With everything masked up it was time to start the painting process. When looking at camouflage schemes FS numbers are always a great idea for colour mating when dealing with military subjects especially US ones. A quick internet search provided me the information I needed namely the diagram below.
The scheme was quite straightforward and I used my normal paints, MR Paints:
MRP-038 FS36375
MRP- 097 FS36320
MRP – 040 36118
The masking was done with Tamiya’s flexible masking tape to get a hard demarcation line. Once the camouflage was down the whole model was given a gloss varnish in preparation for a wash and the decals. For the wash I used Flory’s Dark Dirt wash toned down to a lighter shade with some Light Dirt wash.
Decals
The kit decals were added next and I went for the Bagram based, A-10C. The decals don’t quite have the finesse of some of the high-end manufacturers but they are still very good and settle down very well with a little Micro Sol just to ensure they conform to all the surface detail. I was a little concerned about how well the nose markings (the mouth) would conform around the nose but with the Micro Sol and a little direct heat from a hairdryer they performed flawlessly.
Once the decals were down they were sealed in with a second gloss coat and then the finishing coat was applied. Rather than a straight matt finish I opted for a Semi Matt finish as this was more representative of the real thing.
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Dave – Looking forward to following this build very much.
There are some interesting scheme options in this new kit.
It reminds me of happy days watching the U.K-based ‘A-10’s in action at Donna Nook Range.
Best Regards,
Paul.😉👍
Gary Fairfull says
Great build! Nice reference to follow. One question on the anti-slip, how did you apply it, did you use a cotton swab?
davecoward says
Hi Gary,
I used a piece of foam to apply it the anti slip paste – the ideal type is the density that you get in the packaging for Eduard Brassin parts.
Cheers
Dave