BlrwestSiR

Here's where it really got fun. The tail number for JE-J Jr was MK 329. For some reason, Profimodeller made their mask for the tail number MK823. Not sure where they got that one from. So I had to make that into the proper number by taping off individual bits of the mask and getting the correct number. Now all that's left are the wing stripes.

So it turns out I either made things really difficult for myself with the fuselage codes or there really was no other way around doing them. First step was to mask things off for the codes. I then sprayed the Sky for these. Then I masked over these and painted the black stripes. Once the black stripes were done, I masked over those and filled in the negative spaces where the base camo showed through.

Wait for the big battle sequence. You're going to get goosebumps from that one.

So Ernie, are you going to build the rest of the plane to put the cockpit into?

Should be lots of fun to watch.

What they said!!!!!

A-7 Corsair?

I then used some mixed Tamiya paints for the roundels colours. I then finally painted the undersides and removed the majority of the masking tape on the fuselage. Next up will be finishing the invasion stripes and the fuselage codes.

Turning to the plane, I finished assembling the engine cradle. The Merin was then installed and I finished the kit included plumbing. The power egg was then installed onto the fuselage. I also fitted the fixed sections of the canopy and masked them off. The removable cowl panels were put into place to act as masks for the engine and to get a consistent camo scheme. Working a bit differently this time from an painting perspective, I started with the in stripes. I've generally done these after the camo scheme. After masking off the borders, I started on the camo. I'm using AK Real Colors for this. I should have started with the Ocean Grey as I ended up with some touch ups over the green. For the RAF roundels, I prefer to use masks and airbrush these. The ones I used were a mix of Montex and Maketar ones. Some were used on previous builds but still fine.

Well, with all my posts in "What's on your Bench?" I thought it best I find and update the actual build thread. First up are the barrels themselves. On the original pair I did, I had sanded off the bands that hold the barrels together. Whoops. Thankfully the barrels came in sets of 4 so I had an extra pair. I gave the barrels a quick stain using a Vallejo wash. They were then airbrushed with Tamiya clear orange. I then masked off and painted the cooper bands in black.

Indeed, if you're careful they can be reused.

Here's the rest of the main camo paint all done. Unmasked: Just have the invasion stripes and fuselage codes left.

I'm managing to stick to one build for the moment so I've some more progress on Jr. I've been reusing old paint masks for the roundels. So far there hasn't been any issues.

These guys might have some good ideas:

I don't think this is what the Germans had in mind when they named their tanks after cats.

I see you're having to share bench space with your daughter. My boys have taken over half my bench.

Started flinging some paint since there's not much else I can do these days.

It looks like the border between Canada and the US is going to be closed to non essential travel in the next day or so. My cousin last night decided to postpone her wedding which was supposed to be in 2 weeks. She has family in the Netherlands and my sister and her family live in Wisconsin so they wouldn't have been able to make it either. Meantime, I'm hoping I can get my dad to stop working. He's considered high risk due to his health, works as an interpreter at the largest airport in Canada and someone on his staff tested positive for COVID 19. He can't be that scared of spending time with my mom could he?

No problem Martin. Yup, those are from the Italeri G kit. I've also got the D which I'm planning to build in RCAF markings.

Martin, if these wheels are any better than the Hasegawa ones, let me know. I can send you a set.

JE-J Jr is back on the bench. The engine is done and installed. I found some misplaced parts too.

The RCAF flew some N models too out of BC. If I get the chance, that's the one I'd build. Carl

PS. I lose stuff all the time that I've put away for "safe keeping".

If you still can't find them, let me know and I'll send you mine. Carl

Knowing Martin, he's probably already sanded them off and rescribed the whole kit while I was posting.