How to finish?
First decision was how to finish this model, fresh from the paint shop or worn like the photographs. I opted for the worn look as I could use a lot more techniques in the finish. The whole frame was given a base coat of Alclad Aluminium as this seemed to be the original colour on show underneath the flaking paint in the photographs. Next it was time for the first use of the masks and in this case it was the `3T` ID codes that show through the camouflage scheme. The masks smoothly lie in position and some normal masking tape was used around the outside to prevent any overspray of the black. When removed the masks leave a sharp `3T` code on the side. This code shows through on the photographs on the starboard side but I did also apply it to the port side as it may well have also just been visible here as well.
Once everything was dry it was time to prepare the paint `chipping ` and `flaking` effect. Initially I was going to do this using AK interactives Worn Effects but due to the complexity of the scheme and the dry timing required between each masking session I wasn’t sure whether the solution would still be soluble to water so I reverted back to the old faithful of maskol. This was dabbed around high wear areas and those worn areas I could see on the photographs using a piece of sponge. I know it looks a mess at the moment but trust me it will come good!!
