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Hello everyone! It's been a veeeery long time since my last 1/32 project. But here I am, starting a new build—the Wingnut Wings 1/32 scale AMC DH.9. This will be my first WWI subject and will represent a Hellenic Naval Air Service aircraft that served during the Asia Minor Campaign. The specific aircraft, Spetsai—named after the Greek island of Spetses—was later specially painted for the victory celebration flyover of Constantinople. Work has begun with the cockpit, featuring the characteristic wooden structure typical of WWI designs. I airbrushed all components with a sand base coat, followed by a red brown layer applied through a wood grain stencil. The effect was unified using oil paints: applied, then gently wiped off with a soft sponge. I used raw umber for the frame and burnt umber for the sidewalls to replicate different wood types. The leather seat cushions were painted using a similar method. I first applied NATO black by brush, then added scratches using a mix of the base color lightened with sand. A final layer of burnt umber oil paint, partially removed, completed the leather effect. Smaller cockpit details such as instrument dials, pumps, levers, and push rods were brush painted with silver, grey, or brass. A black wash helped bring out depth and definition, and everything was sealed with a matt varnish. The engine firewall was painted in a white metal finish, with the upper section rendered in linen to simulate fabric. It was weathered with black oil paint to suggest oil streaks and splatter. The radiator and supplementary oil tank were painted light grey. For wear and chipping, I used a technique common in armor modeling: light grey chips applied randomly with a sponge, then painting the center with a darker grey to enhance contrast. Next step: cockpit assembly and engine installation. Thanks for following along!

Hi, guys. For my next project, I'm looking to turn Trumpeter's TBF-1C Avenger kit into a rough approximation of this: Full size photo here. Not withstanding the fact that this may actually be a TBF-1 and not a -1C (though I think I see the C's leading edge gun port), the Trumpeter kit will get me close enough for artistic license. Besides, I know 1Cs served at Henderson at some point. Anyway, I love this pic. The earlier insignias, the stained prop, the two-tone prop tips, the bald tires, the leading edges of the landing gear covered in god-knows-what... and... the oil stains on the cowl. That greasy, grimy, hot oil that's seeped into the panel lines and crept, through capillary action, into the dull matte paint. I've tried a couple times to replicate that look with oil paints and I've fell short of the desired effect. How would you approach that look?

Greeting to all the artisitic types out there, And I'm not one of them!! Below are to pics of a Heinkel he 111 . One a period B&W photo and the other a model featured in one of AK magazines tutorials, Now the wartime photo clearle shows the upper surface of the heinkel looking quite dirty, but the AK magazine version looks a little overdone IMHO. I'm wanting to acheive something in between. I'm thinking oils- for the ability to manipulate translucency of the effect but would be interested to knnow how you guys might go about it. Also , if anyone has a colour wartime photo of a Heinkel I would be massiviely grateful, Cheers Tim