Decal time
The kit decals have survived a long period since manufacture but a printing issue became immediately apparent as seen here on the roundels with the off-set white border outline. This was also the case with the fin flashes. The problem didn’t show when the decals were on the backing-sheet. So what’s my best way forward?
Apart from the other kit options which I assume would have the same problem I had no replacement decals to choose from. On the plus side the decals had perfect colour density and demarcation and settled perfectly using Micro Sol only. I decided to use some cosmetic artistry and paint out the white outlines.
The decals were printed by Revell and fortunately I had Revell gloss enamels 54 Blue and 34 Red in stock and colour-matched the decals perfectly. I simply thinned each colour slightly and used a very fine brush to eradicate the problem.
When the further detail-painting and weathering stages are completed these results will be good enough for me. The same procedure followed on the fin flashes, fuselage and underside roundels.
The same process was then repeated on the starboard side.
The build project is now back on track!
Work is underway on the smaller components and also the detail-painting.
Taking shape…
The decals for the underwing serials are single-piece items. To work with these, I temporarily held the separate undercarriage doors in place on beds of White-Tack and as flush to the wing surfaces as possible. Two applications of Micro Sol ensured the decals adhered and conformed accordingly.
A scalpel blade was used to carefully cut and separate the decals.
The inner surfaces of the wheel bays and flaps have received two brush-applied coats of Vallejo Acrylic Metal Color Duraluminium.
Having studied Geoff’s excellent reviews and use of this product in SMN I opted to use this product and method the results of which I’m delighted with. The finish is solid and void of brush marks or streaks and saves masking and involving the airbrush which I don’t think would give a better result.
The Phantom isn’t the only aircraft to wear a plethora of stencilling! Now for a game of patience.
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Rob Ruscoe says
Looking good Paul
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello and thank you so much,Rob.
I’m really enjoying this kit.I’m sure it would be eagerly received by many if it was released again.The Hunter is a beautiful-looking aircraft but one I rarely came across ‘in the wild’.
My main viewings of the type were at the airshows.
Having built the Academy 1/48 scale rendition many years ago I’m certainly looking forward to adding this one to my collection.
Best Regards,
Paul.
Michael Chilestone says
Looks good!
Top tip if I may: I don’t know how much weathering you were planning on, but the Wittering Wing were apparently very well looked after, and not too dirty or faded.
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Michael – Thank you for your kind reply and feedback.
It’s much appreciated.
I’ve done some ‘tonal variation’ to the colours but not going OTT or heavy with other weathering aspects.I’ll keep it subtle.
Thank you once again.
Best Regards,
Paul.