discussion Tamiya 1/48 Mosquito FB Mk.VI.

[Egghead]

Be gentle with me, everyone - this is only my second model since roughly 1974, and my first using spray cans and an airbrush. I had a warmer-upper with an Airfix 1/72 Spitfire a year or so ago, but that was purely brush-painted. I was very pleased with the Tamiya rattle-cans which I used for the larger areas, and I was also pleased how effective it was to use blu-tac for the camo masking. Sadly, the Dark Green camo came out rather blotchy due to my inexperience with the air-brush, which was aggravated by using too much Micro Sol on the starboard wing roundel, which caused the green paint to smudge a bit. But overall I'm satisfied with it. It took me AGES, I must say!

All comments, advice and suggestions very welcome!

 

[pjgtech]

Fantastic for only a second attempt mate, I'd be well happy with that!

 

[Egghead]

Fantastic for only a second attempt mate, I'd be well happy with that!

Thanks Peter!

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Well done. From the pictures you posted it looks very good. Regarding the smudging of the paint issue. Did you varnish the model before applying the decals? Micro Sol is a mild solvent and will damage paint that hasn't been varnished. Always best to use a gloss varnish and give it time to cure not just be touch dry. Once the decals are on you can seal them in with a varnish finish of your choice ie Gloss, satin or matt.

 

[Egghead]

Well done. From the pictures you posted it looks very good. Regarding the smudging of the paint issue. Did you varnish the model before applying the decals?

Thanks Steve. No, I didn't varnish prior to applying decals (or after, for that matter). Thanks for that raising that - another lesson learned!

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Thanks Steve. No, I didn't varnish prior to applying decals (or after, for that matter). Thanks for that raising that - another lesson learned!

We have all been there. Just on the varnish issue. Never apply decals to a matt surface. They don't stick so well and you can create a frosted edge on the perimeter of the decal. Always use a gloss varnish surface to apply your decals. ATB

 

[yak face]

Great job for a second attempt , lovely camo . Steves advice is spot on , and dont worry about the airbrush , you’ll soon get the hang of it with practice . The most important thing is you enjoyed it and its a great result , onward to the next one ! Cheers tony

 

[Egghead]

We have all been there. Just on the varnish issue. Never apply decals to a matt surface. They don't stick so well and you can create a frosted edge on the perimeter of the decal. Always use a gloss varnish surface to apply your decals. ATB

Very useful advice, Steve - thanks again.

 

[Egghead]

Great job for a second attempt , lovely camo . Steves advice is spot on , and dont worry about the airbrush , you’ll soon get the hang of it with practice . The most important thing is you enjoyed it and its a great result , onward to the next one ! Cheers tony

Thanks Tony!

 

[Tim Marlow]

Very nice result there bud. Not one of the easiest Tamiya kits in my experience, and your build is lovely.

 

[flyjoe180]

Every model is a learning experience, and despite the decal solvent marring your wonderful paint job, this is a top class result. Second model in 52 years, you will have this sorted in no time

 

[Egghead]

Every model is a learning experience, and despite the decal solvent marring your wonderful paint job, this is a top class result. Second model in 52 years, you will have this sorted in no time

Thanks Joe!

 

[Egghead]

Very nice result there bud. Not one of the easiest Tamiya kits in my experience, and your build is lovely.

Thanks Tim! I certainly found parts of the build pretty fiddly, but I enjoyed the challenge.

 

[Jim R]

That is a very good result especially as it is only model number two. Well done.

 

[Egghead]

That is a very good result especially as it is only model number two. Well done.

Thanks Jim!

 

[Geoffers]

I think you have done a very good job with it especially considering it’s only your second build.

I think the other guys advice is very valid and I would agree with Tony that your airbrushing skills will improve with practice.

Looking forward to seeing your future builds and just shout out if you need some advice

Geoff.

 

[Egghead]

I think you have done a very good job with it especially considering it’s only your second build.

I think the other guys advice is very valid and I would agree with Tony that your airbrushing skills will improve with practice.

Looking forward to seeing your future builds and just shout out if you need some advice

Geoff.

Thanks Geoff! I think I'll try an Airfix 1/72 Typhoon next - something simple to try my first attempt at using varnish. Plus, it's a good-looking plane and I like the fact that it comes with a stand. I wish they all did, really.