Wulf

...that Testors has discontinued their Polly Scale military colors. I talked directly to Testors and they confirmed it. They claim the customer core for these products was too small. I asked if the Model Master acrylic line was going to "pick up" the obscure colors PS offered. There was no real straight answer. So, if you are a PS user, better get to the online stores and the LHS's and gobble 'em up. And....I heard 21st century toys is going under as well. Seems once Walmart stopped carrying their models, they went downhill. So, if you have some of their kits, might want to hang on to them. Might be worth something some time down the road. Some online stores still have them in stock. Andy

My workshop is connected to the house so there is some insulation. However, this year I had to buy a inexpensive ceramic heater. They work great and it was only $20. Keeps the shop a cozy 72 degrees. Let the modeling continue... Andy

Thanks for the kind words guys...

Not my most productive year to date. However, it's not about quantity for me. Plus, having a baby does cut into modeling time!! Comments welcomed. Enjoy... Andy

You did a good job on the fading of the upper wing surfaces. Weathering dark colors can be challenging. Nice overall work. Andy

Very nice, clean work on one of my favorite IJA planes. Andy

Well, after 10 long weeks on this one, it's done. This is Eduard's version with all their goodies. My extras include gun barrels, antenna wiring and resin wheels. I will have to say that Eduard is the new Tamiya in my book. The level of detail and fit was superb. The decals are some of the best as well. They have little or no carrier film which lessens silvering even more. The finish is MM acrylics with AB and pastel weathering. Comments always welcomed... Andy

It's the consensus of others that the starboard wing was replaced which had the mottle pattern on it. That theory does make sense. The painting instructions called for this particular pattern which, I assume, is accurate. Andy

Very cool! I did the P-40 one. They are not very good quality kits but are fun nonetheless. I won a second for mine in misc as well and had to chuckle. Andy

WOW! Top notch work. The camo looks real convincing with the soft demarcation lines. The ordnance looks great too. I respect the jet guys who can detail and align all the armament on those birds. Kudos on this one... Andy

Nice work on one of my favorites. I understand the issue with the tail plug on other kits....kinda a pain! Andy

Well, it's been a while guys. I've been busy around the house in anticipation of our first child which is due any day. However, I've managed to squeak this one in and finish it. This is Hase's 1/48 kit. Extras include a PE cockpit set, gun barrels and pitot tube. The scheme was quite difficult to do...a bit more than I cared for. I wouldn't recommend this scheme unless you have the patience of a saint...which I am not. Plus, I used frisket as masking and it pulled up several areas of paint with it. Live and learn, frisket is too tacky for acrylics it seems. I spent alot of time repairing those areas. Overall, this was not a trouble free build but came out okay. Comments always welcomed... Andy

Nice work there. One of my fav IJA planes Andy

Pretty sharp build Dick. I'd like to see more of it. Is that the Revell kit?? Andy

May be a long shot... Looking for the instructions for the Tamiya 1/48 N1K1 Kyofu type 11 kit. This is the kit with the motorized prop and display base. ANY help would be appreciated. Thanks, Andy

Very well done. The detail work is well executed too. The only issue I see is the overall green. Looks a little too bright. Andy

Very nice Matt, as usual. I always liked the older body styled funny cars. Andy

Very nice Matt. Hope to see it on the 28th? Maybe....?? Andy

Matt, you have WAY too many cars! They all look great though. You really need to add some of those winged vehicles to your collection. Andy

You had suggested I use the Testors one coat lacquer sprays for auto bodies. Well, I gave it a shot this weekend and wow!. They give a super smooth, high gloss result. Seems like a clear coat isn't necessary either. Thanks for the advice... Andy

Tracey, I painted the rudder stripes but everything else is decals. Andy

Gil, It really wasn't that bad to do. Just took a little time. To answer your questions: I use a Badger 150 illustration airbrush with a fine tip and needle. Really a great AB to use, if I may say so. The psi was about 12 or so. This psi will get the paint out but won't cause overspray and spatter. I used Tamiya acrylic thinned with Tamiya thinner (50/50). Didn't want to use alcohol since it would dry the paint quicker and clog the tip. Then, I tested and practiced on an old model. When I started on this one, I used short bursts to build up the color. I probably went back over each dot about 3 or 4 times over the course of the process. I'd say it took about an hour and a half to complete. About every ten minutes, I had to run lacquer thinner thru the AB to keep it flowing and clean. Andy

Well, today is Mardi Gras and thanks to the state, I have the day off. So, I finished this puppy up. This is Tam's 1/48 kit and a very nice kit, as usual. Extras include scratchbuilt seat belts, pitot tube and gun barrels. The finish is MM and Tamiya acrylics. The first reference pic is a plane of the Group de Chasse Doret of the free France. These planes were reclaimed from the Germans (who used them as advanced trainers) and put back into service, hence all the mottling. Comments always welcomed... Andy

Once you get the hang of acrylics, I think you will enjoy them. So much easier to clean up and the dry time is a plus. I agree with the previous replies, There's really no need to filter the matt colors. Thinning will take some time to learn and I recommend either an acryl thinner (can be kinda pricey) or isopropyl alcohol. A thinning ratio of 60% paint to 40% thinner should be a good starting point. You may have to bump it to 50/50 sometimes, depends on the paint brand. I spray the paint at around 12-15 psi. Too high of a psi tends to dry the paint before it hits the model and can cause a rough textured finish and lots of overspray. Paint additives such as Liquitex brand slo-dri and flo-aid can make airbrushing acrylics easier and produce better results. The only caution I have is you've got to prime your model first! Acrylics don't adhere as well as lacquers and enamels so an acrylic or enamel primer coat will help with layering and masking. Make sure the model is super clean and dry. Wash and scrub it well with Joy soap and let dry. Hope this helps... Andy

Thanks for the kind words guys... Andy