Weathering techniques - birds
Interwar aircraft frequently sat around in the open doing very little and as a result were adopted as convenient perches by birds. The bigger the aircraft the more attractive it was. The view was excellent both for warning and spotting prey purposes and the fabric covering comfortable. However one rarely sees the after effects of a bird's visit represented on models - the defecation remnants, though other weathering is included. In the Vickers Virginia photo below one can see the results of a particularly enthusiastic visit by birds.
However, tail fins were the preferred location for birds as seen in this photo of a T4M on board USS Lexington.
This kind of weathering is simple but needs a bit of care. Colour wise a pearly grey or creamy white are most accurate. If it's a tail fin both sides need to be weathered as the birds face both ways. The brush needs to be fine and with only a few bristles (it's a nice way to use old brushes). A small amount of paint is needed and a quick stroke of the brush to create a line of colour. The picture below shows the technique used on a Plus Models Martin T4M. For remains on the elevators and wings any splatter technique will do but once again the brush needs to be a fine one.
If actual bird models are also needed Germania Figuren do 1/72 crows and seagulls - 2 species of bird which readily settle on aircraft and pigeons (another species) can be obtained from one of the farmyard sets. Other birds are a bit more problematic. Sparrows are tiny in 1/72 and birds of prey which might also perch on aircraft rare. The latter would most likely be Kestrels or Harriers which are smaller than crows.
"Presented for your consideration..."
Hmmmm... something never before considered. 🙂
Birds like airfields - plenty of opportunities for food and plenty of space. Aircraft are just another convenient thing to perch on.
This is really interesting topic, Christopher!
Thanks for the very comprehensive photos and the suggested technique!
Many thanks Spiros, I think it's a nice little touch but so rarely seen in dioramas or modelling.
Very interesting, Christopher @christopher
This definitely helps to add some realism to the model. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much John - it also adds a spot of interest as well
The spiders in my outerroom display area do that for me.
That's another way of doing things
I’ve had plenty of bird strikes on my cars over the years, sea gulls seemed to be the worst offenders.
Seagulls are also very good at stealing sandwiches or whatever you happen to be eating.
Ah, yes. Birds and airplanes. I've cleaned off lots of props and removed lots of Starling nests from inside cowlings! Great idea for a diorama of an abandoned airplane parked out in the weeds.
Wagtails also build their nests in unusual places. The diorama idea is excellent.
Great article! The reality of war. Bit like the reality of paintwork. See this great pic of Don Gentile displaying some fine masking work on the prop spinner! 🙂
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Thanks Ross - that's a really interesting photo. I suspect that very few modellers have actually duplicated that feature as well.