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Rafi Ben-Shahar
381 articles

Dragon 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a/U3 Reconnaissance

November 23, 2024 · in Aviation · · 14 · 211

The Schwalbe also had a fair share of complex camouflage patterns. In this example, dark greens were painted over the light blue color. Then, the greens were removed by airbrushing a dilution fluid to highlight the underneath layer.

Reader reactions:
6  Awesome

10 additional images. Click to enlarge.


14 responses

  1. Excellent result! Awesome painting and weathering, Rafi!

  2. Clearly a complex camouflage pattern but beautifully applied, Rafi @blackmopane
    Well done.

  3. Very impressive paint scheme. That's why I like building German WW2 military hardware, the paint schemes are so unique and colorful. Well done!

  4. Incredible paint work. Would love to see a video of how you achieve something like this.

  5. Great paintwork. A real standout.

    I did this one also. One of the most interesting versions and schemes.

    1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

  6. What they said - great paintwork!

  7. Yep - love the paintwork. I too would love to see a video but barring that, some understanding of how you used a "dilution fluid to highlight the underneath layer."

    • In my method, I paint the base layer with a gloss enamel paint and leave it to dry thoroughly. Then, I apply the normal spray pattern like indicated on the other U3 model that I show here albeit heavier streaks like the real thing. Before the paint is dry, I used light thinners that washed away the Greens and expose the light Gray below. It may sound easy, but it is not. You have to master your airbrush and know the paint dynamics intimately. Otherwise, you will experience paint overflow, congestion, splashing, sun spots, creasing and other curses. The good news is that the final result is better than the real aircraft 🙂 and that other than the 262, I could not find another aircraft that had similar paint schemes.

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