Starting RCAF Harvard

Starting work on a Modelcraft 1/48 scale Harvard.

Started with inspiration. My dad flying XS229 around 1954/55. 

The kit has some accuracy issues, but overall is pretty good. 

Some work on the cockpit area.

Dry fitting frames prior to more painting. 

Kikka is Done

Spent some of this weekend completing the Kikka. 

The landing gear were tricky to align and the mounting points made for weak gear. I used epoxy to ensure a good strong attachment. 

Before putting on the wheels, I used Reeves water colour gouache black to bring out the panel lines. 

I washed the whole aircraft in black and waited 30 minutes for it to dry. Then I used a damp cloth to wipe away the excess paint and just leave the panel lines filled with black. That is the theory. A bit tricky to get in right. Some of the deeper panel lines turned out great, but the shallow ones did not retain the wash.

Prior to putting the wheels on, I used sand paper to slightly flatten the wheels and give them that "weighted" look. 

Masked the canopy and applied the dull coat. 

After removing the mask I was close to finished. 

I masked the wings to accept some yellow markings. I had completely forgotten about these.

Grrrrrrrr! Decal disaster. When I lifted off the Tamiya tape the decal came with it. Despite the 3 coats of dull coat on the model. After several deep breaths and some time to regain composure, I used free hand painting to repair the damage to the decal. 

For the base I used a picture frame and printed a rising sun flag. 

I am quite happy with the result. I need to get better at panel lines, but I think I did a good job on the bare metal. 

I would recommend this model anyone who has built a few models and is looking for an interesting subject to add to their collection.

Decals - Challenges

Put the decals on this weekend. Really don't like Sol Set. Left a white film on my future coat. Will not use it again. Had to paint around the decals to fix that mess. The no walk lines decals from the kit are out of register, but I only noticed it when I put them on the model. It was then almost impossible to get them off. So I just painted over them. :(

National insignia come in two pieces. I white circle and a smaller red circle.

It is a bit tricky getting the red circle centered, but the effect is worth it.

 

I have switched to only undercoating the immediate area of the decal with future.