Fleet Air Arm Group Build

Daywalker wrote:

Soon, I will have to put the models away as I am moving next month, and have to start packing next weekend.

Been there myself a few times, Frank. Had to put the hobby on hold for almost 6 months during my move here, but I came back with a vengance. Hoping your move goes quicker than mine did! .....& pack 'em well, my friend.

Roy, sounds like the catch of the day. Congrats to your son! That's something I'm sure you all are very proud of!

Sounds cool Frank! I been really anticipating seeing how your second try at the Zeke turns out. Can't wait to see it!

...and one cool thing I found out about moving is that I got to completely redesign my work area.

Thanks Mike!  I am almost glad I wrecked the paint the first time around, I think it looks better now!

A lil' OT, but thought it might be OK here!

First time around:

Second:

Wow! Those are painted on?! That is some amazing work! I'm figuring you cut masks for them then, but what did you use as a guide, and did you custom-mix the color?

....and how do you plan on toning down the fabric effect?

Thanks guys, the little guy can not stop talking about his big fish

Frank the Zero is looking great buddy!

Roy

Nice work on the Zero Frank.

Regards,  Rick

Thanks guys!

Mike- I used an Olfa compass cutter to cut discs out 40mm wide Tamiya masking tape to use as masks.  Great little tool, took a while though to get six perfect circles!  As for the color, I just used Tamiya flat red as it looked pretty close to me.  To tone down the fabric effect, I plan to use a very light, heavily thinner version of the base color to blend everthing together.  Same technique I used on my '109 Trop, works well but have to get it right the first time!  Here's what that compass cutter looks like:

Roy- Your son should be VERY proud of that one!  I have never caught a trout that big. 

Roy, Pass on congrats to your son. I personally only went fishing a couple of times when I was young, but I definitely remember catching the first one that was big enough to keep . Mostly I remember feeling special to get to go fishing with the adult who took me...

Frank, Your zero looks great! Really, really nice. A question about your toning down method - do you lightly spray the diluted overspray over the decals too to give them a faded look? Wondering if that is a good way...

Thanks,

Leon 

Thanks for your kind words fella's, I really appreciate your comments.

Roy,

way to go! You will definately be walking an inch taller with pride. Tell the little man well done from me.

Frank,

moving house can be a real headache, I really hope all goes well with the move. If you want some of the lads here to look after your rum rations I sure they won't mind!

Frank-

I've just caught up with the latest posts, Outstanding work my friend! You really are raising the bar for the rest of us. The paintwork looks superb!

Hey lads,

here's my little Lynx!

This is the Airfix MK.8 Royal Navy Lynx in 1/72 scale. As you all know there's been all sorts of ups and downs with this one...........its not a prize winner by any means, but y'know its still somehow pleasing to my eye, probably because I actually managed to finish the blasted thing!

Now.........onto the Corsair! 

Darren, for all the trouble you had it looks good.

Thanks to everyone for the kind remarks.  I'm just so proud that he got a trout that big his first time fishing.  He was so excited!  Now to wait till he's older and get him into models. I hope

Roy

Darren,  Looks like the effort on the Lynx was worth while.  Looks very good from here.

Regards,  Rick

Roy, Rick,

thanks very much indeed! Glad she looks OK from where you're standing.

Thanks guys!  I really appreciate the kudos!

Darren- glad to see your lil' Lynx finished!  It sounds like you have had a hell of a time with a couple of your recent builds, but you stuck with it and they look great!  Kudos to you!  And thank you again for your praise, I promise I won't let my Zero shoot down any of the FAA birds here!  As for my rum rations, I should be able to pop in once in a while at work to get my rations.  I think the lads might have a sip or two if I leave it in their charge!

Leon- As for the overspray, I generally use about a 70-30 mix of thinner to paint, and lightly overspray the entire model with a lightened version of the base color.  It seems to blend all of the different colors together.  On my '109, I used Tamiya buff to give it that dusty look.  Sorry about the OT posts guys!

Here's the decals on w/o the overspray:

And here it is after a light spray with the buff:

I spray right over the decals and everything else, but before I remove the canopy masks.

Darren, that Lynx looks awesome, buddy! Geeze, WWII stuff, modern jets, rotors....is there anything you don't build?!

Frank, thanks for getting back to me. That's a neat little cutting tool. I just may have to pick up one of those myself. I am continuously impressed with the finishes you are able to achieve on your models. Flaws are almost non-existant, your decals look as though they were painted on, your paint work is always spot-on, and the weathering is so subtle but looks so damm realistic. Your skills do indeed continue to raise the bar. You have a natural feel for what looks "right" and how to achieve that look, something that is not easily taught or learned. I am in awe of your work, my friend!

Frank-

thanks mate!

BTW, that technique of yours for blending the colours is fantastic! Thanks for the before and after pics.

When you do the overspray, how close do you spray to the model? I really want to try this but don't want to mess up. I'm guessing you spray from about a foot away? 

Mike,

thanks! Glad you like the Lynx.

I build just about anything that catches my eye, but I tend to stick to aircraft as thats what I enjoy most.

Have you ever seen any of my armor builds on here? 

You mean you build armor too?! Holy cow!

Haven't seen any yet, but post away my friend!

OK then........you asked for it!

These are all 1/35 scale built over the last few years. 

Darren- Nice looking armor!  I also do an armor piece from time to time, just to change the pace a lil'.  As for the overspray, I do spray from anywhere from 8 inches up to about 18 inches, depending on the effect I am looking for.  One thing that really helps is to very slowly build up the effect, I also usually start on the bottom in case I mess up- not as obvious that way!  If you are ever on this side of the pond, stop by for a drink and I'll show you how! 

Mike- Thanks my friend!  Praise like that coming from a guy of your calibre means more than you know.  Honestly, I use the photos you post of your work as reference for mine!  I too am amazed but your eye for complimentary colors to highlight your base colors, your subtle detail that speaks volumes, and the paintwork and finish.  Truly astounding!  I can't get over the amazing feeling I get here, one of comradierie and a willingness to help one another out.  It has really rekindled my passion for modeling!  And to think I almost gave up the hobby after all of the negative comments I used to receive from the local colour poliezi about this shade being a hair off, etc.  Thanks again buddy, without your help my Zero would be collecting dust in a box right now waiting to find another set of decals. 

Damm, that is some nice-looking stuff you got there, Darren! The vehicles look amazing, and your bases for your models are among the best I've seen ever. You just seem to excel at everything you try. Not too many who can produce consistantly great work on subjects of such a varying nature. You sir, are truly quite talented! I've got a few armor kits in my stash, but it's been ages since I attempted one. Just might have to now!

Frank, well I for one am very glad you decided to stick around and not give up on this hobby. Your work and your personality are an asset to it and an inspiration to a lot of us.

...and I can't begin to tell you what a good feeling it was to see that gorgeous Zeke and know I had a small hand in helping you complete it....but my part was easy. All I had to do was pop 'em into a mailer and take it to the PO. You, my friend, did all of the hard work, and did it extemely well. The end results are proof of that.

You guys are blowing me away with all these pics.  Way to go Darren with the Hellcat...and the Corsair and the Eagle and Lynx and the armour (love the LRDG diorama)!  How do you find the time?!

Frank, the Zero rocks!  Good luck with the move.

Bought some more bits and pieces over the weekend from hobbycentre.com.au, just some glue, putty etc etc.

Mike, to be honest, I don't have any preferences at the moment.  I used to use Testors liquid and tube glue and Tamiya putty but I was only really getting into putty use when I stopped in my late teens.  Bought some Humbrol liquid glue and Squadron red putty on the weekend.  Was speaking with the guy and asked for his recommendations.  Should have asked here first but the visit was a spur of the moment thing in between appointments we had on Friday.

Picked up the October issue of FSM on the previous weekend because it was a loose copy in the LHS and it had a cover article of getting rid of seams.  "That'll do nicely", I thought!