Airfix Messerschmitt BF109E-4 1/72

[Campbell]

This is my first build posting. I've gone for something cheap-as-chips as a bit of a test bed… this is my first time using an airbrush so I thought that I'd try some of the techniques I've seen on the forum like pre-shading, re-scribing. I also chose this model as it's a smaller version of the one that Paul uses in his tutorial videos.

I've mad quite a bit of progress so far…

Also trying to work out how to post pics from my Mac so here goes

Box

BF109 box.jpg

Re-scribing, before and after
Not sure how well this shows up, but better than I thought for a first effort. I see how you could spend a lifetime on this, but I'm hoping that the extra effort on the seam line and then re-scribing will give a better finish

before rescribing.jpg

before rescribing.jpg

Pre-shading
Big lesson here is that my hand is less steady than I thought. The better lines were when I had a good rest for the model and my hand. I know the advice is to make the pre-shading quite random, so I'll be interested to see how this turns out

preshading.jpg

[Paul]

Great start, don't worry about the preshading, the rougher it is the better it look IMO, I don't think you get the same effect when it's all nice straight and perfect thin lines

[Campbell]

Here's a quick look at the first coat on the underside of the wings

IMG_1503.jpg

First big lesson… pre-shading looks great

Second… not that good at working with Humbro acrylics. Used Tamiya thinner, just over 20 psi and ended up with a few 'splurges' of paint… any top tips from old hands gratefully received...

[UKguyInUSA]

Here's a quick look at the first coat on the underside of the wings

IMG_1503.jpg

First big lesson… pre-shading looks great

Second… not that good at working with Humbro acrylics. Used Tamiya thinner, just over 20 psi and ended up with a few 'splurges' of paint… any top tips from old hands gratefully received...

It's looking good so far, Campbell! You didn't go to thick on the paint and the pre-shading is showing through nicely. The first model that I put together in January was an Airfix Spitfire and it was my first use of a compressor and airbrush that my wife bought me for Christmas. I had my PSI set just over 20 and I got my nozzle too close to the plane and ended up with a thick pool. It was a harsh lesson, but necessary for the learning curve. I dropped my pressure to the 15-18 range and got more comfortable with the dual action trigger, not so heavy handed on the amount of flow and I cured the "splurge". You'll get the hang of it.....so don't let it deter you, mate!

I can't wait to see your finished item : )

Cheers,

Martin

[Campbell]

Progress yesterday... masked up for green followed by grey for camo, then the white wing tips.

Couple of small glitches to iron out: (1) tape pulled off a little paint so needs touching up; (2) masking wasn't as good as it could have been aruond cockpit; (3) white paint ran down panel lines.

Overall really pleased with the paint job from the airbrush (this is my first time)

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[Campbell]

photo 3.JPG