This build has been a lesson in the patience needed when doing some of the trickier points of modelling.
When I undertook to “oil can” the whole aircraft I didn’t really appreciate what I was taking on!
It was only when I started to go through the hundreds of reference pics that I began to see how much of the aircraft was subjected to stress that would show on all the surfaces. Not only was the fuselage stressed but also the wings, tail plane, bomb bay doors, undercarriage doors and of course the wings. What started with a quick dig into the fuselage turned into a grind through the rest of the work necessary. I can’t say it was all fun and some days I could only face short periods of carving as the jobs and the repetitiveness mounted up.
It is, despite all, now complete !!!
The final part was definitely fun – the weathering. I had intended to make this a very high hour machine and, although it was not an exact copy of the 100+ hour P – OS, it is also based also on the very well weathered V – NN. The combination of the two made for a very well used machine.
Instead of sticking to the recommended colours on the top surfaces I applied a very thinned version of of RAF Dark Green over a very thinned mix of Middle Stone and Dark Earth. This was randomly applied to give a mixed texture.
The black was Night Black although the Acrylix version of this seemed to be a bit glossy.
These colours were all layered on and then gone over with a very fine sand paper (1200) and then sprayed with another even thinner coat of the original colours.
During this I was painting oil stains and then the original colours thinly over the top of these. There is no formula for this work – it has to be done by eye.
The final coat was to give the impression of deeply ingrained dust and oil. You can just apply a dust product all over as a dry coat but my experience of this is that it never lasts. I tried various methods and finally settled on this
From left to right on the sample is the original coat of Night Black I brushed a coat of Mig Europe Dust mixed in enamel thinners. This was smoothed out with a finger – not too much though!
The third panel is what happens to that coat if you apply a coat of Acrylic flat to it. The dust almost disappears.
According to how you want the final look you can reapply the dust as thickly as before and after thinning it another coat leaves it slightly more evident. I varied it in thickness according to the areas that I thought would show the most deposits.
For the underside I used a grey powder mixed with a little Europe dust.
Stuart Mackay says
Sir, I admire your dedication with the oil canning which will surely take such an outstanding model to another Level!
I could, quite easily run out of superlatives for the work that you have done so far!
Truly amazing, and I can hardly wait for each installment of this epic build!
Max Williams says
You’ve made a wonderful job of the oil canning effect Julian, it should look most realistic under a coat of paint.
RossPaton Paton says
Amazing. You tempted to put the transparent side on it?
Julian Seddon says
Hi everyone ! Thanks for the comments. When I started this I was only thinking in terms of the of the fuselage and wings. But as I looked at more and more references I realized that the stress to the aircraft included everything !! The engine nacelles, u/carriage doors,bomb doors etc. this has all taken much longer than I had anticipated.
I am only finishing up what can be seen.
In answer to you Ross two reasons for not using that transparent sides
a. I have only finished the cockpit everything else internally is not touched. The a/c I am modelling P – OS has all the side windows (barring the radio ops) painted over
b. The would have negated the work on stressing the airframe !
Julian Seddon says
some how in (b) above I have missed out the “transparent sides would have negated ” sorry !!!
Michael Chilestone says
There’s some amazing work there Julian; you have more patience than I do!
I assume the site header on the home page is this model as well? I was particularly struck by the weathering on the bombs: they really look as if they’ve spent a few weeks sitting outside on the bomb dump.
Chapeau!
Julian Seddon says
Thanks Michael, yes the header is the same model.
I tried to make the aircraft look as though it has been sitting next to the bombs for a similar time !!
JS
Christopher Woolford says
In 1967 or early ’68 a noted historian, Professor Alan J.P. Taylor, told me that historians are not custodians of the truth. He said historians make interpretations of verifiable facts. The truth, he said can only be told by creative artists. To illustrate his point, he told me to read Len Deighton’s ‘Bomber’. I did and I will never forget it. The bomb bay of your model is likewise chillingly memorable. Well done.
Julian Seddon says
Thank you Christopher. I must say that the word “chillingly” hadn’t occurred to me, but now, bearing in mind what it represents, the contents of the bomb bay of a Lancaster was chillingly fearful to those on the receiving end of it.
Your quote was well extracted !!
JS
Bruce Anders says
An absolutely fantastic build of the model Julian. It has been a joy to watch it’s progress. I sold mine upon the news HKM would be releasing a 48 version. Your build almost makes me regret it
Julian Seddon says
Hi Bruce, I wouldn’t regret it too much !! This was a grind in many ways as, at first, I had no real concept of the amount of oil canning I was faced with. Almost every part of the air frame showed signs of wear, right down to the fasteners on the engine covers !
Looking back it was worth it but it took some resolve to continue from time to time !!
I am sure that HKM will release a very good 1/48th scale version although I have not, as yet, heard about it
Thanks for your comment !
JS