I’ve been on again, off again on modelling. Mostly because I get stuck trying to figure out what is the best methodology to build…paint as you build, or build then paint??? This is all more complicated by trying to learn - and use - an airbrush.
Here’s where I am at…
I’m trying to decide whether to hand paint the chasis/engine and exhaust, or put it all together and paint what I can reach. If I go with the former, how do I protect what has been painted when I (attempt to) airbrush the body. Do I attach the seats or leave them until last?
All these questions keep me from finishing anything I start.
I would AB the chassis, hand paint the engine/exhaust, since you already have them installed… AB the body off the chassis, and put the seats, etc. in last.
I build pretty much everything and then paint afterwards. I will leave out the engine (if it is a different color than OD green, like grey for a Ford GPW) and leave off the tools, gear, top, tires, etc. and hand paint and detail them, then add them afterpainting. I attach the seats before overall painting, then carefully hand paint the cushions.
OMG! I had the exact same question for the exact same model! I am just back into modeling and I thought I would start with something reasonably simple. I am adding a bit of PE metal to see how that works out.
My question is about painting on the sprue. When I did models many years ago, we use to paint pieces still on the sprue. I like the idea of sub-assemblies and painting in sections though. But do people still paint on the sprue?
I may paint a small detail item that does not get painted the same color as the rest of the vehicle on the sprue. That is only becasue it may be hard to hold otherwise. I generally do not paint parts on the sprue though since you then have to scrape away the paint to get a good glue attachment, then repaint. Also, with an airbrush, coverage is not a problem like it was with brush painting, so there is no need to paint parts on the sprue anymore in my opinion.
I only paint small fine parts on the sprue and only then if there is an attachment point where it will be glues, such as an aircraft undercarrage leg. Other wise you then have to touch it up afterwards. If i have to remove a part thats being painted seperatly i hold it by an attachment pint in some blue tac on a wooden peg.
I have been building on commission for more years than I care to count . When I build for me , I paint stuff on the sprue . After 63 years it seems the right thing to do . T.B.
First to answer the actual OP question. I painted mine after it was glued together, same as most armor models I build. I also built it “curbside”, with the exhaust system on it. So everything was green.
Sometimes when I have a load in the AB, I’ll open up other kits and paint the parts lightly on the sprues as a sort of primer. Like tire halves- it’s not hard to avoid getting paint on the glue surfaces.
