I’m thinking my next project will be an F-22 in 1:72.
I’ve heard that the Fujimi 1:72 is the best kit out right now in this scale. Other than the fact that you can adjust some of the flight surfaces, is it really a better kit than say, the Academy or Hasigawa kits?Is there one that you guys think is better?
Is this a good painting plan for this plane: Paint the plane in the darker grey (Ghost grey?) first and then mask off the “splotches” using a liquid mask and then re-spray the plane in the lighter grey? I’m not sure what the correct FS numbers are for this plane, either.
I’m hoping to get some aftermarket decals, preferably for Edwards. I’ll check around about that. I’m thinking TwoBobs, or one of the other vendors may have an ED F-22 sheet.
Anyway, any tips would be greatly appreciated. The Fujimi kit is a bit pricy and I don’t want to mess it up.
Before the Fujimi kit came out, the Revell kit was supposed to be the best F-22 out there. Thats the one i went for, and i am happy i got that one. I cheaper than the Academy kit, not sure about the Fujimi, yet it stioll looks like a good kit.
Bish I also have the RoG Raptor as well and also think it looks pretty good myself and am also impressed they included a wheel up option though I will need to source a modern (post 2004) seated pilot in 1/72 scale to sit in the cockpit
Problem with alot of the Asian made kits is the usual tendency to gravitate to Gunze paint colors. At least the Revell of Germany F/A-22A Raptor uses the FS standard when comparing the paint to be used and makes it easier to figure out what Testors Model Master paint color to use. Though I am probably going to use the same colors on my Langley F-15’s as well.
I’m working on the Hasegawa 1/48 F-22 right now. It is a beautifully engineered and detailed kit, and will take quite some time to do it right. Over 350 parts with lots of “fiddly bits.”
I have given up trying to figure out the “right” colors. Don’t think anybody knows- have you ever seen a Raptor up close and in person?
I settled on Testor’s MM light ghost gray for the main color, with dark ghost gray for the camo accent. Close enough for government work. After test spraying some stryrene sheets, I have decided it will look best with a final coat of flat, dull Testor’s clear lacquer.
For painting sequence, I would paint the whole thing first with the light ghost gray, then free-hand airbrush the dark ghost gray camo over that. Always paint lighter colors first.
I would highly recommend this kit, but only for experienced modelers.
If you’ll permit, here is a link to my build: /forums/t/124497.aspx
I got a very nice effect on the F-22 surface. What I did was use Alclad Dark Aluminum mixed with Humbrol 125 for the dark areas, and Alclad Aluminum mixed with Humbrol 126 for the lighter areas. Here is how I mixed it…can be a little tricky, so have patience:
For the dark areas, thin the Humbrol 50-50 with thinners and then mix that solution mixed with the Alclad on a 50-50 ratio. Mix the Alclad with the Humbrol a few drops at a time or you risk mucking the mixture. then Airbrush on.
For the lighter areas, thin the Humbrol 50-50 with thinners, but mix that solution with the Alclad at a 40-60 mixture in favor of the Alclad…this will give you that hint of shimmer. Then Airbrush on.
Please note to not hold the airbrush too far, or the mixture will have a tendency to be more course on the surface. If that happens, you can rub it a bit with blue tack poster putty…that will not harm the surface, but removes any rough spots.
The current Paint scheme used by the F-15 is also being used on the F-22 so I pretty much matched up the FS numbers and have amassed several bottles of paint in the Model Master line
Hutch, thank you for your suggestions. Sounds a bit complicated, but interesting. I may give that a try. I bought some metallic paint additive, but test results showed little difference… looks the same as the plain old paint, with or without.
Although it is appears a bit complicated, the results are stunning. The Alclad combined with the Humbrol gives it that very subtle sparkle/sheen indicative of the radar absorbing material. In any event, I am sure you will get the results you want.
Thats an interesting idea hutch, i wouldn’t have thought you could mix the two. Its at least worth giving it a try on some old plastic. Did you just create 2 colours for the 22.
FS 36375 (Light Ghost Gray)---------- the radome and strips of gray surrounding the intake fins stabilator and wings
FS 36251 ( Navy Agressor grey)-------- overall fuselage base color
and FS 36176 (Dark Grey (F-15) ) ------ camo blotches upper fuselage stabilator rudder fin
looking at the colors in the bottles (they were already shook up thanks to the local USPS) they looked a close match to the camo on F-15’s which is also the same for the F-22. And reviewers are usually a biased lot for some reason.
No, the Humbrol colors are the proper FS colors for the F22. The Alclad adds the shimmer. One has to slowly mix the two, but it works. I learned this technique from a guy in one of the International Modelers magazine. I have to say again that the results are quite pleasing.
Right, with you now hutch. I might give a try with Xtracolor enamels, should work the same.
Mike, thanks. I can’t remember off the top of my head which FS colours the Revell instructions suggest. ut i do remember one review, think it was the FSM one, saying thats some of the decals were lost when applied because they so closely matched the paint.