Well folks, all the bits and bobs are done. I am calling this one complete.
Some notes on special things I did for this kit.
I used my Micormark punch set to punch out the belly lights using aluminum tape which I painted over with red, yellow and green. I sized them and placed them as best I could because images of these lights are scarce. They simply stick with their own adhesive back and the chrome underneath makes them really pop. I used the same technique for the rear mounted bombing run lights.
I replaced the kit belly antenna mounts with aluminum rod and fishing line marked black with a magic marker. The kit parts kept getting bent and finally broken, these are way stronger and look the part.
I also added a secure point to the right antenna wire on the tail, as this one is longer and I believe needed some more support. I think it really makes the antenna look all the better also.
The exhaust stains were done using my Badger Sotar 20/20 and a mix of Tamiya smoke with a dab of flat black added.
The exhaust system was painted Mr Color Burnt iron and then rubbed with Tamiya orange rust pastels and then sprayed with Tamiya smoke to layer it up. I think it came out nice.
The engine cowlings were painted with Tamiya white primer and Tamiya white and flat coated with MM flat clear. I then rubbed in yellow, brown, and dark grey pastels to dirty them up a bit and sealed that in with artists fixative.
The wing that was replaced recieved a coat of Tamiya semi gloss black and Alclad Polished Aluminum over that. I then sprayed a heavy coat of hair spray over that and painted the OD from Tamiya. Once this was dry I used tape to easily lift paint in the areas I wanted to and left it in others. I did the same technique under the wing on the NG. I then used pastels to fade that colors similar to the rear plane in the photo below.
I used a 12000 grit polish pad to rub off the paint on the squadron stripe on the right wing. That went ok, but I admit not as well as I would have liked and it was quite difficulit to do.
I also dulled the surface of all the decals using artists fixative, not flat clear. It is eaier to apply under very low pressure and dries instantly. The rest of the Alclad is not coated with any sealer at all.
The nose art decals are from Kits World and they only include the key pieces; the regular markings will need to be used from kit decals.
Overall, this is a nice kit to build. No real problems, but plenty of room for improvments and there are some inaccuracies here and there. The only thing that seems harder about building this kit is the size. It just takes 5-6 times the work because there is so much realistate.
I hope you guys enjoyed this one. I did, except for my Alclad meltdown. But, I am over it and I overcame the problem and learned a valuable lesson.
Enjoy the pics.
PS, this bird is supposed to have a Cheyenne Tail Turret. I didn't have one so I went with kit parts.
BK