1/48 Revell TBF Avenger

[HistoryRider]

Sorry about the time in between updates, life got in the way....

So now that I had some time, I was able to prime the Avenger and fix some missed spots. Then being dimwitted, had to fix the fix, because primer and excessive lacquer thinner don't mix with that fixed I assembled my new regulator for my compressor and proceeded to pre-shade the Avenger.... first time doing so and discovered that having a cup of coffee at my regular strength will equate having Parkinson's and trying to airbrush...but hey, this is all practice and a wonderful learning experience!

I also discovered that I naturally follow better lines going from bottom to top and left to right. Good to know for future projects. Usually I have just been able to pull the trigger and FSSHHHHHT (sound effects make things work better!), model is coated...
The regulator was amazing though, I could not believe how much paint I SAVED with good pressure and of course a properly thinned mix...My girlfriend, being a VetTech provided accurate ways of measuring ratios and amounts.

I used Model Master Flat Black thinned initially at 3:1 (paint to thinner) then adjusted it to roughly 3:2 and used 20-25 psi. With the Badger 360 Universal I was very impressed that I was able to get some nice lines. No if I could only paint without having "the shakes"

Well anyways, here are the results:


PS.
HELPFUL HINT: Practice on the underside FIRST if you haven't pre shaded before

[longlance67]

wonderful work so far mate

been just catching up, and most saw this is a real labor of love but its paying off buckets
I must say being an Armor modeler all this wingy thingys are slowly beginning to turn me hahaha


wonderful work

keep it up


Shane.

[HistoryRider]

wonderful work so far mate

been just catching up, and most saw this is a real labor of love but its paying off buckets
I must say being an Armor modeler all this wingy thingys are slowly beginning to turn me hahaha


wonderful work

keep it up


Shane.

Thanks buddy!! It has been indeed a labor of love, and I appreciate the support! I'm glad you are starting to take to the skies, planes is FUN!! I've got me a Panzer that I want to tackle, but skills first!

[longlance67]

Indeed they are, I really enjoy the subtle paint effects to can do with aircraft like fading that really make the smooth surfaces pop, working on a 110 at the moment really enjoy the decalling lol really adds a lot visual interest with all the different labels all over the aircraft

nice to hear that you got yourself a panzer, will be looking forward to seeing how you like it

thanks

Shane

[HistoryRider]

Indeed they are, I really enjoy the subtle paint effects to can do with aircraft like fading that really make the smooth surfaces pop, working on a 110 at the moment really enjoy the decalling lol really adds a lot visual interest with all the different labels all over the aircraft

nice to hear that you got yourself a panzer, will be looking forward to seeing how you like it

thanks

Shane

I'm looking forward to the Tiger too (not II)
I'd like to see that 110 of yours! I've got one on the shelf of doom!

[longlance67]

I'll put up some pics of the Bf 110 its a little late in the build just after decalling it
and Didn't take that many photos but have a few build photos

so I'll put it up its a bit rough but its a learning piece more than anything


Shane

[HistoryRider]

I'll put up some pics of the Bf 110 its a little late in the build just after decalling it
and Didn't take that many photos but have a few build photos

so I'll put it up its a bit rough but its a learning piece more than anything


Shane

[HistoryRider]

Hey Guys! Here is a quick update! I was able to test out my first real attempt at pre shading by putting down the Flat White for the Avenger underbelly. I think I may have over thinned the white, as the paint cup kept on running out really fast, but I'm pretty pleased with the results! It hid those ugly filled seems pretty well too!

[ludicrusmaximus]

This is a great thread! Your work is masterful. Can't wait to see this finished, the Avenger is one of my favourites

[T3hGuppy]

The undside really came out well dude.

Just the right amount of shading showing through.

[longlance67]

that preshading looks spot on mate

well done !



Shane

[HistoryRider]

This is a great thread! Your work is masterful. Can't wait to see this finished, the Avenger is one of my favourites

Thank You Ludicrus! It sure has been a toughie but its worth it!

The undside really came out well dude.

Just the right amount of shading showing through.

Thanks Gup! First attempt and decided not to do any second guessing!

that preshading looks spot on mate

well done !



Shane

Thanks Shane! It was a shot in the dark for me and fiddling with ratios and mixtures, but I'm pleased with the result!


Thank you everyone for your support through this!

[HistoryRider]

OH NO!!!! SNAKES ON A PLANE!!!!

....just kidding...

Those are just part of my newest update! The addition of the Intermediate Blue to the fuselage as Part Two of the Tri-Color camouflage.
It seems I may have been a bit over zealous and some of the pre shading did not show through but it does seem a bit darker in those places. Not as good as the white, but decent enough.

[HistoryRider]

The Intermediate Blue fuselage awaiting Semigloss Sea Blue and Non-Specular Sea Blue aka Tri-Color Camouflage...

Short little update, but nearing the finish!

[HistoryRider]

HOORAY!

Part Three of the Tri-Color Camouflage! Smallest amount of the camouflage applied to the aircraft. The Sea Blue was applied to the top surface of the fuselage. Don't know about you, BUT I LIKE IT! Turned out really well!

What follows:
Masked off fuselage
Finished result of top Sea Blue

[HistoryRider]

Unmasked fuselage with color added: Sea Blue

[HistoryRider]

Vanity Shot! Sorry guys! Couldn't resist!

[Russ72]

For a pig of a kit, you're making it look damn fine.

[T3hGuppy]

Paint is shaping up nice dude.

[UKguyInUSA]

She's taking shape nicely! I'm not too keen on the old Revell kits.....my 4th build was a Revell P-40B Tiger Shark= the parts are from a 1964 mold and were very thin, flimsy and flexible, detail was poor and lots of filler required. And similarly to this kit that you're building....there were no wheel wells, just through holes in the lower wing sections.

I do like their P-51D Mustang kit though....went together like a dream and no need for filler.

Look forward to seeing your end result!

Cheers,

Martin

[HistoryRider]

For a pig of a kit, you're making it look damn fine.

Thanks Russ! It has been quite a challenge but it is also very rewarding to see it take shape!

[HistoryRider]

Paint is shaping up nice dude.

Thanks Gup! See the following update!

[HistoryRider]

She's taking shape nicely! I'm not too keen on the old Revell kits.....my 4th build was a Revell P-40B Tiger Shark= the parts are from a 1964 mold and were very thin, flimsy and flexible, detail was poor and lots of filler required. And similarly to this kit that you're building....there were no wheel wells, just through holes in the lower wing sections.

I do like their P-51D Mustang kit though....went together like a dream and no need for filler.

Look forward to seeing your end result!

Cheers,

Martin

I agree! I've noticed that Revell re-released them as basic bottom shelf models again for quick cheap builds. This kit was released as a toy originally.....

Thanks for your support Martin! Stay Tuned

[HistoryRider]

Alright everyone! Here is the final addition to the Tri-Color Camouflage! The "Semi-Gloss" Sea Blue. I could not find a good match for the actual paint so I had to use the gloss version (Dark Sea Blue). I will be putting on a coat of flat or satin clear to adjust it properly shortly.

The Semi Gloss Sea Blue was used ONLY on the tops of the horizontal surfaces.

Here is a breakdown of the Tri-Color Scheme:
Non-Specular Sea Blue - Top side of fuselage
Intermediate Blue - Gradient shade over white on fuselage side and leading edges of wings
Semi Gloss Sea Blue - Top Sides of Horizontal Surfaces
Non-Specular White - Underside of plane

But with the following photos, you should be able to see the effect of the three blues. I would also like to direct your attention to the leading edge of the wings. Grumman used the lighter of the three blues to break up the silhouette to further aid the plane in it's torpedo runs.

Enjoy!

[HistoryRider]

Couple more pictures showing the Tri-Color Scheme

Enjoy!

[T3hGuppy]

Shes got some looks now dude.

Loving the Glamour shots.

US carrier aircraft is still a bit of a black hole in my knowledge.

[SiDennis]

Love it, that paint job is top draw mate

[HistoryRider]

Shes got some looks now dude.

Loving the Glamour shots.

US carrier aircraft is still a bit of a black hole in my knowledge.

thanks!!! She looks a lot better than sprue grey and filler white!!

Carrier aircraft are a lot of fun! SO many experimental markings and colors. I feel the navy tests a lot and flues little!

[UKguyInUSA]

You're almost on the home run! Can't wait to see the decals go on to bring her alive! : )

Cheers,

Martin

[HistoryRider]

Love it, that paint job is top draw mate

Rocky! Thanks! It was a bit difficult in some areas but I was able to pull it off! I appreciate the compliment!

[ludicrusmaximus]

She looks briliant dude! Love the colour scheme

[DesertAAModeller]

Hey man, this Avenger is really looking sweet! You did a really great job on that the paint scheme, especially those sharp lines with the masking tape. Haven't kept up with this as much as I wanted to. Got school stuff to get done, trying to scratch build on my Dauntless, and STILL waiting for a new airbrush nozzle. Hope to see this when its completed!

[HistoryRider]

She looks briliant dude! Love the colour scheme

Thanks Ludicrus! it has been a challenge but it is still shaping up!

[HistoryRider]

Hey man, this Avenger is really looking sweet! You did a really great job on that the paint scheme, especially those sharp lines with the masking tape. Haven't kept up with this as much as I wanted to. Got school stuff to get done, trying to scratch build on my Dauntless, and STILL waiting for a new airbrush nozzle. Hope to see this when its completed!

Thanks buddy! It has been real tough, and I've been where you're at TOO!! I know all about the pressures of school and trying to get everything all done! I hope you can pull through it all! It will be finished up shortly! and in time too!....fingers crossed....

[HistoryRider]

Sorry about the long delay in updates everyone! Almost finished and THANK GOODNESS!

Here is the status so far: fishing touches with decals and canopies.

The decals were/are a pain. They are thick and poorly printed, they required some expert trimming to get rid of "seams". With not wanting to sand down the raised panel lines and describe them, MicroSol/Set had to be used in gallons it seemed. Yuck, glad they're almost done....

The canopy/turret: I don't like masking them, never tried, and for so so MANY window panes, it would have been a HUGE pain. So I didn't, instead, I brush painted them with a very small brush and used a magnifying light to ensure staying on the seam lines. I then used an AWESOME trick I picked up through all the canopies I've done to ensure the lines were all straight and that it looks real. I took a toothpick and cut one sharp end off at an angle to use it as a scraper or burnisher. That allowed the paint to rub off of the clear parts and polish the clear plastic at the same time!! AWESOME!!!.....

[HistoryRider]

More decals and canopy pics

[longlance67]

great work mate

looks great


Shane

[HistoryRider]

great work mate

looks great


Shane

Thanks Shane! It is on the home stretch and I can't wait to immortalize it on my shelf, i.e get it the HECK off my workbench!

[DesertAAModeller]

That canopy looks pretty darn good for being brush painted. Thats what lets a kit get dusty on my workbench, can't be bothered to mask all those windows. However, I sometimes will take the Tamiya 6mm masking tape and just mask one long frame at a time, spray it with the airbrush (better if you have a dual action) and let dry. Then remove tape and repeat. It also works with brush painting as well, although the tape may leak a bit more, however, just take a toothpick like you used and scrape it away. Can't wait to see this done!