Scale Modelling Now

Scale Modelling Techniques

Weathering wing roots with Ralph Riese

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Chips & Scratches

(Photo: 1:48 Tamiya Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb)
A note from Geoff C…
Ever since I saw Ralph’s work it was apparent that he has a special talent to creating some of the most realistic looking model aircraft I have ever seen – fact! His attention to detail on what are mainly Luftwaffe WWII fighters is astonishing and you’ll know this if you followed his excellent build in SMN of the Hasegawa 1:32 Messerschmitt Bf109G-2 – simply stunning and I urge you to take a close look at the completed build photos (you can see Ralph’s full build here).

(Photo: Ralph’s Bf109G2/R6)

Ralph seems to mostly use two methods and you can see these below…

Thanks again Ralph, for sharing your amazing skills and knowledge with us all.

Here’s method one that uses Tamiya XF-16 Flat Aluminium as the base for the main chipping:

Some XF-16 Flat Aluminium enamel thinned a little to help it flow.

Some Vallejo 70822 German Cam.Black Brown

1:1 mix of XF-68 NATO Brown and XF-69 NATO Black thinned 90% with Tamiya lacquer thinner

Light wet-sanding with worn 1200 grade Wet-and-Dry paper to highlight the rivets


There’s still a little finishing to do yet, but you get the idea so far…

Some of Ralph’s other incredible models…