Turrets, turrets and more glass!
Plenty of work to do here and what a faff – just me really and the least enjoyable part of scale modelling – canopy masking! Especially when the window panels aren’t ‘square’, in other words, have angular corners. If they did, the canopy especially would be so much easier to mask, but not here. In fairness the clear parts are beautifully moulded and clear, it’s just that the B-24 has a specific pattern to the window panes that’s not easy to mask. It may be you are reading this when a clear part masking set is available, but not so far as I am building the kit straight after release.
VIDEO DEMO
Using Tamiya tape I cut lots of very thin strips to bend around the corners and other tiny pieces to fill in the gaps. The canopy along here took about 1.5 hours to mask up and the turrets are still to come.
The turrets are all made up of multiple parts and the interior parts of each will need to be painted before assembly. That’s the plan next and then to try and assemble them fully with any final masking and spraying later to hide any joins and try and make them look acceptable.
Here you see some of the turrets sub-assemblies in the paint shop ready for spraying US Interior Green.
(Photo: the main canopy with my hand-made masks applied before I was made aware of the great CT Scale Models Masks set just released for this kit)
A lot of prep is needed before the main painting work starts and most of this involves masking the canopy and turrets. I had already made progress on this in my last update but I’ve since been put onto a great new masking set for this kit (thanks to you all who contacted me) from CT Scale Models Masks. Honestly, this will make the whole task much easier than faffing around cutting tiny pieces of masking tape you can hardly see!
Be sure to study the information sheet included in the set, locate the relevant mask(s) on the sheet and apply carefully with fine pointed tweezers – works well and the masks are a good fit.
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – You’re off to a flyer with the Liberator build and as always I’m thoroughly enjoying studying your progress.
There’s just something so appealing about the Liberator as a model and I love this new Airfix rendition.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Paul. Plenty of detail available but not much to see on the completed model as is so often the case. GC
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – Another build journey that’s a pleasure to follow and how well she’s now looking.
The masking alone was an intensive aspect but will pay dividends with the final look of this great model.
I’m really looking forward to the painting stages in due course.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Paul. G
Les Venus says
Nice job fella. If it had been my build though, it would have gone to the wall long ago! You’re a model of fortitude and patience!
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Les – new update going in this week. Feeling better about it now but for me, not the most enjoyable model I’ve built. G
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – It’s great to catch up on your latest updates with this project.
I guess the masking of the canopy and turrets was the most tedious chore thus far?
The highlight for me is watching how those superb paint finishes and effects are created.Your hallmark superb work.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Paul, much appreciated. G
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – She’s really coming to life now as that scheme takes shape.The decals are laying down beautifully and thank you for the ‘XF4’ recommendation regarding the spinner tips.
I’ll invest in a bottle of that.
Another superb build in progress and a pleasure to follow as always.
Paul.😉👍
Rob Ruscoe says
Looks fantastic Geoff. A few challenges overcome nicely to produce a lovely replica. I should have delayed my Marauder build to pick up some tips on olive drab weathering!
Rob.R
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for that – really enjoyed the weathering part – it’s all about layers from the off to what I do think is quite a straightforward way of creating a realistic finish. Good luck with you next one…:) Cheers, Geoff
Dai Williams says
Great idea with the front of the bombs! I shall shamelessly copy it and then claim that I thought it up!
Geoff Coughlin says
Great stuff Dai – absolutely…:) that’s what I do :) Cheers, G
Graham Thompson says
Superb build and paint job as always Geoff. Certainly not a subject I would tackle but it does look very good.
There has been an unexpected delay in my return to modelling but by the end of this week I should have my bench set up and ready to go :-)
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Graham, thanks so much for this and all great to hear – happy modelling and looking forward to seeing your new projects :) Best, Geoff C.