You are progressing really nice, Carl @clipper

Hi Carl (@clipper): I agree completely about the paints. I also have trouble with highly thinned Model Air and usually cut the air pressure back to 12 psi or so. With low pressure, I still find it difficult to get consistent results without flooding the surface with thin paint. Not nearly as much trouble with Tamiya or Real Colors. It took me a long time to be comfortable with acrylics after I switched from enamels and lacquers. I have been tempted to try some of the newer lacquers, but I just don't want to go back to the harsh chemicals.

Superb painting results so far, my friend @clipper!

Thanks Spiros (@fiveten) and George (@gblair). Yes, putting colors on the model definitely can cause an increase in Mojo, especially if there are no boo boos. So far, it's going well. What I really like is that I can get the correct colors (or at least I think they are correct) straight from the bottle. Also, this is the first model since I came back to the hobby where I didn't undercoat with black primer (used grey instead). The colors seem more vibrant.

Thanks John (@johnb). I am trying to use these Vallejo acrylics more on this build.

I've added the post shading, unmasked the model and touched up areas that needed work. Then applied a gloss coat. Engines have been installed in the cowlings. I will give all this 24 hours to cure / dry, then on to decals. Some decals may have to wait as I am waiting on the lettering for the fuselage sides. I could mask and spray these, and perhaps I will, but its a bit of trouble for one mask so I don't know if I will yet.

I've also started on another kit for the diorama (which will be an airfield scene). I am going to keep it relatively simple with a few figures and a utility truck ("Tilly"). The Tilly is from the Airfix 1/72 RAF Bomber Supply set. There are some other equipment in that kit, but I will probably save them for a future Handley Page Hampden build I want to do.

I've never built any sort of ground vehicle since I was a teenager (other than the occasional car model) so I am on uncharted ground with this. I've used the colors from the instruction sheet (well, the Vallejo equivalents to the Humbrol call-outs, as best I can match them). I am using a post shading technique on them as well but I have not detail painted or weathered the parts yet.

Fantastic hob so far and I love how the small truck comes out, my friend @clipper!

Thanks George (@gblair). I have a few 1/72 vehicles, mostly RAF. I also have a few 1/48 including several carrier tow vehicles. Although I am generally not a vehicle builder, I do want to do more dioramas with my aircraft so vehicles will creep in once in awhile.

I almost started doing the decals today when I realized I had not done the de-ice boots, so there was another tedious round of masking and then painting those. And of course, I managed to get some over spray on the Hudson anyway and that had to be cleaned up. So I will start the decals tomorrow. Not very many actually.