings a bit. Oh well, learning as I go...

Great looking models, guys!

That's a nice build Hellcat_Flyer!

Thank You Joe & Craig. I appreciate it. Was in a bit of a rush to get some pics up last night and thus, I forgot to take any pics of the left side of the aircraft. That is where I have a small bit of over spray. Fortunately, it some of the IB onto the gloss white so I am able to scrape it clean with #11 blade.

Hellcat_Flyer, Very sweet -5. You really did a nice work indeed.

JR - Very nice.  Looks super clean.

Dam it looks like a pro did it Joe !

I'm a late comer to the group build, but I completed this Academy 1/72 F6F-5 over the last couple of months.

The stencils look great Craig.

Well, the rest of the dark sea blue is on and the masking is ll off. I am very pleased with how it turned out. I only have a couple of spots to touch up but, no big deal. Here's a couple of pics. Tomorrow will bring an overall gloss coat and on to the decals.

Very sharp, Craig.  Nice work.

Joe..your build is looking great too!

Thanks Steve.  Hope to see ya back on track soon.  I'm still learning my airbrush as well.

Craig...your stencil work looks awesome. I really like how that looks.  The rest of the plane is looking great too.  Nice job!  

BTW folks....I have not posted my work on the Avenger in awhile. I am not being unfriendly.  It's just that I have hit a roadblock called airbrushing.  I have some problems to work out. It is part of my learning curve after just coming back to this hobby.  I think making the completion date for this GB is out of reach for me now.  I will post as I progress but the finish may be a few months away.

So enjoy yourselves, and I am enjoying watching everyones work progress.

Steve

I just shot the belly with Future.  I still have a few stencils to add to the top of the wing.  How long does it take for the Future to dry?  I really like the way the stencils add to the plane.

Craig

A little out of focus, but you get the idea.

Let's see what you got Craig!

Thanks Clemens.  I'll shoot the plane with Future first once I get the last of the decals on.

Craig

Craig: The decals look great. I absolutely love the "face" on the nose! If you still want to give the entire model an oil wash I'd suggest you get it all covered in a coat of Future and add the wash. Once that's dry, seal it with a flat clear coat.

Joe: Looking good! Not much left to do and you're ready to get some decals on there!

Question - When I'm done with the decals, should I spray the plane with Future, an acrylic flat coat, or something else?  Thanks.

Craig