Got a bit done today, cockpit, some bombs (pinched from the F111 in my stash) got textured with my  ummm. ... Mr Surfacer type stuff. Pretty happy with every thing so far. Kit's going together nicely. Here's some pics:









The RIO's checking his Facebook:


Step 2 done!


Thanks for looking.

Yeah Fabian, I'm definitely going down the AB path, just waiting on some funds to ummm be allocated. lol And I probably will brush paint when I get to it, mainly because I really don't have a need for 5 rattle cans after the AB arrives, a big expenditure for one project.

Can you be so kind as to give me the brief run down how you managed such a great finish on yours? I don't need you to divulge all your trade secrets ... just the main ones! lol I really am struggling with the brush on larger surfaces (and I don't have flow enhancers and other goodies for acrylics yet, all in shopping trolleys somewhere).

I doubt I'll be a threat in any way, anyway. lol

Oh, here's some pics, doesn't look like a lot, just the time consuming stuff. Never masked a canopy before, or those, what are they? Sidewinders? And I had to make another ejector grab handle as one went walkies, as they do. lol







Thanks for looking.

Edit: One last pic for the day, the Sidewinders unmasked, bit of a touch up from the bleeding will sort them out. And canopy on. Glued with PVA, fingers crossed.

Thanks Pete. It's coming together really well now. I have just buffed up the fuselage, attempted a bit of scribing (with my tweezers and a sanding stick as a soft, straight edge. lol) but decided not to go too silly, you can barely see the detail as it is.

Yeah I'm going to bit the bullet. I'll prime it with my auto enamel and ..........geez this is tough, I'll go to the auto shop and see if they have the camo colours, or similar to, in small cans of enamel. They're only 4 or 5 bucks a pop I can cope with that. You get a decent amount too and can mix them, unlike rattlers. That way I can have an enamel seal for decaling and washing etc. I'm also going to try and find a half decent brush in this town. I can buy 50 two dollar sets, but good one's are harder to find. Back to spotlight I think. I did see in the makeup dept when I was stocking up on sanding sticks that makeup application  brushes can be made out of sable hair, so I don't know if anyone here has ever used them in a pinch? Anyway, I think all that's the best way to go, if anyone thinks I'm barking mad, speak up. lol

I've got an airbrush and all the bits sitting in a shopping basket waiting for me to check out, well I have a couple of options after seeing Jas's setup with the workshop compressor. lol (having the option of air tools could come in handy someday.) I have this guy just down the road from me (in Adelaide) http://www.airbrushmegastore.com/, he ships these things worldwide by the looks. Nice to have him close, handy (We're moving back to Adelaide mid next year). So I reckon I'll deal with him when the funds happen. I know from my retail years that having customer back up locally is invaluable sometimes.

I scoured the internet for weapon info Pete, have you seen the list of weapons that can go on a plane??? LOL And I only searched Allied weapons! Anyway, I don't know how you guys know the names of all these things. I did come across this photo somewhere, hope it wasn't here then I'd be double posting. And losing my mind, all at once. lol

More pics on the plane, maybe tomorrow, when it's likely ready to prime. Cheers for looking, comments welcome.

Edit: It's all good, worked out how I'm going to paint it, after extensive tests with what is at hand. lol And I'm pleased with the results.