Tamiya Humber IV - first build for 30 years!

Post by **SteveAFV** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 1:26 pm

Ok go easy on me guys first build for 30 years and following a motorbike crash 18 years ago my right arm is totally paralysed. However I do want to improve so advice welcome, I'm not sensitive (much). I'd be interested if there are any other modellers with disabilities (hateful word IMHO)

Slow going as I'm finding ways to handle tools and assembly jobs. Sanding sticks taped to my bench works but easy to sand away too much because work area is hidden.

I struggled holding whilst Tamiya extra thin grabbed enough. This 1/48 model is small and after having my fat fingers in the way I managed to just get a few panels out of alignment. The instructions do state to ensure the small step on the side panel alignment which I think I've got right but in doing so the alignment is off between the right side (B47) where it joins the front (B16) and back (B30).

I've used filler in a few gaps in the joint due to aforementioned over-sanding. What should I do with the joins where there is either a misalignment or anyway where the join is showing rather than looking like a single piece? I was think with the latter just to use a sanding stick on them to just clean them up but not sure about the former if I should try dissolved filler brushed on first or just sanding it.

Appreciate any advice.

Cheers guys,

Steve.

Post by **DoubleDigit12** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 9:46 pm

Looks great so far goodluck

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:35 am

Thanks doubledigit12.

Last night I sat on the sofa post Japanese takeaway to prep the axels and what is presumable a rear anti-roll bar. It took two hours to clean up the parts. At least I didn't snap the anti-roll bar. I probably went overboard with cleaning the seam lines on the axels, it won't be seen and they probably won't show that much under paint and weathering. But it served as a way to work out how to do it one handed. Turned out fine and was actually relaxing which is not something I say a lot with GAD and PTSD!

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:41 am

Found this which is useful as a reference

[youtube]MFBypt36VKw[/youtube]

Post by **Augustus** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 4:23 pm

Hi Steve,

Great job so far, am looking forward to this build.

I'm new to the hobby so can't off too much advice, but I find Tamiya ET only gives what seems like a few seconds to place your parts, and also due to this time frame is not very forgiving for large parts. I mainly use it for parts I've dry placed and can then add the TET allowing the capillary action to take it into all the nooks and crannies. For the most part I use Revell Contacta, adding it to one part while placing the other. It gives a lot more time for moving the parts so as to seat correctly.

Post by **chalkyw** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 6:41 pm

Good job so far Steve, even more so considering your abilities.....the only advice I can give is to watch loads of YouTube vids as there are some great modellers on there who give some great advice and you can see what they're doing as well. Check out Will Pattison on YouTube as he has dexterity issues but overcomes them to produce some fantastic builds - hope its ok to mention it

Keep it up and I'll watch with interest

, I'm especially looking forward to seeing the 'sexy germans'!!!

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:09 pm

Thanks Augustus, you may be right. I think I need to experiment. I may try to use clamps and rubber bands etc to get it fitted right dry then use the TET. I'm a little conscious about applying it on exposed faces where it'll be seen even thigh I've read it evaporates and isn't visible after painting.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:22 pm

Chalkyw thanks. I have YouTube playlist coming out my exhaust;-) I'll look up the guy you mentioned and of course it's ok to mention that he has dexterity issues too. It's all cool.

The Germans are actually twins! Getting dodgy now. Tamiya pz IV ausf D (yes the '75 vintage) and the HobbyBoss (ex-tristar molds) of the same prototype. The Tamiya was a low cost purchase as a second practice before I take on the HobbyBoss which wasn't exactly expensive itself. I actually bought a Tamiya Mk IV ww1 male tank too. Those will keep me going a while at my slow work rate.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sun Aug 07, 2016 7:55 pm

Quick update. Finished to Step 4. What can I say the sun and hot tub got in the way. I left the anti-roll bar off until a later stage as I'm going going to break it.

Post by **OliveDrab** » Sun Aug 07, 2016 8:31 pm

Welcome back to the hobby! By the looks of it your doing a wonderful job

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sun Aug 07, 2016 8:47 pm

OliveDrab wrote:Welcome back to the hobby! By the looks of it your doing a wonderful job

Thanks Curt. It's tough going but enjoying it.

Post by **chalkyw** » Sun Aug 07, 2016 11:07 pm

looking spot on Steve, I reackon you've done this before

....... me thinks I've got to get one of these for myself.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Aug 08, 2016 8:21 am

Hi Steve

Looking good mate, it's all a learning curve I've made loads of mistakes during my build after the same amount of time but it does start coming back to you. Best bits of advice I can give, plan things make sure you've got everything you need before starting and take your time.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Mon Aug 08, 2016 1:54 pm

chalkyw wrote:looking spot on Steve, I reackon you've done this before ....... me thinks I've got to get one of these for myself.

I'll admit to a little dabbling in sticking plastic before! Mainly to myself, clothing, soft furnishings and the like.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Mon Aug 08, 2016 1:54 pm

Kevthemodeller wrote:Looking good mate, it's all a learning curve I've made loads of mistakes during my build after the same amount of time but it does start coming back to you. Best bits of advice I can give, plan things make sure you've got everything you need before starting and take you time.

Good advice.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 6:37 pm

This evening step 5. But first the hot tub then steak dinner. Living the dream....

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 7:19 pm

SteveAFV wrote:But first the hot tub then steak dinner. Living the dream...

You certainly are mate

Post by **SteveAFV** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 9:53 pm

Ok this evening didn't go to plan but I found a way to hold the suspension struts on whilst I glued them. Tricky buggers.

Post by **Augustus** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:51 pm

SteveAFV wrote:Ok this evening didn't go to plan but I found a way to hold the suspension struts on whilst I glued them. Tricky buggers.
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Well it's working Steve, nice clean build.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:35 pm

Quick update. Managed to speed up and make good progress.

The tiny thin handles were very awkward to clean up and get glued in the right place and alignment.

Wonder what to do with the wheels. Paint on the sprue or assemble and spray.

Post by **chalkyw** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:37 pm

Looking very, very nice so far Steve, looking forward to seeing it progress

Post by **SteveAFV** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:36 pm

Thanks Chalky I really appreciate that. I'm hoping to have assembly complete and maybe even primer down by end of tomorrow.

Post by **AgentG** » Sat Aug 13, 2016 9:45 am

This is going rather well. I am watching and taking note, as I have never built this particular kit.

G

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sat Aug 13, 2016 8:30 pm

Successfully completed assembly. The wing mirrors were the worst thing to get right. Not enough contact and too heavy so even letting cement set up a bit but still tacky they needed constant coaxing to stay upright. Still I stayed relaxed and it stayed my side of the room so must be ok.

Primed with a rattle can Tamiya regular grey primer. Thought it was the fine surface primer. Bought a can of that too to try next. Worried I'd gone a bit heavy in places and it was going to pool but it dried ok. How long are you meant to leave the primer before hitting it with the top coat? I'll be using an airbrush for the first time so will be practising in the morning. Might bottle it, we'll see.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sat Aug 13, 2016 8:59 pm

Bugger the shovel is on inside out! The camera never lies..... A job for tomorrow.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 2:55 pm

Disaster averted. There is some surface texture I would rather not be there but I'm calling this field damage;-)

I'm probably going overboard on the finishing of the front face of the turret. It has an obvious join. Sanded and filled with Tamiya surface primer. Letting that dry and will see how it goes.

I think I've gone a bit heavy with the primer so I might lose a bit of detail. Lesson learned.

Will try out the airbrush this afternoon to see how bad I am at it!

Post by **chalkyw** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:30 pm

SteveAFV wrote:Bugger the shovel is on inside out! The camera never lies..... A job for tomorrow.

Lol

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 9:34 pm

Been a lack of progress the last week. Things getting in the way.

I managed to practice with the airbrush and get a base coat of Tamiya on. Looks ok but I think I went too quick and put too thick a coat on. Unsure if the surface is as smooth as it should be. But I'm not sure if I have "dry" finish. I certainly need more practice.

The wheels were airbrushed the same body colour and then the tyres were brush painted with AK old rubber. I did them on the sprue which made it easy to paint but when it came to cut them off, neaten and assemble I found it awkward and I got glue on the paint and had to sand off some of the paint to remove the nubs of sprue left. Might not do it this way again.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 6:36 pm

Painted the details today.

I spotted the unsprayed edge of the turret's open hatch. Touched that up by brush.

I do dn't like the shiny metal using the recommended Tamiya colours so did a wash of AK gun metal over things. Unmagnifued, with my bad eye sight, it looks like used blacked metal. In the photos it just looks badly painted.

How do others paint tools? Before or after assembly?

Generally I'm happy with it. It'll get a clear gloss coat tomorrow and I'll weather it over the weekend.

I managed to be a klutz and break one of the wing mirrors. It's back on but I think it's easy to spot. Ho hum

Post by **chalkyw** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 6:39 pm

Nice job Steve, tools just look used to me and I always paint them after.........lol, there's not a hatch or wing mirror anywhere that hasn't been broken off at some point

Post by **SteveAFV** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 6:52 pm

chalkyw wrote:Nice job Steve, tools just look used to me and I always paint them after.........lol, there's not a hatch or wing mirror anywhere that hasn't been broken off at some point

Oh I'm sure! Thanks. 1/48 tools are bloody tiny. I wouldn't have a hope at 1/72.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:40 am

Well I didn't get to model making until this morning. So it's gloss coat on for the Humber. It's clearly shown up the paint finish texture. It's nicer on the turret but only just. I need more practice but I'm ok with this. I'm hoping judicial weathering will disguise enough to be acceptable.

Post by **chalkyw** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 7:14 pm

mmmmmm, paint

Post by **mincemeat** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 3:12 am

Hey Steve, looks like your doing great! I've had the same dry-ish texture with spraying Tamiya. Sanding it back with a really fine sander before glossing can help post spraying. For some pre-spray action, Tamiya sells a retarder for their paints but also I've read and heard people using Tamiya's lacquer thinner instead of the acrylic thinner and getting better results.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 7:37 am

mincemeat wrote:Hey Steve, looks like your doing great! I've had the same dry-ish texture with spraying Tamiya. Sanding it back with a really fine sander before glossing can help post spraying. For some pre-spray action, Tamiya sells a retarder for their paints but also I've read and heard people using Tamiya's lacquer thinner instead of the acrylic thinner and getting better results.

Thanks. Too late to deal with it now I think. Gloss already on. Lesson learned. The model is very awkward to sand and get an even finish at the final construction point. The 1/48 scale doesn't help I'm sure. May try a retarder. Would the Vallejo retarder work? I heard about the lacquer thinner but I can't use anything with a strong smell in the house.

Post by **mincemeat** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 1:30 am

My general rule of thumb is to use the manufacturers thinner with the paint and I would apply that rule to the retarder. I found that a sheet of styrene is a great paint testing ground. Put some primer down and give the Vallejo retarder and Tamiya paint a whirl. I imagine you would want to only use a drop or two of the retarder, but you'll have to play around depending on the humidity conditions. Pre-mix in a cup and see if there is a reaction. I think it may not work because I've thinned Vallejo with water and Tamiya is an alcohol based lacquer. Tamiya's thinner smells like rubbing alcohol. You can try a home-brewed concoction I saw of 70% isopropyl alchol (or some claim denatured is best), and Flow-aid. I've used this and can't claim if it works, I don't use Tamiya paints a lot.

I have the same issue with smelly things in the house. Some day I would like to try out AK Xtreme Metals, but being enamel based it's a guarantee. I'm also quite tired of everything being "xtreme/extreme".

Post by **SteveAFV** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 10:22 am

I'll check the Tamiya one for sure. I did some practice on styrene sheet before and it came out ok and after the issue on this model I did some paint tests on plastic spoons with Aqua Gloss and they all turned out really good. I think it was bad priming from a rattle can and maybe overspray or too heavy coats of base paint that caused the effect. I will aim to be more aware of what I'm doing next time.

Post by **chalkyw** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 7:26 pm

Steve, I got the same gritty texture from Tamiya in certain atmospheric conditions until I started thinning with Mr Color levelling thinner but that's a non starter for you by the sound of it as it stinks

Post by **SteveAFV** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 10:21 pm

I'm gonna do a practice session chalkyw as I think it's just not thinning paint my enough and rushing. I can do this!

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 1:18 pm

Decals on. Was a struggle and at the last stage the numbers on the front moved when micro sol was added.

Post by **mincemeat** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 6:58 pm

Looks great Steve! I had decals shift on me like that when I was putting the red stripes on the prop of a Zero. I understand the frustration.

Post by **SteveAFV** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 8:57 pm

mincemeat wrote:Looks great Steve! I had decals shift on me like that when I was putting the red stripes on the prop of a Zero. I understand the frustration.

Especially frustrating when the parts in the back I thought were going to be less successful and it's the easy one that goes awry.