I just picked this up, Tamiya 1:48.

Hopefully, the image appears. But if it does not, has anyone built this and how did they do the red belly with the white stripes. Tamiya provides white decals, I would rather paint the whole thing. Anybody build it and have some overall tips or know of a link to give me some ideas?
Thanks.
I have not built that particular kit, but I have done stripes. I would paint it white, mask off the stripes that will remain white, then paint the red. A low tack tape or other “less sticky” mask will prevent the white from being lifted. I agree with you - an under-painted red wing will probably show through the red decals. It seems odd to me that Tamiya did it that way. Hope this helps, & good luck !
I did three of the four JV44 birds a few years ago. Red 1, 4, and 13, the markings for the final bird hadn’t been released for public consumption at that point. On all three, I painted the underside white first, masked the stripes and then did the red. Very striking birds, and the sayings on their respective fuselages are rather poignant. A fantastic bit of aviation history!
Can someone tell me how to cut strips about 1/4inch wide to mask the belly of this plane for the white stripes? I have no idea what to use. Anything I can think of, even with a new blade, will probably give me a ragged edge on one side. Any ideas? I am ready to go. The plane was primed last night and I am going to do the bottom red/white first, mask it, then the top. I need help!
Try using a metal straight-edge (ruler), and apply the tape to a smooth, clean glass surface. Measure the strips & mark on both ends of the tape. Use only the ones cut from the INSIDE of the tape, as tape has a tendancy to pick up dust & fuzz on its edges. It works best to use a brand new blade.
Yeah, thats the ticket! Thanks, I will spray the belly white, tonite, give it 24hrs to dry and mask tomorrow.
Surgical scissors would also work well to cut the tape, if one is careful.
Looks like a fun kit. Good luck with the build!
demono69
nsclcctl you can also get 1/4 inch tape at home depot or the like…they have low tack painters tapes in all sorts of widths…or, you can get formaline at a graphic arts store…it comes in all kinds of widths down to ridiculously fine check it out:
http://secure.cade-assoc.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=499&CATID=6&DETAIL=1