If anyone can goof it up...

…I can. I was airbrushing the metal areas of an F-4 after applying the camo pattern. I painted the fuselage, and set it down to paint the stabilizers. In the middle of painting them, I looked past what I was painting and noticed the jet sitting in the line of fire. Speckled natural metal camo,anyone?[snStpd]

[bnghead]

Well, you’re human. (and apparently, so am I)

When I do masking like that, along with the tape (or other masking medium) I use for the demarcation lines, I cover the rest of the kit with plastic wrap (from the kitchen). It’s saved me more than once from goobering up a paint job. [8-)]

You are not alone, my friend. Did I ever tell you about the time that instead of using the rattle can of Testors dullcoat on a finished plane, I accidentally grabbed the rattle can of Testors Steel? I was in the back yard at night using just the porch light as a light source. After three or four passes, I couldn’t figure out why the clear coat looked so cloudy. [8o|][U][sn0ps][bnghead]

Eric

Thanks, y’all. Don, next time I’m getting a blanket just in case. Eric, I truly now can feel that pain; the worst part is that the kit was one of those pricey, for me anyway, Hasegawa kits, which means it ain’t getting tossed. I did recover somewhat from the flub; up close it looks like a touched up Navy jet. I still have some work yet before it becomes Phantom #11 on the shelf.

Nice recovery. I’ve committed a similar error by masking off only one side of auto glass then spraying color [*-)]

Boy! That is one sharp-looking Phantom! I’ve never built a Hasgawa Phantom but I’ve heard they’re the cat’s meow. I actually have one in my stash but I haven’t gotten around to it just yet. I tend to stick with Monogram and Revell since I am el grande cheapo! LOL!

Your build is definitely one worth saving. Please post pics when it’s all complete!

Eric

Hot Dawg that’s an interesting tip, thank you. [Y]

A few years back someone here suggested aluminum foil for the same purpose and that has worked, but I gotta try plastic wrap now.

Yeah, both the plastic wrap and foil work. I find it simpler though just to take a plastic bag like you’d get from the grocery or Wal-Mart and stick the model in it. Then cut a slit around the part you want to paint and tape it in place. So far it works pretty well.

Wow! Mississippi, very nice 151 F-4!

Thanks for the kind comments on the Phantom, y’all.

Hey, Eric, the 'gawa kits are pretty nice, but in trying to get a lot of versions out of it’s molds, they do some pretty maddening things that complicate the build some, and the cockpit and seats need help, unlike the Monogram kits. Then again, you get a lot of cool parts left over for future builds! One tip, glue the front fuselage to the rear before joining the halves to avoid a step between the front and back seam. With a little care (more than I usually give) it fits with very little seam filling. I wish Monogram had put out an “E” and “B” model, though.

Grocery bags: not just for dirty diapers [whstl]

The new Revell F-4Fs are nice and can sometimes be picked up cheap. I just saw this listed at h=Hobbylinc for $12.51. Search for kit 04685

http://www.hobbylinc.com/

I would put a link to it but it’s not working for me now.

Ha…that’s gotta be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard anyone doing…

…I thought I might be the only one[:$]

I have no excuse…had a well lit area and still grabbed the Metalizer can instead of the dullcoat. It was all in one motion…spray one pass…“OH $#!T”…model straight into the trash can…walk away.

…and the good ideas just keep rolling in. Thanks!

I used to use the plastic bags as well…back in the rattlecan days, and with my 1st airbrush (cheapo Testors single action…“Wally”, the Walmart Wonder!). These days though, even with the cheap Harbor Freight A/B’s I use, the width of regular painters tape is more than enough masking.