Hi guys, I am going to introduce you another (just) accomplished model. The real machine is far different from my best F-4 Phantom, still I really love this one too: the mighty mite, the small A4 from Douglas company. During my long but infrequent modelling activity, I built 6 of them, nevertheless a compelling instinct forced me to by a new box. It was so compelling I bought a B version reproduction, whilst one of the characteristics luring me, along with overall proportioned balance of shape and measures, is hunchback typical of successive versions.
No matter what, I got one Airfix box by my usual shop in Turin (my city) and went home to be confirmed in what I already knew: all my very attractive spare decal sheets were for F or M versions. Looking around in internet for smashing B version wearing was unsuccessful. Now, motivation is really important, so what to do? Finally my interior voice (soon or later I will realize who he/she/it is) suggested to use this model as a test subject for technics I was always
afraid to use.
“At the end of the day” – he/she/it told me – “if something goes wrong, who
cares? You do not really like this box, …”. Well, any time it happens, I realize it is right, but any time I am surprised (this time too): working free of fair is far far more amusing and it is very likely you get fully satisfied with final result. I used both salt technic and post shading, after years spent dreaming of them.
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Salt technic: a lightened 36440 was applied; once dry, soapy water (to reduce surface tension, preventing water slipping away) and grain salt spread over: water will seal salt grain keeping them on site. A layer of 36440 and, when dry, using a brush, removing salt. Wow! Unbelievable: clear spots resembling the weathering of real airplane surface are served. Now it was the time to apply via airbrush heavy thinned dark gray over panel (engraved) lines: post shading. To make this more comfortable, I did not fit together wings and fuselage before
I applied the paints and effects. Another new (and successful) choice for me: fixing two pieces did not damage too much
the painting effects: small actions and everything went fine. A final FS36440 strongly thinned (1 to 5) sprayed over finally joint structure, softened lines and hues. So, despite my bias for the version, I am happy with final result. To be sure, I put close to each other this B version with a previous M one, loading full ordnance (which makes
a difference); maybe you will agree with me.