Different strokes

[Martyn Harvey]

Left gasping for words, Dave!  When I am good enough at the basics of modelling and covering, I will come back to this article and think about an airbrush.   Come the Day!

[George Worley - 4-Max]

With a bit of practice even a ARTF warbird comes to life. This CMP/Flair 120 Size Spit was painted and weathered by myself and Colin Low. It did take around 40 hours but I think the end result was well worth it. Preparation is the key to a good finish. I would highly recommend giving it a go, it's fun to do.One final comment - Less is more. If you spray until you think you have enough, then you have most probably put too much on.

[David Ashby - Moderator]

Lovely job there George , puts my humble efforts in the shade.

[Phillip Howcroft]

i have thought about this but too nervous to take the plunge.  i think a workshop would be the safest bet, best i get on the t'interweb and have a look for a local course.

 well written article dave.

[George Worley - 4-Max]

Here is another couple of photos of some air brush work on my Hangar 9 P-47D Thunderbolt

[Martyn Harvey]

When my covering no longer looks like Nora Batty's Stockings, I think that will be the time to invest in a decent airbrush!!

[Roger T]

Thought I'd add my twopenneth. Nowhere near as smart as George and Colin's efforts, but practice makes perfect.....

I bit the bullet and bought a dual action airbrush after struggling with a single action Badger for some years (I could probably have put that better! ). Air is from a 'monster' compressor used in the garage (noisy, but it has enough power to clean patios and driveways as well!!). Results are below.

First attempt was the flamed paint scheme (graduated yellow, orange & red acrylic on doped nylon) on a Jim Fullarton Sportster for our (St Albans MAC) 2008 Vintage Day. Masking was by paper masks (generated in Photoshop and attached using nearly dry spray mount) which weren't perfect (they sagged a bit if the paint was too wet), but I was pleased with the result. It was deemed good enough to win the SAMAC Michael Barton Trophy on the day (see http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2673969796_1afd27c074_m.jpg for the memorial to Mike).

....Followed by a desert shaded camoflage scheme on an EPP foamGWS A10 Warthog for slope use (no fans or electrics, elevator & aileron control). Paint was again water based acrylic.

Both used water based satin finish polyurethane varnish to subsequently fuel/weather proof and protect the colours. The varnish overcoat really brightened the otherwise 'flat' acrylic colours.

 I thoroughly recommend giving airbrushing a go. It's good fun working out the method of masking (everything is done back to front!) and the results result in a model that is a bit different to all the others (even ARTF 'pop outs' like the A10).

Roger

[David Ashby - Moderator]

Wow, fantastic jobs there Roger. Love the flame effect finish.

I'm really enjoying my airbrush that I use more and more. I seem to choose models to build/assemble where I know I'll need it now days. My latest is this GWS P-40. Not sure about the decals but I'm reasonably pleased with the finish.