I was doing a little research recently and noted a photograph of a ‘well used’ P38. One item I noticed and wanted to re-create was the leaking oil coming out of the joint between the prop spinner and the gear housing that sets the pitch on the props (I think!). The oil looked like it had been forced out of the joint and then blown back towards engine in fine lines by the wind.
I have various ideas on blowing compressed air over the spinner but I am a bit stumped when it comes to the wash and was wondering if anybody has other ideas on how I can create this effect.
use an old brush and drybrush using just a very small amount of paint. it would be easy to overdo the effect so have a practice on something first.
On the full size aircraft more than about a cupfull would be too much oil to lose on a single flight, and spillage would be most likely wiped off during the afterflight inspection, if not fixed by the groundcrew.
I think I might try to put a light uneven ring of ink or artist pencil around the seam behind the prop spinner and drag or smudge that straight back with my finger. The main thing is as albertsponson said, and go sparingly. I have used this technique with artists pencils to good affect.