What's on my desk? Part 137.
Hello!
Short blog post this week, as I've been away for the weekend and didn't have much modelling time last week.
I've primed the Strv and sprayed a layer of Tamiya XF-11 over the underside and wheels. Next step is painting in the tires in a rubber colour:
I'm waiting for replacement tracks, but starting with the underside will allow for easier painting later on.
Next up: Jolie Brise. I've fixed the three lower planks on one side, using clamps, clothing pins, wood- and superglue. Not looking very pretty at the moment, but that'll improve. I just need to source some thumb tacks to make a temporary fix for the next planks while their glue dries.
Remember this is just the first stage of the hull planking. A lot of filling and sanding will be required to make a nice rounded shape.
Finally, the FAA Corsair. I fixed the landing gear doors and gave the bird two layers of gloss varnish. Once again, I failed in making this a nice smooth coat, as the surface in places is rough and sandpapery...
Still, I stubbornly applied the decals:
In East Asia, the red was deleted from the usual red-white-blue British roundels, to make sure there was no confusion with the Japanese Hinomaru (the red circle symbolising the rising sun). For the same reason the Americans deleted the red stripes on the tails of their aircraft and the red circle inside the American star.
Side view:
Unusual markings: 'RH' stands for Ronald Hay. Sometimes squadron commanders in the RAF/FAA were allowed to paint their initials on the side of their aircraft. The cursive text under the cockpit says 'Guns Loaded'. No idea if that's a name, or a chalked warning message to the ground crew.
I painted the propeller in Flat Aluminium, with the tips in yellow. Over this I'll use some chipping fluid, then spray black and chip the leading edges.
That's it for now. Hopefully I'll have more for you next week!
Until then!