April Group Build--F4U Corsair

[Second Air Force]

Well, I managed to have problems with this thing and it is now stripped down to bare plastic for a repaint.

[Sall]

 

[Second Air Force]

Yup, I was pretty unhappy with this. I had already had some problem with the first color that was caused by my oily fingers. Tonight I masked this (repaired) coat off for the last color, using the same masking material I always use. When I started to remove the masking paper and tape there were patterns all over the green, as though it picked up the adhesive and something in the bare paper masking material. I will simply try again with maybe a different brand of paint this time. Live and learn!

[Sall]

Thanks for explanation.

[Second Air Force]

I should mention that the paint I'm having trouble with is over thirty years old, so I don't blame the manufacturer!

[Second Air Force]

Here's an "update" or backdate as the case may be...... I stripped the upper surfaces off and touched up the underside grey. I'll get some new paint sprayed on tonight if time permits, using a different container of paint. I experimented a bit and I'm quite sure the problem was with that ancient tin of paint that mixed up and sprayed beautifully. However, I think it didn't fully cure after I painted it, even though I left it alone for several days.

April Group Build--F4U Corsair

[No.1]

Seen this one and compared with its initial state- two different worlds mate

[draken35]

Looks nice!!!

[Second Air Force]

The second attempt at spraying the topcoats went MUCH better . I ended up using MM paint for the green shade and three-decade old Humbrol for the grey. I recall buying this tin of Humbrol and one of my Corsair models on the same day but I'm not certain if it was this particular kit. Either way, they are the same age more-or-less.

April Group Build--F4U Corsair

April Group Build--F4U Corsair

[Sall]

Great!

[draken35]

 

[No.1]

Very good mate

[Ernie]

Nice save   Looks like it will turn out well!
Ernie

[Second Air Force]

Yep, it'll be alright now. I'm impatient to let the paint cure before spraying on the clear gloss--I really want to keep going on this as I can't work outside--we're getting some much-needed rain today.

[Second Air Force]

Today's update and a new technique I'm trying.

This is turning out to be an "all-Otaki" buildup. I've ended up using the entire set of kit decals for a Fleet Air Arm Corsair II that flew in Operation Tungsten against the Tirpitz.

April Group Build--F4U Corsair

The new techique is to figure out how to replicate saltwater staining that was evident in photos taken during this operation. The airplanes look quite dirty and have much water staining from sitting on the deck during heavy weather. To do this in 1/48 scale I tried plain water with no real result. The next attempt I added this:

April Group Build--F4U Corsair

I simply mixed a couple drops of this white glue in a quantity of water and then brushed it onto the airplane, making sure to "stain" the paint at the right angles for a parked airplane. The first photo is the unstained port side and the second is the starboard side after a couple of attempts of the wash. The beauty of this is that you can simply wash off the staining if it doesn't turn out the first time:

April Group Build--F4U Corsair

April Group Build--F4U Corsair

The effect is sort of subtle but looks like the real thing in person. I still must finish this water staining and then add other "normal" weathering to the entire machine.