Birdcage Corsair the Hard Way!

[LSP_Kevin]

Thanks, fellas. So it seems there really is some variation on the way those rear panels presented. In having a closer look at the photos I have of Marines Dream, they seem to indicate the arrangement seen in the photo Sparz posted, below:

 

 

 

This is effectively clear side panels, with the one over the top blanked out. It won't take me long to sort that out, so I may as well.

 

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

Kev

[LSP_Kevin]

OK, moving right along! Here's the amended sliding canopy:

 

 

The framing on the Montex canopy is really too thick for scale, and the blanked-out clear panel should be level with the surrounding framework, but this will do for effect. The little spots you can see on the canopy are actually air bubbles in the resin.

 

I've also finished the main painting, except for the fabric-covered areas. Here's the sequence:

 

First, a spotty coat of Blue-Grey (I'm using MRP's MRP-133), which looks pretty terrible initially:

 

 

 

Next, we go over this with a tighter pattern, attempting to fill in the blanks, but of course, not quite getting there:

 

 

The final step is to back right off with the airbrush, and spray a light blending coat to reduce the puffy effect:

 

 

It's a lot of work, but produces a very effective base for further weathering. I'll paint the fabric-covered areas in next, using a lightened version of the main colour, and then tidy up the demarcations with the underside colour (MRP-98, Light Gull Grey).

 

There's still a lot to do, but getting this far feels good!

 

Kev

[LSP_Ron]

Looking good

[dodgem37]

Expanding your painting skills.  Do it, Bro!

 

Sincerely,

Mark

[LSP_Kevin]

Expanding your painting skills.  Do it, Bro!

 

Sincerely,

Mark

 

Thanks, Mark. I've used this technique on a couple of previous models, and really like the organic effect it creates. I'll be taking this one a lot further with subsequent weathering, however.

 

Kev

[brahman104]

Looks great Kev! You must be so relieved to finally be getting some paint on!

 

Craig

[chuck540z3]

Terrific painting Kev!  This is the "fun part" for me and likely the most important part of any build, so I'm sure you're having some fun now after those assembly challenges.

 

Cheers,

Chuck

[Uncarina]

Kevin,

 

Late to the party, not the first time! I thought you might be interested in Scooby Doo's comments, if you haven't read them already:

http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=63375&page=2&hl=scooby&do=findComment&comment=815874

 

In particular, his observation in post #25:

"As well, at the time of the accident the rear windows were faired over with the field modified turtleneck conversion."

 

Hope this helps!

 

Tom

[LSP_Kevin]

Thanks, fellas! Sadly, I haven't found the time to do any more on this one yet. Hopefully today.

 

Kevin,

Late to the party, not the first time! I thought you might be interested in Scooby Doo's comments, if you haven't read them already:
http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=63375&page=2&hl=scooby&do=findComment&comment=815874

In particular, his observation in post #25:
"As well, at the time of the accident the rear windows were faired over with the field modified turtleneck conversion."

Hope this helps!

Tom

 

Thanks, Tom. I have indeed modified the turtle deck to represent the faired-over field mod. I didn't do the neatest job, but my excuse is that it's a field mod, and not subject to strict quality control! I'll post a close-up of it at some point.

 

Kev

[Wolf Buddee]

So cool to see this one finally in the finishing stages with the application of paint Kev! While it's hard to know without seeing it in person it does seem to me that you may be more critical with your results that you need be. I think it looks fantastic and it's hard to distinguish you didn't start with Tamiya's kit.

 

Way to go Kev!

 

Cheers,

Wolf

[LSP_Kevin]

Thanks, Wolf - you're too kind! I have a habit of taking photos that minimise the problems I've created or encountered, so it looks better than it really is! Maybe I should do a walkaround of all its sins when it's finished.

 

In reviewing my paint work on the fuselage, I've noticed that I went a bit heavy with the final blend coat, and the variegated effect is much more subtle there than I intended it to be. I don't think it's a problem, but does highlight one of the challenges inherent in the black-basing technique.

 

Kev

[monthebiff]

Looking good Kev, your perseverance is paying off. Its a great build and one you should be very proud of.

 

Regards. Andy

[LSP_Kevin]

Thanks, Andy. The truth is, I'm not proud of it, but will still be very pleased to see it finished. And perhaps once the trauma of the build and the disappointment at my screw-ups finally fades, I'll be able to appreciate it more objectively.

 

Kev

[Whitey]

Your Corsair is on its way to being a beauty mate. 

[LSP_Kevin]

Your Corsair is on its way to being a beauty mate. 

 

Thanks, Peter! It narrowly avoided being on the way to the bin!

 

Kev