VIDEO DEMO
Now all the masking is done, the model is wiped down with some Tamiya thinner on a clean cloth to remove all the hand oil that accumulates. It will also take off the mould-release agent that I have noticed is prominent on many parts – all this to ensure your paint adheres properly to the plastic and avoid any nasty things like the paint pulling away with the masking tape later when we do the camo colours.
VIDEO DEMO
Then it’s on with the primer and trusty AK Grey Primer and Microfiller works perfectly with any paint and sprays beautifully straight from the bottle.
When all is dry you can rub back the primer with a clean duster to get a super smooth finish although, I have to say this primer gives a great smooth finish as is.
The camo pattern will be Olive Drab upper surfaces over grey undersides and more of that shortly. Just to mention that the dark Olive Drab over the grey on the cockpit framing will ensure that you can’t see the grey primer when you look inside, mainly because you won’t be able to see much at all in this scale. So I didn’t bother spraying the interior green of the cockpit first on the outside in this instance and would definitely do on any larger scale models.
Okay, let’s get some paint on…
Tamiya XF-4 Yellow Green is a great match for Zinc Chromate Yellow (ZCY) that some areas like the wheel wells and flap interiors need to be.
Bomb part one…
While the ZCY dries, lets look at the bombs. These can look good with the texture roughed up a little to help simulate the cast iron texture I think the originals were made from. Just for a bit of effect really and it will be very subtle on the completed items.
VIDEO DEMO
I chose to paint the base colour Tamiya XF-42 Olive Drab…
A bit to do with these bombs yet but a start and back for more on these a little later.
Underside grey…
This is supposed to be Compass Grey and my understanding is that Tamiya Neutral Grey XF-53 is a good match and having that in my Tamiya paint store, that was my choice for the underside colour.
Interestingly, Tamiya Neutral Grey is almost identical in colour to the AK Grey Primer and Microfiller used earlier, so you don’t need a lot of paint to get a decent coverage.
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.