discussion My first Build: Tamiya F4F-4 Wildcat

[Guest]

Well I finally got started this weekend. This is my first ever model, and the first time I have ever used an airbrush. I am pretty happy with how the cockpit turned out. This is moments after spraying it with a very light flat black wash so it looks a little wet still.





Thanks for looking,

Matt

 

[Centurion3RTR]

"This is my first ever model", you sure lol? From the looks of it this is going to very impressive build Badger, going to keep an eye on this one. Looking good so far bud, keep up the good work.

Have fun, john

 

[Guest]

Thanks John

 

[spanner570]

My hat is off to you John on an excellent start to your Wildcat build.

Not only your first model, but the first time use of an airbrush!

I only brush paint, I don't think I have the nerve to try an A/B, so top marks to you for jumping in feet first.

I look forward to more pictures.

Ron

 

[stona]

Great effort at 1/72 scale. I know how small those damned things are and that looks terrific. Looking forward to the undercarriage now lol.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys

(its 1/48)

I glued the major parts together. This was harder than I had anticipated. The glue gets sort of messy. I also got a little carried away and forgot to install the inter-cooler and now its to late :sad:. At least you would only be able to notice if you were looking underneath by the wheel base.







and here is my workspace.

 

[Guest]

Matt that is looking really nice ,for a first effort its looking like a seasoned modeler at work for sure

Trey

 

[Guest]

I am a bit worried about masking off the cockpit and priming the whole thing. I am not sure where to place the tape so that I don't leave a large area of the outer fuselage that needs to be primed by hand.

 

[Guest]

i am only on my fourth model ever,dont count the ones i did as a kid, but your cockpit is a million times better than mine,i have not got the courage to show anything on here yet as they are just not good enough.lol. i think my hands are just too big.well done

 

[Guest]

Matt several ways of masking,one is to back tape to the very inside of the lip of the cockpit ,another is to mask off the canopy and fit it in place hope that helps

Trey

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the advice Trey.

Tonight I will hopefully finish up the landing gear and engine. Then the priming and painting of the whole aircraft over the weekend. That part has me a bit nervous.

 

[Guest]

I am learning this airbrush but had a lot of trouble with paint running and dripping when I was trying to do the preshading. I also accidentally broke the antennae off the the tail but should be able to glue it without to much trouble. I was also not really happy with how gray the paint came out on the underside. I followed the instruction mixing ratio using the recommended paints but the picture on the box looks much whiter.

Some updates:

Primed:



preshaded:



painted underside:

 

[stona]

I suspect the mix ratio gave you a good representation of the original colour as applied to the full size machine. This will always look too dark on a small model. This is the so called scale effect. At 1/72 scale you may need to lighten a colour by adding 20-30% white (or other suitable lighter hue). This is very subjective and you really have to go with what looks correct to your eye.

One of the joys of airbrushing is a seamless touch up. If you are not happy with your colour go back and lighten various panels with a lighter shade. Then give the whole underside an overspray with a thinned lighter mix. You should be able to get a result with enough variation not to look "flat" and light enough to look in scale.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

I took the day off of work today and among other things made some good progress on my model. I finished painting and then weathered it; a bit to much but I just consider it a learning experience. I still have some painting to do and then glue on the antennae. I also need to coat it with future an put on the decals. Despite some of the mistakes I am pretty pleased with it for being my first go at this.



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[Guest]

Matt, I do apologise but for some reason this build completely slipped past me. I have to say though that as a build of an aircraft type that is notorious for getting the colours to look right, this looks very good to me. As a first build and a first airbrushed model, what can I say? You have made a great job of it and I can tell from your postings that you really cared how it turned out, well it turned out very good so one to be proud of.

 

[tr1ckey66]

Hi Matt

That is a cracking paint finish - you've no worries when it comes to painting a model! Great job!!!

One suggestion I would make is to perhaps alter the sequence of stages in your finish. Personally I would finish the model in this order (but this is by no means set in stone):

1. Prime

2. Pre shade

3. Paint model

4. Apply future/klear (gloss coat)

5. Apply decals

6. Gloss over decals

7. Pin wash (pro-modeller wash) panel lines

8. Other weathering - paint chipping, exhaust staining etc

9. Satin top coat to seal and protect finish

I'd finish the model in this way to ensure the decals aircraft markings get the same treatment as the rest of the aircraft. The other advantage is that if you're not happy with any part of the weathering you can simply wipe it off (the gloss coat will protect the paint underneath providing the media have differing bases ie. acrylic water based gloss coat and oil/white spirit based weathering)

I wouldn't worry too much though as it's not that difficult to add a bit of weathering to the markings afterwards.

BTW, I don't think you've gone overboard on the weathering, it looks really cool - love the paint chipping on the wing leading edges and cowl.

This is going to be a great Wildcat and one to be proud of.

All the best

Paul

 

[Guest]

For a first model you've produced something that a much more experienced modeller would be proud of. Lovely model with some great weathering and finishing techniques. I didn't get to grips with an airbrush for many many years so i really think you've done a fantastic job there. I only use an airbrush when I absolutely have to nowadays!

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone

Hi MattThat is a cracking paint finish - you've no worries when it comes to painting a model! Great job!!!

One suggestion I would make is to perhaps alter the sequence of stages in your finish. Personally I would finish the model in this order (but this is by no means set in stone):

1. Prime

2. Pre shade

3. Paint model

4. Apply future/klear (gloss coat)

5. Apply decals

6. Gloss over decals

7. Pin wash (pro-modeller wash) panel lines

8. Other weathering - paint chipping, exhaust staining etc

9. Satin top coat to seal and protect finish

Paul

Paul- Good point on the gloss first then the weathering. I will most certainly do that next go.

 

[Guest]

Stunning work for a beginer mate, really well done. a spectacular first peice.

Andy

 

[Guest]

I finally finished!!!

I was really happy with the flat finish that the Future and tamiya base mixture made.