Where various build projects are documented and posted.
After wayyyyyy to long on the workbench Tamiya’s gem of a 1999 kit has finally vacated the table. In all honestly it’s been a slog finishing the Mossie. Not because of any issue with the build itself, but more so the lacking motivation to finish. I used Vallejo acrylics for the finish and tried out color modulation for the first time. A dark wash was applied over top a gloss coat as well as some various fuel and oil streaking effects from Mig.
Now on to the Uhu!
For my next project I wanted to go with something slightly large to gain more experience airbrushing. Seeing as I could get Tamiya’s 1999 Mk.IV Mosquito for a good price I decided to pull the trigger on it. I also wanted to use this kit as a “testbed” of sorts as I’ve also got Tamiya’s 1/48 He-219 “Uhu” on deck afterwards so I’ll need to have mastered the Sotar 20/20 by then to complete the Uhu’s complex camouflage pattern.
In terms of the build, It’s been on the bench for about a week now and I;m happy with how it’s going. I appreciate the fit and design of the Tamiya kit after completing Miniart’s Bantam. I took the liberty of filling out the exhaust holes however found that they cannot be easily seen after final engine assembly.
Most of the early construction has to do with building up the wings and cockpit as to be expected. I painted the interior parts with a mix of AK Grey Green and Intermediate Green with a single drop of Mr. Color leveling thinner. Paint was thinned in a rough 50/50 ratio with water. Thinned with Tamiya TS-13
After starting in July, I have finally completed Tiger S33. After nearly a month of no work getting done in June (due to parts not arriving) The Tiger is complete. Aftermarket parts used included Fruilmodel metal tracks, RB models metal barrel and 2m Aerial, As well as Eduard Phototech. The model weighs a pretty significant amount due to all the metal!
After priming in black I finished it in pretty standard brown and green camouflage, Tamiya Acrylics were used.
For weathering I clear coated the model, did a dot filter, clear coated again, and used AK interactive’s Streaking grime product. It worked pretty great although I would caution anyone who wants to used it to make sure they work quickly and not allow it to dry on the model.
I finished with testors dull coat
Last update until primer and paint goes on! just 1 or 2 things left to add/fix. I decided to post an update to show what the model looks like with all the aftermarket pieces added. one of my favorite details is the fire extinguisher it really enhances the detail of the model to another level.
Many of the tools are not glued down, as I didn’t want them getting in the way of the weathering and I wanted to be able to paint them with greater precision. There are a few details I added that were not included in the kit or PE sets. One of which is the wires for the headlights, as well as the tow cables. I made them by taking three pieces of soldering wire, attach one end to a vice and the other to a dremel tool, I think it looks ok but I could have used smaller wire.
Thats all for now! Paint is imminent, I have a big project coming that needs to be finished by the end of September (for a competition) so I hope to start working on it around August!
After getting Eduard’s PE set in the mail this past week the Tiger is finally progressing, Photo etched parts are bout 80% complete, I just need to add a few small details and handles for tools and such, should be ready to go for paint in a few days. in general I’m really happy with where the build is going, especially the damaged side skirts and fenders. Not pictured is a metal antenna from RB model, which will probably be applied last.
I’m still plugging away on the Taisan Porsche, although right now i’m only focusing on the body. It’s got it’s first coat of paint and gloss coat although I still have to do 1-2 more coats of the gloss in preparation for the decals an polishing.
