My Airfix 1/48 Hawk

[DavidJC]

I battled some at times vague instructions, and I misread the underside white stripes and placed two strips on the underbelly stabilisers rather than the airbrake thing that I have posed in the down position, and the kit needed just a tiny bit of filler here and there, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable build.

 

My big worry, the decals (particulalry the underside decals), actually went on like a dream.

 

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[Ratch]

 Nice build David

[DavidJC]

Thank you  😀

[Matthew72]

Excellent finish!  What paint did you use?

[DavidJC]

I thought I might have problems with the depth and brilliance of gloss red going directly over grey plastic, so for the first time ever I used primer. I used Tamiya white (aerosol) for that. Stunning stuff. It can be easy to spray too much, but it goes on easily, lays absolutely silky smooth and dries fairly rapidly.

 

The red is Tamiya aerosol Italian Red. It might not be 'Red Arrows' red but it looks right to me. This wasn't as easy to use as the white primer as I did get some orange peel on a wing that I used a buffing stick on to take back, and if you're not careful it will give too heavy a coat. I then decalled it, then after a couple of days washed off carefully, allowed to dry and gave it a final coat of Tamiya aerosol gloss varnish.

 

I'd recommend doing it outside on a warm, dry, still day, or if indoors, in an area that is very well protected. I'd also encourage the wearing of surgical gloves and a face mask since the spray mist goes absolutely everywhere.

[Matthew72]

Thanks for the explanation!  I am normally not a fan of display team aircraft (I prefer the grays of combat aircraft) but the quality of your finish makes me reconsider my preferances!

[Dad Paul B]

Looks lovely. My son did the 1/72 version and got a nice result too. The only thing which caught us out was the underwing decals - they need to be applied before the underwing fences which is not mentioned in the instructions.

I did see the arrows in this livery but I still prefer the traditional fin flash over this flag version (but then I also preferred the Gnats).

A really nice build. I am considering the 1/48 Gnat - both of these would make great 1/24 subjects - how about some Jets in the Superkit range?

[DavidJC]

Dad Paul B, that nearly caught me out, had I thought about it I should have mentioned it in my initial post above.

 

I analysed the instructions and build sequences and saw that the underwing projections, whatever they are, would cause me problems with the transfers, so yes I put the transfers on then added the pylons or fences or whatever they are.

 

As you say, perhaps that could and should have been highlighted in the instructions which would I don't doubt have saved and will save a lot of grief for others.

 

It'd be a nice to see your son's build by the way. Encourage him to join and post his model(s) too  😀

[Dad Paul B]

Here is Daniel's 1/72 Hawk (he was just short of 7 when he did this), Red Arrows pre 2014 livery. The only help I provided was the nose light (very fiddly and I lost the original part - thanks Airfix spares), masking the underwing markings once we realised the fences were a problem and spraying the white primer. The Arrow Red paintwork was all his (brush painted) and he managed the decals very well - I may have helped with some of the small stencils but I think he managed the alignment of the trim lines on his own.  I haven't figured out the best way of masking or painting the cream divided stripe on the cockpit yet.

I like the classic tricolour fin flash over the new versions but I definitely intend to try the Gnat as my first foray into /media/tinymce_upload/1edf9a25e9fb786dc71bc8a373008df5.JPG

1/48.

This was his 3rd or 4th model (after a Hurricane, Tucano and Gnat). He can't wait for the Jet Provost to come out.

[Pogo1]

Hi DadPaul B. 

A really simple and effective way to put the cream/ buff coloured seal around the canopy would be to get a piece of  decal sheet that has been on the edge of the main sheet and paint it the correct colour. When this has dried, simply cut a very thin strip of it a little longer than you need and attach it like you would with any decal . The excess can be carefuly trimmed away  once it has dried. Because of the thickness of the strp, it should curve around the contours of the canopy. I use this method all the time and it does work . 

cheers

[DavidJC]

Wow, well, perhaps we could ask you to pass on to Daniel he's made a lovely job of the kit.

 

As to the canopy dividing line, if you cut that yellow modelling masking tape thin enough (use a metal ruler for a dead straight edge) you can often tease it around gentle compound curves like the canopy above. Then of course use the wider remaining section to over-tape. Or get some of that admittedly expensive white Tamiya tape which is rather more flexible. PVC in appearance and feel, it goes round compound curves beautifully and with a bit of effort, it will actually do a sharp but smoothly rounded right-angled bend.

[Dad Paul B]

David

I found a reel of the Tamiya Curve tape last weekend so will give it a try at the first opportunity. The decal technique is interesting as well (I have experimented with self printing decals and am getting the hang of it).

Thanks Guys.

 

Paul