Weathering opinions please

[robemcdonald]

I’m making slow progress on my Tamiya F-14A

I have started putting on the upper surface colour and need opinions on weathering.

Which looks better?



Or



I’m undecided and thought I’d canvas opinion before proceeding.

[dr_gn]

You’ve shown two different views - I can’t see what the difference is.

[robemcdonald]

Perhaps the pictures aren’t too clear.

In reality the panel lines are more subtle on the nose/ cockpit area

I think I’m going to go with that.

[dr_gn]

Later F-14s seemed to have a more mottled effect, maybe you could try making the pre-shading lines a bit wider to make the surface less of a grid? I’d agree that they need to be low contrast though. It does seem a bit pale overall, but perhaps that’s an effect of the camera/lighting?

[Eric Mc]

Keep looking at pictures of the real thing - preferably a picture of the actual aircraft you are building. And then weather to an extent that, to you, matches what you can see in the photograph(s).

[robemcdonald]

dr_gn said:

Later F-14s seemed to have a more mottled effect, maybe you could try making the pre-shading lines a bit wider to make the surface less of a grid? I’d agree that they need to be low contrast though. It does seem a bit pale overall, but perhaps that’s an effect of the camera/lighting?

I’d almost convinced myself it wasn’t too pale..

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

Keep looking at pictures of the real thing - preferably a picture of the actual aircraft you are building. And then weather to an extent that, to you, matches what you can see in the photograph(s).

That's great, I bet he never thought of that.

[dr_gn]

robemcdonald said:

dr_gn said:

Later F-14s seemed to have a more mottled effect, maybe you could try making the pre-shading lines a bit wider to make the surface less of a grid? I’d agree that they need to be low contrast though. It does seem a bit pale overall, but perhaps that’s an effect of the camera/lighting?

I’d almost convinced myself it wasn’t too pale..

Are you using the Tamiya paint call-outs?

I'm building a 1:72 Airfix Swordfish at the moment, but using the Tamiya 1:48 Swordfish instructions to detail it a bit. Tamiya's call-out for paint mixing of the Cerrux Grey on the aluminium parts doesn't seem correct; I got some Mr.Hobby Grey, with the correct FS designation, and it's not like the Tamiya mix.

I'm not usually too bothered about precise paint designations, but in this case it contrasts with adjacent aluminium panels, and if the contrast is too much it looks like a patchwork quilt - nothing like contemporary photos.

I built a 617 sdn Tornado a few years ago, and went through the grey paint thing with that. I ended up using a much lighter shade then anyone else seemed to propose, and to me it looks OK. There is a "scale effect" with paint colour, which can make quite a difference tp the appearance of a model.

[Eric Mc]

dr_gn said:

Eric Mc said:

Keep looking at pictures of the real thing - preferably a picture of the actual aircraft you are building. And then weather to an extent that, to you, matches what you can see in the photograph(s).

That's great, I bet he never thought of that.

OK - as far as I can see, my views are no longer wanted on this particular forum. I won't be posting in the model section anymore as my suggestions seem to be invariably shot down.

So long and enjoy your model building. I know where I'm not wanted.

[paul.deitch]

Eric Mc said:

dr_gn said:

Eric Mc said:

Keep looking at pictures of the real thing - preferably a picture of the actual aircraft you are building. And then weather to an extent that, to you, matches what you can see in the photograph(s).

That's great, I bet he never thought of that.

OK - as far as I can see, my views are no longer wanted on this particular forum. I won't be posting in the model section anymore as my suggestions seem to be invariably shot down.

So long and enjoy your model building. I know where I'm not wanted.

That sounds pretty petty! Well enjoy your flounce and don't forget your handbag!
Come on this is a forum for fun!

[robemcdonald]

Come on guys. If I want a punch up I will go to NP&E. this is my safe space.

I have the opinions from the two guys I wanted them from and both have really confirmed what I really already knew if I’m being honest.

Thanks for the contributions.

[r159]

robemcdonald said:

Perhaps the pictures aren’t too clear.

In reality the panel lines are more subtle on the nose/ cockpit area

I think I’m going to go with that.

Topgun is quite good to watch for weathered aircraft, to me they almost have a browny tinge to the weathering on top.

Your’s does look a bit too light.

[tangerine_sedge]

Looking at lots of pictures online, every airframe looks different from shiny-factory-fresh to matt-tired ones. Therefore the good news is that however you weather it, it's likely that theres a picture to support it

[Ash_]

Being an F-14 fan, I'd love to see more pictures of your build of this, I take it you're doing it in the more modern colour scheme of various dark greys, rather than the colourful pale grey and white underside?

What Sqn are you doing, will it have the CAGs colourful tail?

[robemcdonald]

Thanks for the interest.

It’s an early scheme.

Jolly Rogers VF-64

I’ll post a few pics on here as and when, but not a full build as it takes too much time.



Some pictures from earlier in the build...

[dr_gn]

First picture looks spot-on to me in terms of the overall look. The others looks great too - I bet it's a brilliant kit.

ETA are you doing a panel line wash? Might benefit from a thinned down dark wash.

[robemcdonald]

Thanks. I’m pretty pleased with how it’s coming on.

Glacial progress for me though as I started it on Boxing Day, but I really wanted to take my time and not do my normal rush job.

It’s a wonderful kit as you can probably imagine well worth the reasonably high price.

Things are starting to come together now though. I just need to add a clear coat and then I’ll get on with the decals before assembling everything at the end.

In terms of washes; I was going to mix up a grey / brown oil wash. Just very subtle though, not over the top.

[dr_gn]

Sounds good. I’ve taken to thinning enamel washes quite a bit, and applying several coats. It seems to reduce the grainy effect you can get with un-thinned washes. It also allows you to get just the right amount of definition to the panel lines.

[Ash_]

It looks absolutely amazing, can't wait to see the finished article. The Jolly Rodgers definitely had the best livery in my opinion.

[robemcdonald]

Just a quick update

All the major parts are painted and clear coated, so I thought d do a quick dry fit and pic for those interested.

(I need to clear the tails still)


Decals over the weekend.