The aim at this stage is to build up the engine, paint it and then later add some extra detailing and weathering using photos as reference that should add a nice finishing touch later to my finished model.
I did add a couple of prominent hoses to the engine rear sides just before the engine goes to the paint shop!
Painting the engine
It’s not long before you get to this stage and I used Alclad Jet Exhaust – it’s a great colour to use as you end up with a satin-blackish-brownish finish that looks pretty authentic to me. I slightly buffed the surface using an old toothbrush and this improved further the flat ‘metallic’ surfaces.
Some initial weathering has been applied too using Raw Umber/Burnt Sienna oil paints after dry-brushing with Citadel Colour Chainmail.
Zinc-Chromate-Yellow (ZCY)
While the engine is drying, time to explore the next stages and it looks sensible to start looking at the engine bearers; framing; fire wall and other internals that will need a coat of ZCY. Taking a look at the instructions and in the box reveals many parts are destined for cleaning up and painting, amongst these is the large wing internal frame. I like this section in this kit because you’ll be able to see much of it in the gun bays and wheels wells.
I don’t think that weathering (or painting for that matter) areas that won’t be seen serves any real purpose, so just following the instructions and checking out what will need to go into the wing sub-assembly before adding the upper and lower wing panel sections needs careful thought.
I am just about at the stage where I’m looking at the gun bays and I’ll see what, if anything can be added later, after painting. My plan is to open just one bay, not both. So, out with the Tamiya XF-4 Yellow Green and thinning about 60-40 in favour of paint some is mixed up with Tamiya thinner and sprayed over all the prepared parts. I will doubtless have to get the XF-4 paint pot out again later, but most of the main parts get a coat now, especially that wing internal frame and some actuating gear that’s attached to it prior to assembly.
Plenty of weathering to do soon on the ZCY engine bay parts.
