mimike

Well, I guess ex AF is all right - just remember true air superiority is a tank on the runway. Welcome.

Nice work! A while back I saw a photo of a Ki-43 in Indo China with French markings over the Japanese. I think this would make a very interesting project.

Thanks for the replies.

I have recently joined a club and we are discussing entering a group build in an IPMS event next year. It is generally accepted we will be doing a single engine WWII era aircraft used by multiple nations. I have never done anything like this before and I am nervous. I’ve been modeling for years but never showed any of them. From examples I see in magazines I have so far to go and my air brush skills are nil, although I am working on this. In these contest how critical are colors? I.E. exact match’s of shades on the aircraft and accessories. To me OD is OD; grey is grey, but some people talk of various shades. The interior color, Zinc Chromate, Interior Green/Yellow don’t seem critical to me but will the judges feel the same? Tires - I have never found any pre prepared rubber paint that looks real; nor have I been able to make a mix that totally agrees with me. How critical are the judges? After Market parts or parts from another model kit (whether or not the part is from the same manufacture) - are they acceptable. I have never put spark plug cables on any model; I don’t like resin buy know I will have to start; I’ve never used photo etched parts and know I will have to learn how to now. Decal location - how critical are judges going to be? Fortunately I have a good amount of time to work on this project and I want to present a respectable product. My greatest problem is my impatience - I’m in a hurry to get the model on the shelf and have in the past taken short cuts in the building process and accepted less than satisfactory results. I know I have to overcome this now. I would be most grateful for any input from any of you out there.

I have recently joined a club and we are discussing entering a group build in an IPMS event next year. It is generally accepted we will be doing a single engine WWII era aircraft used by multiple nations. I have never done anything like this before and I am nervous. I’ve been modeling for years but never showed any of them. From examples I see in magazines I have so far to go and my air brush skills are nil, although I am working on this. In these contest how critical are colors? I.E. exact match’s of shades on the aircraft and accessories. To me OD is OD; grey is grey, but some people talk of various shades. The interior color, Zinc Chromate, Interior Green/Yellow don’t seem critical to me but will the judges feel the same? Tires - I have never found any pre prepared rubber paint that looks real; nor have I been able to make a mix that totally agrees with me. How critical are the judges? After Market parts or parts from another model kit (whether or not the part is from the same manufacture) - are they acceptable. I have never put spark plug cables on any model; I don’t like resin buy know I will have to start; I’ve never used photo etched parts and know I will have to learn how to now. Decal location - how critical are judges going to be? Fortunately I have a good amount of time to work on this project and I want to present a respectable product. My greatest problem is my impatience - I’m in a hurry to get the model on the shelf and have in the past taken short cuts in the building process and accepted less than satisfactory results. I know I have to overcome this now. I would be most grateful for any input from any of you out there.

Anyone in the Tyler TX area we have a modelers club which meets at 2 pm the third Sat of the month at the HobbyTown store in Tyler. We welcome new members (its free) if you want details PM me.

Thanks, it came yesterday and I found out for myself.

Micro Mark has Testors Aztec Air Brush/Compressor system on sale and I’m waiting delivery of one. I have an old Model Master brush from the mid ‘90’s. Testors made this one too and from the photos they look the same. Does anyone know if the nozzles are interchangeable?

Both providers listed above as well as several others have not had Mr. Surfacer available for some time. I do not know why but would like to.

I use an old military or office style, 36” x 60” metal desk. Large work surface and drawers built in. I have two goose neck lamps (one on each side) and a lighted magnifying light in the center. I mount wooded bases for the lamps to the desk and I get plenty of light and no shadows. With the normal overhead room light, this works well for me.

Looking good but way, way too neat! You must have cleaned up prior to taking the pics.

Again, I thank you for your input. My compressor is portable and I use a backroom to paint and I live alone, so noise is not a problem.

I am aware of the Ft. Worth event but I'm having a medical procedure the day prior and don't think I will attend, I wish I could.

Thanks for your response. What is the advantage of a "dedicated airbrush compressor" over my Home Depot one?

I got my first AB in 1995, a Model Master Double Action, and used canned air to run it. At that time I thought it was more trouble than it was worth (especially the cleaning) and never actually learned how to use it. I have recently joined a local club (as well as the IPMS) and bought a newer Paasche Sing. Action AB. I have dug out all the references I can find on Air Brushing and I’m determined to learn to use them. My question is on compressors. I have a new 1.5 hp comp. w/a 3 gal tank and a built in regulator. I have installed another regulator and a moisture trap. I think this will work fine - am I wrong?

There was an MPM kit of this plane but it was not a good kit and I haven't seen it around for a while. There are several 1:72 but I can't find a 1:48 P-63.

I use both with good results. As has been said use the appropiated thinner for the brand and be careful try to mix them - this doesn't always work.

You can find miniature cloths pins in gen hobby shops. These small sizes take up less room and work better on smaller parts. Wooden Cocktail Sticks, a little longer than toothpicks and flat on one end, make great paint stirrers. Finger Nail Polish Thinner (not remover - different stuff) works the same a Ambroid Pro Weld or Tenax 7R. Get it at high end beauth supply stores (Sally's), sometimes harder to find but cheaper per ounce. Find a large plastic container (like potato salad comes in) then find a smaller container which fits in it but does not go all the way to the bottom. Drill holes in the bottome of the smaller one and insert it in the larger, fill both with water. Makes a great paint brush cleaner, the holes let paint fall to the bottom and keeps the brushes cleaner. I keep a "Dust Buster" next to my model desk. These small vac's can help find "fly away" parts.

I would love to see a good 1:72 or 1:48 model of this aircraft. There used to be Vacuformed kit but I haven't seen even this around for a while.

I am a retired US soldier now living in E. TX. I have modeled all my life and got more serious about it about 15 years ago when my youngest son left home. I grew up with a kid whos father flew recon P-38's and B-25's in WWII. He (the father) along with another pilot, bought a P-38 (w/a second seat) in the early '50's and I got to go up in it when I was 8 years old, I have been hooked on aircraft of this era ever since. I just joined a club in my area and, alon with sites like this one, hope to advance my modeling skills.