This tutorial explains how to replace raised details with scribed lines. Prior to about twenty-five years ago, the typical plastic model airplane kit had unrealistic-looking raised panel lines or countless rows of rivet heads covering the model’s surface. This is because it was … [Read more...] about Scribing Surface Details on Your Aircraft Model
Add Realistic Radio Antenna Wires to your Model Aircraft
Creating the radio antenna wires is essential when building model airplanes. In most cases, this is an added detail which is not included in the scale model kit. Model aircraft antenna wires are commonly built from scratch using one of several techniques. This tutorial will … [Read more...] about Add Realistic Radio Antenna Wires to your Model Aircraft
Getting the Decals to Look Like Part of the Paint Job
This is probably the most enjoyable aspect of creating a realistic looking model aircraft kit. In most cases, this scale modeling technique is procedural and the results are fantastic. In order for your decals to look like they have been painted on, it is important that they … [Read more...] about Getting the Decals to Look Like Part of the Paint Job
Painting the Panel Lines of your Aircraft Model
Once you have completed the paint scheme of your airplane model kit, it's time to tackle the panel lines. Properly painted panel lines add realism and detail to the exterior of the aircraft model. The best results can be achieved by pre-shading all the panel lines of the airplane … [Read more...] about Painting the Panel Lines of your Aircraft Model
Painting Techniques for a Realistic Model Aircraft Canopy
A detailed canopy is one of the most attractive features of a finished scale model aircraft. You may want to pay close attention to this part of the process. Smudged frames, scratches, stained or dirty glass and fingerprints can be very damaging to the final look of the airplane … [Read more...] about Painting Techniques for a Realistic Model Aircraft Canopy
Paint Chipping on the Wing Root (Beginners)
On World War 2 military aircraft is was quite common for the paint between the fuselage and the wing root to become damaged by the pilot and ground crew while walking up and down to the cockpit. Although there are several painting techniques used to replicate paint chipping on an … [Read more...] about Paint Chipping on the Wing Root (Beginners)
Dry Brushing the Cockpit of a Scale Model Airplane
Among the many painting techniques, dry brushing is a great method for creating a realistic scale model airplane. This is especially true for the cockpit, as it brings out detail that might otherwise go unnoticed. You will need paint and a good quality paintbrush. I dry brush … [Read more...] about Dry Brushing the Cockpit of a Scale Model Airplane
Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB #EN951
Aircraft Supermarine Spitfire Mk. VB Pilot & Markings Squadron Leader Jan Zumbach -- No. 303 Squadron RAF, Summer of 1942 Scale & Kit 1/48 Scale Tamiya Model History Named after the Polish-American hero, the No. 303 "Kościuszko" was a Polish-manned Fighter Squadron … [Read more...] about Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB #EN951
Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB #BM144
Aircraft Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb Pilot & Markings Commander Jan Zumbach -- 303 Squadron RAF, May 1942 Scale & Kit 1/48 Scale Tamiya Model History When people think about War World II Polish aces, many think of Francis Gabreski (28 victories), Stanislaw Skalski … [Read more...] about Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB #BM144
Supermarine Spitfire Mk I | Eric Stanley Lock
Aircraft Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 Pilot & Markings Pilot Officer Eric Stanley Lock -- Stationed at Catterick, August 1940 Scale & Kit 1/48 Scale Tamiya Model History The Supermarine Spitfire is probably the most famous fighter of all time, and arguably one of the … [Read more...] about Supermarine Spitfire Mk I | Eric Stanley Lock