Yeah baw 1:32 Saburo Shindo Zeke!

[speedgraflex]

Looks brilliant. Regarding the paint that is not sticking to the surface, I think you have the cause figured out and a working solution planned. I had this happen with Mr Surfacer 1500 grey on the Hasegawa fuselage, which in my case was definitely a surface texture that was not completely uniform before I added the Surfacer coat.



I polished the edges around these lifted areas, then added a thin coat of primer. As I was getting the first start with an airbrush it was best to build slowly. Also I stabilized the entire surface with a matt clear coat which could work well here if you want to add a harder top coat. With that I would suggest trying out the solution on your test mule first.

[KennyX]

My man! Thank you for weighing in on this! I’m going to start down that road tomorrow when I get back to work on this thing! Much appreciated!

[KennyX]

I decided at the last minute not to spray Alclad Duraluminum as a metallic base for my Ameiro paint, and nave opted instead to stick with the Devil I know: black-basing. This is going to take a very, VERY long time. These are just the first layers of marble coats. The panel and rivet lines will gradually become less stark and should end up just barely visible. In then end I’m shooting for a “noticed but not SEEN” effect with the lines, as opposed to the checkerboard look we see sometimes. This will take many sessions, a little bit of paint at a time, building it up gradually.

[Floki]

It's looking great Kenny. About how many layers of paint will you have in the end?

[KennyX]

Thank you kindly, Clint! On to your question-

That’s two marble coats right there. And I estimate all total, it’ll be four or five marble coats and three or four blend coats. I hope not more than that but if that’s what it takes, it’s okay, this aircraft wasn’t badly weathered at all. So while I’m shooting for a compelling paint job, it’s going to look as close to almost new as I can get it.

[mustang1989]

You’re gonna be so glad you took the long route Kenny. This paint job is mind-blowing so far dude.

[KennyX]

Joe, thank you!

I started and completed the blend coats on the starboard wing. Here’s how it turned out in comparison to the port wing which hasn’t been blended at all yet:



The panel and rivet lines faded down to exactly where I wanted them. “Noticeable but not seen” and the subsequent clear coats will ramp them down a bit more. Later on a wash on the panel lines and rivets with neutral brown will tie it all together and bring it home.



Here’s some more shots:

[KennyX]

Topside complete!

[Medicman71]

Very nice Kenny!! It looks great! I hope I can do the same with the Phantom.

[Floki]

That is just beautiful Kenny!