Peterpools

Rob You're right on the money about the build but don't forget to add in a very steady hand and the modeling skills. Surely out of my skill level of work.

Thanks Rob, feels good to be mostly finished with the masking now. Some touch up work next and then onto the decaling, showing the Kingfisher as she dressed out on the USS Arizona. Kit decals aren't up to snuff and I needed to purchase two sets of Yellow Wing Decals for all the markings. The Canary' birds sure must have had their bright plumage approved by the USN way back when. 😉

Thanks Hubert, very much appreciated.

Scott Nothing like looking to sanding and filler work but you easily have it under control.

IT’S COLOR TIME OUTRIGGER FLOATS First up, the second kits replacement outrigger floats. This time around, I exercised extreme caution, taking care with the strut bracing as to not touch or fuss except where necessary, as they are just too easily broken. As the pervious update photos showed, I used the second kits lower wing as a jig, built up both assemblies, a touch of Mr Surfacer, primed and painted with Tamiya LP-70 Aluminum – done, good to go and not tempting fate. Hours and Hours of Masking …The Paint Booth As of now, I’ve masked, painted unmasked, masked for the next steps a good four times .. My supply of Tamiya tape has dwindled to now needing a healthy resupply. The Yellow Wings Decals comprehensive multi page instructions called for either FS 13538 or Tamiya Camel Yellow TS-34 for the wings. I used Mr Color FS 13538, as I had the paint and didn’t have the Tamiya paint. Mr Color rendition was way too yellow and too light, so I hand mix the color. I should have waited and ordered the Tamiya Camel Yellow – next time for sure. BTW, I was in error as I needed to order a few more decal sheets from Yellow Wings for projects down the road, sent an email and yes, the information I read online was incorrect, they are still doing business as normal and ordered the two decal sheets – decal sets arrived right on time. I’ve done a lot of research on the markings and colors and am happy with my decisions. Colors used: Insignia Red, specified on Yellow Wings data sheet. I masked the wing walks with the flair on the flaps. Also decided to mask the black wing walk lines – what a job and I’m pretty happy how they turned out. I needed to mask and paint the wing chevrons and fuselage band with MRP Insignia Red and so all the red paint matches. Low and behold, the MRP Insignia Red wouldn’t cover the black stripes and I had to first re-prime the chevrons and then on went the red. A final masking to prep the Kingfisher for the aluminum paint and it seemed nearly every square inch of the Kingfisher had now been masked many times. The airframe is polished aluminum paint (standard USN anti corrosion practice of the time) and I went with Tamiya Gloss Aluminum Lacquer LP-70. When done, I was happy with the results. Next up: it’s decaling time. Photographs show some touch up work is still need but for the most part, I'm happy with the results,

Rob Amazing - simply amazing work.

I've seen free hand cammo work that was absolutely spectacular and takes a very special skill. Mine has been good over the years but nowhere near that level. These days, I favor paper masks, held off the model surface with rolled Tamiya tape - the soft edge effect is excellent. Goofs and clean ups I still do free hand. A few negative with paper cut masks is getting smooth and realistic curves without kinks and the masking does seem to take forever to do. But at this stage of the game, I'm nowhere as steady as I once was and the best way to go.

Kev Awesome - your wood working skills are money in the bank as the base looks just beautiful. Your progress on the Schnellboat is progressing at a steady pace and looks so good. Nothing looks as good in the display case a a beautifully built ship on a gorgeous wooden base - no doubt in my mind you are on the way for both.

Chris Surely looks as if you're one or two shot of Mr Surfacer away from being finished with removing the panels lines. Take care of it now, as down the line it becomes harder to clean up.

John Nice work on the cammo

Ernie Nothing like panning ahead and being prepared. Super progress and some mighty fine work on the P-40's interior. I didn't have any issues with part fit at that point and after adding, painting, weathering all the details in the rear portion of the fuselage, just felt it was a shame to only have the little access door to peek through.

Nice!

Haven't used it yet but it should work and no shrinkage from what I hear.

👍

Jeroen Very nice work on the engine. Fit and details look very good.

Hubert Some mighty incredible math.

Looking good and at such a build pace.

Bill Mighty nice air brush work. I'm still super jealous about the masks.

John I'm riding with you and just know there won't be any issues. Thanks for the photograph

Gaz Looking mighty good.

Come on Tamiya another sale next month. O wonder how many Spitfires Tamiya sold?

Yes, a 1/48 B-26 - Finally. Looking forward to the kit.

Ernie Good thinking and a safe way to wait out the weather - nice start on the seat. Something so familiar about the seat. 😉

Chris Any filler that is lacquer or solvent based, will shrink back as it dries. Normally after two or three coats and a good few days drying time, all is well. Epoxy and CAA do not shrink back but require sanding ...

Phil How true🎯