Here are the latest updates on the work I did on the Ta-154.
Starting with the book I have that shows the V7 test airframe,
I took the pictures and adjusted the exposure settings to make the mottled areas look darker. This made it much easier to see where the mottles should be placed. This is the adjusted photo of V7.
At first I started using regular modelling clay to make the mottle shapes. The red colored blobs are clay. I decided against using the clay any further because I was concerned there could be a reaction with the paint. So I stopped using the red clay, and continued on using the lighter colored material, which is actually used to secure posters on walls without causing damage.
This is what I came up with.
Then it was time to spray the new RLM 76 color on top. I tried not to make it too heavy, so the edges of the mottles would look soft to replicate the looks in the pictures.
While I was spraying the 76, I painted the outside of the landing gear doors.
Then it was time to remove the blobs of clay to reveal the mottling. I think the edges of the mottles are actually too sharp. To me they look as if these could have been brush painted on in some places. I rate the new paint job as an 8 out of 10. Not perfect by any means, but it's better than it was before. No more pencil lines are visible, and there are no more small droplets of paint marring the colors either. Am I 100 percent happy with it ? No not really. But this time I will settle with how it looks.
Earlier on in the build, I had masked off the radio call letters "TE + FK" covering the places I had sprayed on some Flat Black. I didn't have enough decals in the spares to make up a set like this, so I had no choice but to go this route. All the while I was concerned that I might have to touch up the letters if some paint leaked under the home made letter masking. Fortunately it did not. π
The finish was looking very flat and lacked any shine to it. So I gave the model a few coats of Future / Pledge to make it ready for the decals. The canopy was also uncovered so it would get some clear gloss on it as well.
I took these next two pictures with the model sitting in a similar stance to how the real plane was in the pictures in my book. This picture replicates the one I darkened the exposure settings on.
This follow photo shows the side view as shown in the book. I am very happy with how the mottles look now.
The radio call letters are shown here on the underside of the wings. The decals were also applied.
The landing gear oleo struts were covered using "Ultra Bright Chrome" Bare metal foil.
The propeller were painted previously, and now it was time to install them. They are simply pressed in position and not glued. This worked out well and the props spin nicely.
The tires were also painted previously, so I dirtied them up with a Tamiya weathering deck. I cut the length of the axles a little, and spread the struts carefully so I could install the wheels. They roll very well... not that I will be flying missions in it or anything... well maybe one or two ! π
The exhausts were ready for paint.
I always try to paint multiple items in one go when I have a color loaded in the air brush. This is my "Iron Werke" style exhaust farm prior to painting the parts.
and afterwards... Can you name them all ? π I'll give you a few hints. Most of these are from models I have currently underway. Some of these have not had any recent updates in a long time. There are some ICM 1/48 scale German twin engine aircraft here, and a pair of 1/32 scale Hasegawa and Revell parts shown here too. Then there are a few 1/48 scale single engine fighters... That you just might see in a future build journal for our Korean War group. π Then there are three new additions, also single engine fighters which you will see soon in the Luftwaffe group. This is a sneak peek of sorts. π
It was time to apply some exhaust stains. These are not present in the pictures in my book. I took some artistic license and applied these streaks using a Tamiya deck again.
I also added some streaks on the elevator top and bottom sides.
I decided not to apply all of the decals. The V7 airframe didn't look as if it has all of the stencils in the pictures I have seen of it. I might be mistaken so don't take this statement as confirmed truth.
The radio altimeter antennae's were painted and the exhausts were installed.
This is how the Moskito looks now. It's ready for it's first mission to the headlines section.
I sincerely thank all of you for following along on this build.
This journey is still not done, as I have to now build the 1/48 Tamiya Mosquito !
So please continue to follow along as we head down that trail.
As always, comments are encouraged. π
