Oh yeah, the silvering comes from the decal not sticking perfectly flat to the surface and light can go under it, bounce off and then come back and you see it as a silver reflection. So you want the surface mirror smooth as you can make it, hence the gloss coat. You probably also will want to use decal setting solution, it makes the decals softer to suck down to the detailing.

Here's a FSM article, the decaling part is down near the bottom.

http://www.finescale.com/how-to/articles/2014/02/build-great-scale-models-part-4

The way I use the Future is it will seep down under the decal and fill in the cracks so the light can't get underneath it. It seems to cure the problem so far.

I did not use a gloss coat. Is it safe to assume my newb mistake was that? I assume moving forward I need to gloss, decal then use flat? Thanks for responding. I might try to add some futures now to see what happens. It don't think it can look worse than it does now. I will report back asap!

Did you put down a gloss coat before the decals? Though in some cases I've had decals silver anyway. Once the matte coat is on it's kinda hard to correct. I've had some luck with cutting slits into the decal with a super sharp pen-knife and then brushing a little Future over it. The Future seems to seep down into the cracks and crevices and 'seal' the decal dealing with the silvering.

Good luck, I know your frustration.

So I am in need of some guidance. Everything was going great until decals. They didn't appear to have much if any silvering until I applied the testors flat clear over the top. I used MM enamels to paint and let it cure for almost a week before applying decals and then the testors flat coat. I am at a loss for how bad the silvering is and this is a new kit so it isn't the decals. I feel like I should have futured before I applied the decals and then used the enamel flat over that? Ugh I am trying to figure out what to do here!

Jack: Lookin' good! 

And maybe you'd like to mask all my canopies for me? It's pretty much my most hated aspect of aircraft modeling. 

And if the blue tape works for you great! One of our former club members who paints those insane splinter camo schemes the USN used in the Second World War always uses the blue stuff. Several people in the club have told him about Tamiya/Frog tape but he prefers the blue stuff.  

Looking good, Jack. I forgot the scale on the bronco until I saw it sitting on the turntable. It looks much larger than it really is. And yes, masking is a pain but with practice it gets less bothersome.

BK

Looks like a cool scheme there Jack

Here are some updated progress photos of the Bronco. I had to hide some weight in the nose as that was the only place I could find (photo 2). Fingers crossed its enough.

Current status: Windows masked, body was primed, painted the first coat of Gull Gray and then Medium Green. I am not sure why but masking glass is one of my favorite parts of the process even though I have not mastered the skill. I know some of you will frown on me using the blue painters tape but I have good results with the Orange one and it goes a long way! I will be back with the White painted on the top wings and the payload, wheels etc. Thanks again for checking in.

Looks cool Jack. That camo scheme is going to look really neat. 

I am embaressed that I pulled my F-16B back out at the beginning of the year but STILL haven't done any more work on her. 

I am going to find a hole to crawl into and hide now... 

Bish

Nice progress on that one jack.

 

Nice progress on that one jack.

Here are some progress pics of the Bronco. Pretty good fit as usual with the Academy kit. I have chosen to go with the green, grey and white USMC 1970 scheme because I think it looks more challenging than the grey and white offering on the box. I have most of the body together, filled, and sanded and have applied a coat of futures to the glass. I will check back in with masked glass and some painting!

Matt, no worries, life can get in the way, but we will be here when you are ready.

Jack, looks like a nice start. I really like the Bronco and can't wait to see it come to life.

BK

Just catching up on the thread and Piers, that looks amazing. Great work in the conversion and the scheme looks superbvly done.

Hi Matt,

The pressures of life do get in the way, don't they? Looking forward to seeing how the XL comes out when you have the time.

Jack,

The Draw Decal range does have some great sschemes for civil aircraft, racers and water bombers. The decals go down well and look good.

Good start on the Bronco

Guys,

I really want to get back on my F-16XL for this build, but still have not completed assembling my workshop since the move. My Masters program is eating up all my time it seems, and I am still missing all the paints needed for this build.  I do not want to have to purchase all the supplies I am missing all over again, that would be pretty expensive I have a feeling. 

Once I get in gear, I'll post some progress again.  Thanks for having me.

<Matt

Jack: Nice work and looks like a good kit!

So I just found them and they are $14 with shipping. I am just too cheap to turn this into a $30 kit so I am pressing on with one of the two color schemes provided. I am going to do one of these CA fire schemes in the future for sure so thanks for the heads up on those decals!!

Jack, you will finish this up in plenty of time. Looks good.

BK

Lostagain I can't even think twice about that one. I love fire rescue schemes!! Where can I get my hands on decals like that in 1/72? Thanks!!

Jack,

Nice start to the Bronco. While you are mulling over the paint scheme, how about this:

Ok folks here is my entry: 1/72 Academy OV-10A Bronco. I unwrapped it last night and have the cockpit done so far. I am mulling over which paint scheme I am going with and will keep you updated. Thanks for letting me join the build!

Jack: Sounds cool!

Brandon count me in! I started yesterday and will get picks up tonight. Thanks!

Jack, get on it, there is plenty of time. I'm thinking June or July to wrap this up.

BK

That Monogram AH-1S looks stunning!!

Brandon when was this build extended to? I am getting ready to crack open a 1/72 Academy OV-10A Bronco (twin turbo prop) if you will take a late entry? I will make this build my priority!

Piers, that turned out fantastic. Super workmanship on all the kit mods you did to this to make it something it was not. It really looks great. Well done!! I'll update the front page and thanks for taking us along.

BK

Dan: It's been a long time since I've built a swing-wing aircraft but I remember the whole scratch issue. Sounds like a great idea to me too to work it into the weathering. 

Piers: She looks perfect to me!  Maybe I'd see some of the mismatched paint in person but in the photos she looks flawless. And my hat's off to you for trying such an insane paint scheme. I have major issues with white and dayglow orange- both on the same model would probably end with the model getting slam-dunked into the trash... 

I'm calling the Cobra done!

The Monogram AH-1S 1/48 kit was converted to the USFS Firewatch version, using digitally printed decals from Draw Decal

The exhausts were modified to remove the IR supression, the guns and missles were removed.

In the cockpit, the armour was removed and LCD screens replaced the old dials.

The IR ball in place of the gun was scratchbuilt and hung off the nose

The red paint was Gunze mixed to match photos

So this was a fun build and a good change of pace.

Brandon thank you for running the build and for the extension in time.

Thanks everyone else for your kind comments and sharing your builds.

Piers

Dan,

coming along nicely, detail painting is looking really good. Not sure about the swing wing scratches, but I do like Brandon's 'solution'- own those scratches and incorporate them into the weathering!