Grumman TBF-1C Avenger, RNZAF

Started by Michael Turner · 77 · 1 month ago · 1/48, Avenger, Italeri, RNZAF, TBF-1C
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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 4 weeks ago:

    I don’t normally highlight panel lines with a wash, but for this I am trying a Vallejo Blue Grey wash product. It works well with the medium blue of the fuselage sides and the white undersides as it is not too strong.
    Plus I am using my usual Vallejo Brown/Black mix for dirt and exhaust/fuel staining.
    No wash or stains:


    With wash and stains:

    I’m not sure that the photos show the difference well.
    Under wing - top no wash/stains, bottom wah and stains:

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    John vd Biggelaar said 2 months, 4 weeks ago:

    To me the results of the wash turned out really well, Michael @michaelt

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    Very nice weathering, my friend @michaelt!

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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    One side of the fuselage decals done.


    The Aeromaster decals are good, the Italeri ones may silver.

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    John vd Biggelaar said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    Nice work on the decals, Michael @michaelt

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    Decals look great on, my friend @michaelt!

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    Tom Cleaver said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    I have to admit I don't see all that much difference between the two wings. but too much would be too much.

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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    G’day Tom (@tcinla),
    It isn’t that obvious in the photos, but the blue-grey wash defines the panel lines a little more, but not too much. I’m not a fan of stark panel lines.
    I have added a bit more weathering since.

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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    Flat coat added.


    There was a fair bit of silvering on both the Italeri and Aeromaster decals bit a prick with a blade and an application of decal softener has fixed that.
    A few of the Italeri stencils were miss numbered and often the location is vague.
    The wings are still in progress.

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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    I used the flash this time.

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    John vd Biggelaar said 2 months, 3 weeks ago:

    Looks very good with the flat coat, Michael @michaelt
    Personally I prefer photos taken without flash.

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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 2 weeks ago:

    Turret installed. This is the trickiest part of the build as it is quite fragile and needs to be manipulated into place.
    It rotates and elevates, but not freely.

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    Carl Smoot said 2 months, 2 weeks ago:

    The paint work on this is looking excellent Michael (@michaelt). I remember the Accurate Miniatures website had instructions for this turret installation decades ago. They obviously felt is was enough of an issue that supplemental instructions were needed.

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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 2 weeks ago:

    G’day Carl (@clipper),
    I wasn’t aware of that.
    The Italeri instructions are poor - they include the AM diagrams but not the accompanying explanitory text and you are left to figure things out for yourself.
    I went on Scalemates and downloaded the AM instructions.

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    Michael Turner said 2 months, 2 weeks ago:

    Disaster!
    While gluing the tailplanes on I knocked over my liquid glue.
    Fortunately, only the stbd tailplane was bathed in glue and I manages to rinse it off under the tap before it did too much damage.
    Also fortunately, the only decals are on the trim tabs which should survive the sanding and re-paint.
    I have to get this kit finished for a club competition on Sunday.