My first build in many years is the Academy F-15 Eagle. The cockpit if fairly well detailed, but has no decals. Instead of my usual “paint is all zinc green” approach from my youth, I’m actually looking at the paint instructions. Should I be looking at a certain base color to airbrush and then touch up with the other colors after that? What’s a good way to make the instruments show up after you paint over them in flat black??? Dry brush a little silver or white? Cockpits have always been my weak spot, all due to not knowing how to make them look better. Has anyone done a detailed build thread?
Looking at some of the finished builds will give you some ideas of threads to. then red the build reports.
As to “flat black”; I wouldn’t ; try instead, very dark gray with a darker blend (mix in small amt. of black) for the shadow areas and a lighter (mix in small amt. of light gray) for the upper areas (dry brushing). After that has a chance to dry ,evaluate and add what you feel is needed.
Don’t forget colors on switches etc. A good reference picture (or 2 or 3 or 4 or…) to see how the actual cockpit is colored on your perticular aircraft will make the job of color choice easier.
Look in the aircraft forum for some work in progress threads, or some of the group builds in the group build forum. There are plenty of examples in both areas. I like to use base colors, washes, detail items and dry brushed wear and highlights. Ejection seats on modern fighters like the Eagle can add a whole bunch of interest to a cockpit when done properly.
To gloss the instrument faces, I use the end of a toothpick to put a tiny drop of future or clear gloss lacquer on each instrument dial. It makes that dial reflecting like a glass cover. You can also use a tiny drop of gloss black using same method. I have used all three techniques, they all work about the same.
I found some interesting videos on youtube about cockpit detailing and general airbrush tips as well. I have soooo much to learn.
paint the base color- in the case of US jets Dark Gull Gray in most cases
paint basic additional colors: black consoles and instruments, green cusions and straps, yellow emergency handles
add washes in recesses and detail paint switches, stripes, etc.
