I am using a vacuform canopy and greenhouse for this build. While the fit is generally okay, the framework doesn't even come close to matching the kits. The mask set I bought sort of worked for the canopy, but was useless for for the greenhouse. I bought rolls of kabuki tape and am cutting thin strips to run along the framework. After I have it framed out I fill it in with a larger piece. The biggest issue I have is that the framework is barely visible on the vacuformed parts. This is one part of this build that I am not enjoying at all.

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Excellent masking result, Walt @luftwaffe-birdman
Not that easy indeed but the canopy and greenhouse will look perfect after painting.

I finally finished masking the nose and the fuselage windows. It was extremely tedious, and probably the most difficult I have ever done. This is due framework in the Vacuform plastic is laid out in the same pattern but different dimensionally than the kit plastic. The framework detail on the vacuform glazings are very soft, so getting the layout right was difficult. Still, I am now ready to start putting paint on this build and I am very excited to get started on that step of the build.

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Really awesome masking, my friend @luftwaffe-birdman!

I finally am getting close to that point where I can start applying color. I have four shades of Olive Drab, two from MrHobby and the other two from AK Real Colors. I really like both brands of paint, and I can use the MrHobby 400 Leveling Thinner with both brands as well as the Tamiya Lacquer line. I did a quick spray out on some white plastic sheet.

On the far right the Aggressor Blue is sprayed straight the three to the left I added a few drops of white each time. It really isn't until the fourth panel that it becomes noticeable. I like it as a color for the bottom and it seems like a reasonable experimental alternative to Neutral Gray.

As for the Olive Drabs I like the MrHobby #304 and AK #RC023 as the base foundation for the plane, they have that more brownish OD look that I think the early bombers faded too. The MrHobby #12 is not as Green as AK's #RC026 and will make a good color for adding some variation. I am sure I will probably make use of all three because previous artwork on the plane was overpainted and is shows up in the photos, perfect for the greener RC026. There is so much that can be done with the OD and this plane after 110 missions from North African and Italian bases would be very weather worn. Plus, there replaced sections of the starboard wing and one rudder.

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Hey Walt !
Happy New Year to you and your family. You’re starting the new year off well and I like how you have sprayed the colors on the cards. I have been assembling a collection of these cards over the past few years ever since I found out that Model Master enamels were going to be discontinued. I wanted to have some idea of what the colors should look like when in the future and mixing up custom colors in the event that I needed to. My cards would be used as a reference, that I would used in conjunction with my Federal Standards color chip book.

It is a very good idea to use cards to get an idea of what the color is going to look like on your model. It shows the variations between different manufacturers and what happens when you mix in different colors in an effort to either lighten or darken the colors in order to get what you want.

I really like what you’re doing here. It’s going to look fantastic on your B-24. What is really going to look cool is how it will have many different variations of the same color scheme.

I’m very impressed with your masking technique too. Incredible job with that. This must have taken some serious time and skill to get it right like you did.

I’m looking forward to seeing your next installment. Keep it going my friend. This is going to be epic !

I have all the majoer assemblies done, canopies on and all the masking I can stand. I put a coat of Tamiya White Surface Primer on. I didn't go for a total cover coat, but just enough to lighten everything up and see how the surface detail will show up. I am really pretty happy I think the rivets will pop nicely once painted and washed. I also wanted to find out if I missed any seams. I still have one on a leading edge of the wing that needs some work, there are also a couple of other small defects I will address. Once those are done the painting begins. I did manage to break off one of my pitot tubes also, which I will have to fix prior to painting.

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Looks really good, Walt @luftwaffe-birdman
The rivets do indeed show nicely.