Just started modelling again. Have some questions..

[deniall83]

Hi guys. So I just started building kits again and so far I'm really enjoying it. I got myself an airbrush, compressor and spray booth and have enjoyed experimenting and learning different techniques. I do have a few questions though.

When painting aircraft, how do you hold it? I have trouble spraying it evenly as I'm worried about touching the model while it's wet. I have a Tamiya stand which is great for car bodies but I can't see anything for aircraft. Is there a holding tool people recommend?

When applying a gloss coat for decals, how smooth does it have be? I had trouble laying down a smooth even coat recently as I couldn't get the coverage required and it ended up really rough unless I went super close to the model. It didn't really work out as planned. Does anyone have a gloss clear suggestion?

That's about it for now. I'll add more to this thread when I think of things.

[digger303]

Jets some insert a rod where the engine is, But on larger scales I am about to find out as I prime my first aircraft soon and it's got a prop. Top first then turn it to do the underside I think ?? Different base coats anyway and I'll have to mask it.
check this out
https://www.hobby.dn.ua/instrumentsmate ... 37e6h4kr82 .....I'm getting one of those.
Most say this is the go to product..... https://www.emodels.co.uk/alclad-2-120m ... s-600.html .....clean brush immediately afterwards.

What airbrush are you using and for what scale kits are you building ? Is it a detail brush ?
did you thin the product at all ?
should be spraying around 75 -100mm from target , air pressure at about 12 -18 psi

[Avgas]

If I'm doing a jet I'll try to push something up the jetpipe if you'll excuse the expression, and if it's a prop I do it without the prop on and push a bit of old wire coathangar where the prop spigot goes into the fuselage. Sometimes you just have to do the top and bottom separate but primer dries quickly enough so that you can turn the kit over after a few minutes.

I wouldn't worry about getting the gloss coat mirror smooth, a couple of coats should do it. Depending on the paint type you can still get a grainy feel to the touch but sometimes you just have to cut your losses and get on with it. Some folk will sand back their paint to get a completely smooth finish for their gloss coat but the only reason we put it on is so that the decals have something to lie flat on and as a sealer when you come to weather it. As in all things modelling it depends on how anal you want to get about it, and I don't mean that as a disparaging remark to those who do flat back their paint! I'm sure I do stuff too that others would consider over the top. I use Alclad Aqua Gloss as a gloss coat but make sure you clean your brush after you use it as it can gunk it up.

[Twokidsnosleep]

If I'm doing a jet I'll try to push something up the jetpipe if you'll excuse the expression

I believe in North America, we call that "Up the Wazoo"....International Model site clarification

Welcome back to modelling, hide your wallet!!!