how do you detail paint a cockpit

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

O.K. I’m now convinced that some of you folks are either magicians or Gods because only magic or devine intervention can account for the amazing paint detail you can cram into that teeny tinny cockpit. HOW DO YOU DO IT? I’ve searched the site for articles or tutorials on how to paint a dozen switches half the size of a pencil point but so far no luck. HELP. I could really use some direction on this.

Thanks a bunch. John

2

i use a strand if hair and dip it in the paint and apply with a magnifing glass

3

I wouldn’t class myself in the magician or god category (but I have seen the posts from this group of talented individuals) but a couple of techniques that I feel are helping my current efforts are:
Highlighting raised internal members with a light mix of the base colour and applying a wash of darkened base to the recesses - this accentuates depth tremendously (I didn’t quite realise how effective this would be until I tried it).
When painting switches (asuming they are raised in the molding) I apply paint with a cocktail stick - which I sharpen if necessary to a finer point. I find this preferable to a brush because the tip doesn’t yield and I feel this gives me greater control.
Dry brushing then helps tone down the contrast of the button colours and simulate wear and tear and will accentuate fine detail. I use graphite powder for some areas also.

None of these techniques are mine but gleaned from mags and this excellent forum.

I too have a magnifying glass but haven’t got the hang of using it yet so I mostly rely on my hopefully 40’40 vision!

4

Thanks fellas. Those are great ideas. Looking forward to other tips cockpit and IP painting. JOHN

5

40/40 Vision?..What’s that? When you get to be an old f$%^t like me, you must, and will rely on some kind of magnification. There’s no way I could paint cockpits without it. As far as your question, no other technique will bring out detail in a cockpit than dry brushing. Yes, you can do washes and sharpen toothpics and paint with hairs, but a good grasp of the dry brush method is easy and very effective at bringing out even the smallest of detail in cockpits. I personally use many different techniques for cockpits, but still dry brushing quickly gets amazing results.


And don’t forget to practice, practice,and practice. Did I say practice?

Good luck…You can do it,

Dragonfly