The kit provides two options for either a subsonic glazed/hood section (seen here) or a supersonic one if the model will be displayed in flight. My choice is masked and ready for what is the final main part of the model’s construction process.
And there we are. A touch more cosmetic work was deemed necessary and followed by a local shot of the primer.
The completed and primed airframe is now ready for the white painting stages.
Mr. Surfacer 1200 Grey Primer used straight from the rattle can made this task a very quick and easy one.
The airbrush now takes over for the following stages and begins on the undersurfaces. Tamiya XF-2 Matt White, diluted 50:50 with levelling thinners was applied in a random manner to create some tonal variation and add life to the surfaces rather than an overall solid colour blanket. XF-1 has a denser opacity than the X-2 (Gloss White) and is perfect for this first-stage work.
The first stage concludes with the upper surfaces and the model is now ready for the second and final treatment which will be applied in the same manner using the X-2 (Gloss White) and diluted in a 40:60 paint/thinner ratio.
A favourite technique after each side has received its colour coat… I mist a light coat of Levelling Thinners overall which melts and smooths the paint surface even more and quickens the already excellent short drying time which is a blessing when handling a model of this size. BE WARNED – I stress a light coat and NOT a heavy one.
With the main random paintwork completed on the airframe it’s now time for the detail work.
For the windshield/anti-glare panel and the wing-fold mechanisms I’ve used
Revell No.78 enamel paint to give a scale black appearance. Pure black would be too stark for this scale despite the actual size of the model.
The whole airframe has received an overall coat of Mr. Superclear Gloss Acrylic Lacquer Varnish straight from the rattle can. After a vigorous shaking the rattle can was placed in warm water for a few minutes before use. This made the application task very quick and straightforward and gave a lovely smooth surface ready for the decals.
Differing light conditions and photo angles show the basic colour tonal variations.
Tim Haynes says
Hi Paul,
Your XB-70 is coming along very nicely. Lovely paint job so far..
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello and thank you so much,Tim.She’s getting there now.😉👍
Jonathan Burns says
That’s an excellent article and the model is looking beautiful.
I built this kit. ( the AMT version) a couple of decades ago for Tamiya model magazine and it was a real fight, with very difficult challenges in overcoming fit problems, so I’m very impressed with the superb finish you’ve achieved – many congratulations!
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Jonathan – Thank you so much.That’s very kind of you to say.
You obviously know first hand the challenges of the kit.
My congratulations to you for your build and its appearance in that respected magazine.
I don’t think my build is anywhere near the standard required for that but more than appreciate being able to feature my builds here in ‘SMN’.
The final update and photo gallery of the completed model are with Geoff for adding to this feature in due course.😉👍
Tim Haynes says
Great work Paul. The approach you took with the preparation certainly paid off in the end result.
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Tim” – Thank you so much. As you know, preparation is the key with any project and with this kit it’s on a big scale.
I think that’s an off putting factor that goes against this kit equally as much as its physical size.
I can understand and appreciate that but think it’s a shame because with a little thought and input the reward is a model that does justice to this iconic and unique aircraft.😉👍
Rob Ruscoe says
A superb result that shows up your modelling skills. I haven’t built this kit but know people who have and also some that have tried and failed. It just shows that patience and preparation are vital to produce something special. Well done Paul, I hope you are going to enter this in a competition!
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Rob” – Thank you so much.
Yes the kit’s a big challenge and a marathon build in every respect.
Prior to ‘SMN’ and all I’ve learned since I would’ve run a mile from attempting a kit like this.
It’s given me confidence to attempt new aspects of the hobby including ‘weathering’,etc and has increased my enjoyment of the hobby in so many ways.😉👍