Why I Hate Building Airplanes! (Tamiya Focke Wulf 190A8 1/48)
Ready for some aircraft builder tongue and cheek?
Hey everyone.
First off, I want to say how many of you aircraft modelers I admire and respect. You're crazy. You have way too much time on your hands. You seem to like really difficult, frustrating and repetitive tasks. But seriously, there are some ridiculously well done modelers on this aircraft forum, and I am not one of them...at least in aircraft.
You see, I'm an armor guy for 40 years and although I did a few planes when I was a kid, (A-10 warthog and ME109), I was not really any good back then, nor were the models. My mum liked'em, but she had to because I was her little boy. She's dead now, so I have to find someone else to like my stuff. So here I am, ready for you to like me...and my stuff. But seriously, I've always loved aircraft and still do today and although I have tanks running through my blood, I aspire to someday fly. I have flown a plane actually. I hated it. Surprised I didn't crash. The instructor said the same thing.
I love building models. I always have. Now, that being said, I have to be totally honest...I flippin' HATE the aircraft building and painting process. Hate hate hate. Double hate. Loathe entirely. Sorry.
You guys are nuts or maybe have some defective disorder. Maybe that's why I don't usually do aircraft. WHY? Oh man, let me count the ways. First, the darn cockpit. I mean seriously, so much work and detail and frustration and for many builds, it's not even visible! WHAT? AND you have to do it first, paint it, weather it, then seal the thing inside and then cover it up with fifty pieces of tape. Speaking of which...the TAPE! The masking. OMG. Kill me now. I put less clothing on to go out in -10 C. I had less plaster around my leg when I broke it. Then, if that wasn't enough, you can't really "finish" the model as a complete build and admire it naked like you do armor. That's the best part! And it's just not really possible. What's wrong with you guys? You're missing the naked parts!
So here I am with a half cocked model "kinda done" and meanwhile, I have the fuselage covered in tape. The landing gears flopping over on the desk. The cockpit which I can't even see anymore. The bombs. The things that hold the bombs. The things that hold the things that hold the bombs. "No, no, you can't put those on until it's all painted piece by piece and weathered and then you can put it on." PLEASE.
Don't even get me started on the decals. I mean seriously, how many little dots and bits can you put on a plane? I feel like I'm back in college and I just got back from a rave. I'm still seeing "Nicht Verstatten" in my mind after all the decals I put on the wings today.
So, WTH did I build this Tamiya 1/48 Focke "ME" Wulf 190 A8 you ask? Great question! Well let me tell ya mate, it's because my wife bought it for me thinking I needed to try something different. Yah, the irony? As I was building it over the past two days and painting it and swearing and cursing, and spitting and writhing, she kept saying, "I don't think you should build planes anymore." Yah.
I came close to smashing it a few times I gotta tell ya. I wanted to take one of my King Tigers and just run it over. Yah, but I didn't. I wanted to get on the "aircraft forum" and nothing was gonna stop me. Well, not really, but I kept at it.
So, you wanna see it? My plane I mean. Pervy. How bout a tank first...
OK, that's not a tank per se, it's sturmgeschütz iii G, but we'll cover that another time.
OK seriously. My Tamiya Focke Wulf 190 A8, which I built completely OTB as I had no interest in spending any real time on it. Wink. I'll show you a few shots first and let you squirm a little as you notice I deviated from any historical markings and painted it how I like it. I know, I know. You'll survive. After you collect yourself I'll show you a few more pics and let you tear me open.
Yah yah, I know. The markings are wrong. Not accurate. Made up. Well, I had my reasons. You know, you can't use decals after you spill coffee on them. True story. At least not the one's you wanted to use. Plus, the Tamiya markings on this kit were not so great. Thick. And no matter how much I tried, I got silvering. So, I had to improvise. Truthfully? I like doing my own thing every now and then with models anyway. For 40 years I've done historically accurate depictions of subjects and models just like the cover art tells us to. You know what? BORING! I hate doing things like every other modeler can do. At least sometimes. Just remember boys, in the end it's YOUR MODEL and moreover, it's PLASTIC! Love ya.
The build was just OK. No, that's a lie. Tamiya is usually my go to for stress free builds. But this one is a little dated obviously. Soft plastic. Old school Tamiya instructions. But, it was simple and since I am trying to find my wings, it was overall a good starting place. I really wanted to just get to the painting. I've always loved the 190 as the camo patterns are really unique and interesting. Yes, I mottled. Yes, I kinda did it my own way with the coloring. BUT, I like it. My mom would have liked it. So, you know...like it.
I used the BW technique for the undercoating. More like "mottling". Yes, I mottle too. I think it's a great way to build a base of shadows and contrast and then begin to add color, tone and saturation. I use this technique a lot in my armor building as well. I'm not showing these to boast, I'm showing to let you know we armor guys do some of the same stuff you flyboys do. I know many of you do both. But...I don't think this is the time or place. Anyway, here's a few examples:
I think the undercoating of BW makes the weathering process so much easier and if you "glaze paint" like I do, it makes it really fun to slowly build the color and tone. However, it comes with a serious price and I paid it on this build. If you recall how I stated how I HATE building airplanes. Well, here's why. I am use to mottling and then glazing all at once on one subject, but with the plane, I had to mottle like 10-20 different individual pieces and well, I didn't do that at first. I did the main fuselage and overall paint scheme and totally forgot to mottle every little add on piece and because I used a glaze for my colors and with many colors mixed in, I had to go back, mottle, mottle again and then glaze again and color match without remembering all the ratios I used to achieve the color. I know, i***t. Bad modeler. Bad mottler! But, I blame beer. It happens.
However, I still managed to make it work I think...
As you can see I used a lot of post shading as well as the pre shading. One of the reasons I do this is I don't particularly like using washes all that much. Sure, I use them and I used an overall wash and filter on this plane. BUT, many times I run into issues with decals coming off even after serious clear coating. This was no exception. I clear coated before decals. I clear coated after. I used future. I used satin. I used flat. I did everything right and sure enough, even with a light enamel wash, I had several decals break and have issues.
"Focke Me" these decals are bad!
You notice the crosses on the wings? Yah, I know, supposed to be all white. Well, they were. They stunk...bad..and trust me, I want to use so many other adjectives, but the forum rules won't let me. Focke! They silvered. Bad. Worse than bad. I worked them for hours and prepped perfectly. Still silvered. Focke-ing Tamiya decals! So bad I had to do something. I however had no more crosses in this scale for a plane. Lots for tanks, none for planes. So, I had to use a black cross from my AHH 1/16 Tiger tank. Yah seriously. That black cross pathetically put over the white was my only way to save the model. Ironically, these decals stunk too. In fact, the right one broke into like 20 pieces in less than 5 seconds in water. So, I had to piece them together. All of you veterans know just how hard and frustrating piecing together a broken decal can be. It's not perfect, BUT it had to be done. Plus, I like to pretend maybe the maintenance crew was drunk or something when they painted them. Works for me.
You can still see silvering here and there on the decals. Yah it stinks. BUT, I built this one for me and I'm ok with it. My mom would be ok with it. So, yah. Stop being so negative.
OK, last few shots and then I'll wrap it up...
Look, I know I said I hated building planes, and I do. BUT, I really like this plane and even though it's far from perfect, it's stirred something in me to try new things. Like maybe drinking beer in the morning instead of the early afternoon. Like, maybe I'll be nicer to telemarketers. Or maybe I'll try not getting mad at inanimate objects. That would make my wife happy.
I finally made it to the aircraft forums. The BIG BOYS. We poor armor folks only have a mere pittance of views you guys do. It's ok. We know we can still run you over anytime you land in our space.
I hope you enjoyed the tongue and cheek commentary. And if you didn't, well...you know, just read the title.
Cheers,
Graeme
P.S. I just ordered the Eduard ZERO A6M3 profipack. Yah, I'm now a mental defective just like you.
P.P.S. I also just ordered the Tamiya Corsair. The wings are just sooo cool. Don't tell my wife.
An interesting take. Now you know how I feel about AFVs. 🙂
Your paintwork is very good, but that's been obvious from the first thing you displayed up here.
Thanks Tom. It’s so interesting to see the divide btw armor and air. If I’m being honest, I think the aircraft modeler is the more refined modeler. With armor there is so much more latitude for mistakes. Make a booboo and it become a scratch. Tonnes of wiggle room on paint schemes. With aircraft there is so much more need to be precise. Not something I’m great at. Just finishing my Corsair now. Will post soon. It went better than this one and I liked it a lot. P51 next. G
That's true - make a mistake on an AFV, throw some mud on it.
Sorry to say, Graeme @graemestreet, but you are not right.
Your 190 looks really beautiful and to me your build is close to perfect.
The chosen scheme is really nice and perfectly applied, even the mottling.
Looking forward to that Zero.
Thanks @johnb. The Zero is on hold as I am just finishing my F4U-1 Birdcage. That and I’ve decided if I’m gonna do the Zero, I want to try it in 1/32. Tamiya seems to have put out a beauty kit. Just got the Eduard P51 as well. Too many models in line. 😃
First step to recovery is admitting you have a problem - well done, Graeme. I vent on this web site vs. trying to explain my modeling frustrations to my wife - which she appreciates.
BTW, your canopy masking, painting, and weathering on your 190 look awesome! Looking forward to your Corsair build...and more therapy. 😜
More therapy coming. Thanks @jroamer. Corsair coming up next. Just finishing it today. I’d say it was easier for me than this one, but no. Still struggling with the airplane model process. BUT that’s ok. I’ll get there. G
It’s a very nice result….the weathering looks just right to me…keep on with aircraft..unfortunate tho that 1/1 didn’t work out for you…but then I’ve never driven a tank yet would love to…my grandfather and great uncle were tankers..
Thank you @johnnaitken. My grandfather was a captain submariner in WW2 and my father was and Army Ranger. I’m just a dork modeler I guess. 😂
You know of course that a Focke Wulf FW190 is a tank, right? As in Kurt Tank, the designer! So have you really strayed? You could build a Sturmovik which is built like a tank (or a Hellcat which is also built like a tank).
🙂
This build looks great Graeme. No problems and we promise not to make too many "target" jokes.
I didn’t know these things about the 190 and the funny thing is, I usually do my homework. I’ve just always loved the plane. It does look like a tank in the air and know it was formidable. Thank you for the insight and the comment. Means a lot. G
Great article Graeme! But sorry I can't completely sympathize...I build both armor and aircraft...maybe I'm twice as messed up!
Yeah, you're not fooling anyone, Graeme; we can now see that anything you build will look great, whether it flies or crawls! 👏 Fockeing A, that looks really fine, and your paintwork and weathering has that practiced look about them. Obviously, the work of a master modeler @graemestreet! 👍 😃
I have only three tanks to my credit, all posted here, of course. And I am in complete agreement that they are easier builds. Once one takes the plunge into the weathering deep-end, I find that process quite satisfying because it does add so much realism to a plastic model. I am mostly an airplane model guy, but I just really love airplanes, although flying, not so much. Now, I would love to drive a tank. With AFVs, there are no damned canopies to mask and as you said, almost all mistakes can be covered with something! 😁
I think you're gonna love this place! 🥃
I do love this place. There are so many good modelers and welcoming people here. I’m not a forum guy or even share anything of mine outside my family. I can say that I am very grateful to have found this site. I look forward to learning much more from all of you. G
Bloody Hell, I think you are just fishing for compliments in that understated British way. That is a smashing good Wurger. I would be chuffed over that good a build. Well done.
Thanks all. Means a lot. This is all in fun. I tend to take myself too seriously and have been a perfectionist most of my life. Maybe I’m not alone. I wanted to add some levity to our passion we share. I meant everything I said. However have in turn caught the air bug and working on mostly aircraft now. Ha. Go figure. Already learning a lot from so many of you while I’ve been here. Thanks for having me and commenting. G
Nice work. Great tanks too!
Thank you @j-healy. The air bug is starting to catch but I’ll still always be an armor guy first. Nice to meet you. G
Great finished product. Most entertaining thing I have read on this site.
Thank you @markhedrick. I had fun writing it. Maybe more than even doing the model. Go figure. Nice to meet you and thanks for the comment. G
Personally I thought the craziest perfectionists were the automotive guys. Wet sanding/polishing 9-10 layers of primer, paint and gloss to get that glossy smooth perfection of an actual automobile. Make a mistake and what are you going to do? I'd probably end up drinking/sulking.
Airplane folks (including me) aren't that far off.
I’ve never done a car model. Well that’s not true I guess. I have done many RCs over the year. Many from Tamiya. Really fun and can customize the paint jobs.
Hi Graeme,
I love your article even more than your build! And I agree, but the struggle to finish an airplane, you will learn to love it after a few builds!
Looking forward to your Corsair!
Regards,
Erik
PS the Panzers you posted look great
Thank you @erikvkok. It made me laugh many times while writing it. I guess that’s how you know it’s good yah? Thanks for your comment. Means a lot. Nice to meet you. G
Your pain is our pleasure, Graeme.
Great post and amazing Wurger!
Thank you @georgeswork. I’ll admit, I did not know the Wurger moniker till now. Makes me like it even more. Thank you. G
Graeme,
Don’t hold back. Tell us what you really think. I loved your wife’s restrained suggestion; “I don’t think you should build planes anymore.” I on the other hand look forward to your Corsair. There are so many times when things are so much more difficult than I could have imagined and I find myself thinking, why do I do this? Your finished Fw-190 looks great. Funny, I always thought of you armor guys as the next level up in terms of artistic expression. I am sorry to hear that your mom passed no matter how many years ago.
Russ
Thanks @russjurco. She passed away just recently. She would always be the first person I’d show my work to outside my wife. She is missed. She was also the one that bought me the USS Enterprise and so many of my models growing up. She really helped me pursue this hobby. Thanks for commenting and glad you liked the work. Thank you. G
Your article was FUN to read. I build only aircraft (except for a U.S. Army Stryker that was my Son's vehicle in the 3rd Cav Regiment and a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA, both here on iModeler). Like you, I build historical subjects and try to make them as historically accurate as I can...and like you said, it can drive you crazy, hahahahahaha...
Enjoyable read, for someone who ONLY builds aircraft! Canopy masks, stencils on an F-4 EJ, the hidden realm of cockpit details, you really nailed it! But there is joy to be had, and your finished product is an excellent example of that - a beautifully finished bird of prey! Great skill on display.
Much thanks @gkittinger. I just did my first cockpit with Red Fox 3D things for the Corsair. Pretty cool. Still hard to see with it inside but very cool just the same. Just finished the Corsair today. Will post soon. Nice to meet you. G
Ha ha Graeme (@graemestreet) - best read for ages - loved your post - I'm crying 😀
I'd love to say you Focked up the model, but it does look awesome! 😀 Who cares if it's not accurate as long as it's perfect for you! It's brilliant and thanks for taking the time to share your story in such a hilarious way.
Thanks @scottiya. I had fun writing it. Nice to meet you. Thanks for looking and commenting. G
Nice to meet you too. Looking forward to seeing your next Focke up 😀
That Focke Wulf looks one battle hardened machine, excellent build and an entertaining narrative also.
Thank you @firelockg.
Your writing is as good as your model building (I mean this as a complement)! LMAO reading your commentary.
That means a lot to me @tgm. Glad you liked both the write up and the model. I’m trying to add some levity to our mutual passions. Nice to meet you. G
Love your model, your article, your tank builds, well, everything, Graeme!
Having fun with modeling and communicating it the way you do is all that maters.
Keep it fun and keep them coming!
fantastic article! and I must say that I agree with many things, but your model is fantastic and very well done!