Revell B17-G Modified to a B17-H 1:48

[Alan Smith]

Hello Rob, at this time I just don't have the ability to paint realistic looking wood

I have had that problem. My solution is to use actual wood- 0.5mm veneers.

 

[Daniel20]

I have had that problem. My solution is to use actual wood- 0.5mm veneers.

Yes, that is a viable solution which briefly crossed my mind. I decided not to pursue it though.

 

[Rob444]

Yes, that is a viable solution which briefly crossed my mind. I decided not to pursue it though.

Not to get too off course, painting wood is not that hard to do. You can look it up on you tube. I have done it a few times using artists oils mostly black and burnt umber. It usually comes out very realistic. Some use acrylics. Here is a good site.

How to Turn Plastic into Wood - Kathy Millatt Modelling

This video shows how to paint a styrene kit so that it looks like realistic wood. Turning plastic into wood is a key skill in modelling.

www.kathymillatt.co.uk

Rob

 

[Daniel20]

Good evening, all, I have changed the color of the doors to somewhat of a more realistic look by going with a flat earth brown color. You can also see the opposite bulkhead in the radio room.



This last pic of the radial engine cylinders I sprayed a silver steel color, but I am looking for advise on how to enrich the look possibly with a black wash of some type. Maybe someone has a homemade formula for a wash I could try?



Thanks for taking a look.

 

[dockattner]

Hi Daniel. You can purchase a wash from the usual paint suppliers (Vallejo for example) - but you can also make your own. If using acrylics just add water to a bit of paint and voila.

 

[Daniel20]

If using acrylics just add water to a bit of paint and voila.

Thats what I was thinking, just wondering what ratio of water to paint.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Engines were dirty, oily and greasy, so a good coat of grime is needed.

I can say from hands on experience they leak oil all the time in use, and often operating time is limited by oil tank capacity versus fuel tank limits.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Thats what I was thinking, just wondering what ratio of water to paint.

I would start with a 10:1 ratio and test and adjust from there, you want a thin coat, and if needed instead of making darker wash, let dry and add second coat. If you seal with matt spray in between coats, it seals first layer and you can then wash off second coat if it gets to dark looking.

 

[Daniel20]

Engines were dirty, oily and greasy, so a good coat of grime is needed.

I can say from hands on experience they leak oil all the time in use, and often operating time is limited by oil tank capacity versus fuel tank limits.

Thanks Kurt, so the grungy look would be more realistic. I was thinking somewhere just after a pressure wash and before the next flight.

 

[Daniel20]

I would start with a 10:1 ratio and test and adjust from there,

Thanks Kurt, thats what I was looking for,great advise. So black paint watered down.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Keep in mind when gluing that edges in contact need to be free of paint or glue wont stick them together.

Fine sandpaper of scrape with knife blade to remove paint before adding glue.

 

[Daniel20]

Keep in mind when gluing that edges in contact need to be free of paint or glue wont stick them together.

Fine sandpaper of scrape with knife blade to remove paint before adding glue.

Yup, that thought is now constantly in front of what I'm doing.

 

[Daniel20]

Here are my dirty engines, actually looks halfway decent.

 

[Namabiiru]

Now if you really want to make those pop, a VERY light (application, not tone) dry-brushing with silver or oily steel paint might be called for.

 

[Daniel20]

Now if you really want to make those pop, a VERY light (application, not tone) dry-brushing with silver or oily steel paint might be called for.

Another great suggestion, thanks.

 

[Rob444]

Thanks Kurt, so the grungy look would be more realistic. I was thinking somewhere just after a pressure wash and before the next flight.

I doubt they pressure washed the engine They had enough to do just to repair and keep the plane in shape to fly. Just for a future idea. I usually use black or brown oil paints diluted with turpenoid or turpentine. It will not loosen the acrylic or enamel underneath. I usually rub most of it off afterwards just leaving a trace. It also makes weathering the exterior (oil leakes flowing down the wings, exhaust etc.) The amount of weathering is up to you of course.

Another thing I like to use is powered pastel chalks (just scrape it off a pastel chalk stick) apply them with a brush and then brush them in the direction of the airflow, you can do it multiple time to build up the effect you want. If you think it's too much you can brush some off. I seal the pastels with a matt clear after.

Rob

 

[Steef66]

Hi Daniel. You can purchase a wash from the usual paint suppliers (Vallejo for example) - but you can also make your own. If using acrylics just add water to a bit of paint and voila.

plus soap

 

[Daniel20]

I doubt they pressure washed the engine They had enough to do just to repair and keep the plane in shape to fly. Just for a future idea. I usually use black or brown oil paints diluted with turpenoid or turpentine. It will not loosen the acrylic or enamel underneath. I usually rub most of it off afterwards just leaving a trace. It also makes weathering the exterior (oil leakes flowing down the wings, exhaust etc.) The amount of weathering is up to you of course.

Another thing I like to use is powered pastel chalks (just scrape it off a pastel chalk stick) apply them with a brush and then brush them in the direction of the airflow, you can do it multiple time to build up the effect you want. If you think it's too much you can brush some off. I seal the pastels with a matt clear after.

Rob

Great tips Rob, thank you.

 

[Daniel20]

I have a little more progress and a Video showing the boat drop. I was wondering if any of the B17's were armed up when dropping the boats as in my dad's plane (wished now I could talk to him and ask questions, but he passed away in 2014). I found this YouTube link that answers my question.

Check it out.

 

[Rob444]

Looking really good!