Hey Pixi;
You make me sick and I want to grow up to just like you!!!,
your work and Swanny’s is awsome and I stand Humbled for it I want to see more oh GREAT ONE[bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow]
Thanks Lufbury & 'cuda !
cassibill - that’s one HEAVY workload. Are you planning on digging up bones in your future?
Lufbury - yes, this plane also carried the Yagi radar antenna under both wings. I usually din’t add these fragile parts until the end of the assembly. Too much chance of breaking and/or losing them during the wash. I also plan to replace the antenna mast on the fin with a stronger piece of steel wire. I wish that companies wouldn’t mold these antenna (and, in some cases, gun barrels) attached to their locations.
'cuda - I don’t do anything special. I’ve just built a LOT of kits in my lifetime (5-600). I feel that making “mistakes” is my major influence for improvement (and I have made COUNTLESS “mistakes”). The first thing I look for in a kit is the problem areas, then figure out a way to build it without having to re-do anything major.
Thanks again !
i think pix your explainations are as good as your pics. i am going to have to dig through some of your responses when i get ready to do my 1/48 kate to get ideas for the interior. with you and obiwan i dont think my research is going to be nearly as tough.
joe
Pix, I envy you the time and talent. You continuously produce exemplary models of interesting planes. Keep them coming. They make me work harder at my own stuff. 
excellent looking bird pix.[tup][tup][tup] one day babe, one day. later.
Thanks fightinjoe, Keyworth, & saltydog !
fightinjoe - whatever you need, my friend, just ask. I’m always here to help anyone I can.
Keyworth - I just started another interesting build (gotta wait for the paint on the Avenger to dry, and I had to order paint for the Swordfish). Its the 1/48 Accurate Miniatures Il-2 Stormovik single-seat on skis (on sale at Squadron for $13 !), with Eduard PE (which cost half a buck more than the kit !). It will be in winter camo, sort of a “companion” to my Ju 87G-2. Pics to follow soon.
saltydog - the Accurate Miniatures kit is SWEET. If you haven’t built one, or seen it in the box, get one. It requires some dryfitting, but the detail is GREAT. Highly recommended.
Thanks again, everyone !
Pix thank you for the lesson, didn’t know you could mix oils with enamels!!! I have copied your post, and will refer back to it while I try out this technique on a practice model…a Panzer shhhhh…don’t tell the armor boys I’m using their toys as paint “targets” [;)][:P] Thanks again, I hope that I will be able to show you some awesome pics of my own in a few weeks!!! [bow][bow]
Hear, hear! One day, i’m going to build just like Pix and Swanny! [:p] How go the decals, and what decal fixative/solvent do you use? (Academy decals are crap, and keep peeling off…)
You’re welcome, kik. Your remark about using the armor kit as a “paint target” instantly brought to mind the scene in “Kelly’s Heroes,” where Donald Sutherland fires the paint round at the trapped “Tiger” tank ! (I’ve always liked that scene)
shrikes _ I’ve never used Academy’s decals, so I don’t have a definite answer for those. I use Micro Sol & Micro Set on my decals (I also have some Aeromaster Aero Sol & Aero Set, basically the same formula). For peeling decals, you can try applying the decal to a mixture of white glue & water on the model’s glossy surface. Experiment with glue/water ratios to find what’s workable for you. I don’t know what’s available to you in the Philippines, but I use Future for gloss coats. I always apply Future over the decals to seal them, after they have been dry for a day or so (make sure you wash off the excess glue before sealing). For stubborn decals (such as old Hasegawa), I’ve found that dipping them in very hot (but NOT boiling) water can help adhesion. Of course, try this on a test decal first.
Good luck to you both !
Looking good, as always!
Thanks, J-Hulk !
Its been a while since I’ve built an Allied aircraft. Figured it was about time again.
Very nice job Pix. [:D]
Did you get bored with such a simple paint design? [;)] [(-D]
Mike
Thanks Mike !
Yeah, the scheme is a pretty easy one to paint, but I DEFINATELY prefer it to the single or two-color options ! Plus, it was fun to paint the reverse shadows under the wings & tail. And keeping the airbrush in a line for the length of the fuselage was different, too.
Thanks again !
That Avenger looks REALLY good! Great job!
I look at pictures on this forum, and then go look at my models, and think, “What a waste of good plastic!”
Thanks Ian !
I don’t believe that there is such a thing as “wasted” plastic. I try to look at building models as a journey. The destination is not as much fun as traveling. Every model is a step on that path, and we can change directions, move at different paces, and sometimes even backtrack. Every step is important, as it is a vital part of the journey. By viewing other people’s models, you can see where you have been, and directions in which you want to travel. I find inspiration in other people’s models, of things I have yet to try. I may stumble & fall, but taking that step was something I felt was necessary. EVERY model you build is valuable, as it is a part of your own personal journey. Good luck & keep on building !
Superb looking bird, Pixilater! I’m looking forward to seeing your finished painted canopies on that one
Paul
extremely good job!
Very nice pix. As always, when I see your work I’m both jealous and delighted at the same time! More photo’s please!
Darren.
Yes Pix I second the motion from brother Tango I
Thanks paulnchamp, T-34, TANGO, & jimz66 !
paulnchamp - I use Scotch invisible (frosty) tape. It always gives me clean lines & leaves no residue. I also give them the same number of Future & Dullcoat coats, to keep it consistent.
TANGO & jimz66 - There will be more pics when I apply the decals. This will probably be mid-week.
Thanks again !