Apply this wash to each panel individually and, with a paper towel, wipe the excess wash off the adjacent surface, leaving some wash in the groove. I use water-based acrylic paint (latex house paint will work) and thin it so that it flows easily into the panel lines. Since this Corsair has crisply molded-in panel lines and surface detail, the first step was to highlight these details with a medium gray wash applied to the panel line with a fine brush. All that was required was a light spray of glass cleaner to the overall model, a thorough wipe down, and adequate drying time. Since I had decided not to repaint the model, there was no need to remove any of the manufacturer-applied markings, prepare a new stencil or markings, or even mask for color separation. Wipe the excess away with a paper towel and the residual gray will stay in the panel line.īelow: The final appearance of the model is anything but monochromatic and you’ve created a look of realism don’t be afraid to try it! Left: A small artist’s brush is used to flow the gray wash into the molded panel lines. Without the benefit of hangars, covers, shelters, or daily maintenance, they took some serious abuse and it showed. Typically, WW II subjects operating in harsh environments like deserts or salt air will tend to look “beat up” in a shorter amount of time. This search for a weathered appearance is a little bit easier than the complete documentation phase, as you don’t need a specific airplane photos of any airplane operating under similar environmental and service conditions will do. The first-and most important-part of the process involves the “search.” Much like the documentation hunt for that “just right” paint scheme, photos of actual aircraft are essential. While both the refinishing and weathering techniques improve the overall appearance, the refinish changes the look while weathering, or properly done aging, enhances the realism. Equally important is the fact that these techniques can be used even after you’ve repainted your model in order to give it a personalized look. The techniques employed are relatively easy and inexpensive, and you really can’t make a serious mistake. Instead of a complete re-paint, I decided to take the alternative route of using the stock version as a basis for a “weathered,” or in-service look, which the real Corsair was likely to have experienced. For this presentation, I started with the all-foam (EPO) Corsair offered by Tower Hobbies. From its big, round cowl through its aft cockpit to its unique inverted gull wing, there’s no mistaking a Corsair. The bent-wing bird, as it’s often called, has a look like no other WW II fighter. No doubt about it, among warbirds, the Vought F4U Corsair ranks way up near the top as a favorite with modelers.
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