Time to try and tackle a NMF plane!
This piece was a bit tricky. Glad I put it in the cockpit before the glue fully cured.
The office all set.
Will do a bit more tonight.
I have an older boxing of this kit in my stash. Looking forward to your build to see how this kit builds up. If I remember right this kit had the option to build it with the tail section removed and engine exposed. How did you plan to build yours if it still has this option.
Your cockpit detail painting is excellent.
No option for that anymore. It’s building up really well so far. Everything fits like a glove. It’s got recessed panel lines as well.
ridleusmc, Thank you!
I have this one in my stash and looks to be a jewel with sharp recessed details. What will you use for the NMF?
Front landing gear/Intake assembely.
Steps 1 and 2 combined.
Before it all comes together
Fuselage! Everything fit wonderfully.
Wing pieces
Kind of looks like a boomerang
So who wants to make bets on how many times I break this piece off?!
That was quick, I already have an airplane.
That is it for today. I will work on it more tomorrow morning/afternoon.
plasticjunkie, I was thinking of picking up some model master aluminum metalizer, I think that’s what it’s called, lol. I know the local hobby store has it. Unless someone has a better suggestion, I’m open to them![:D]
If this is your first go at NMF, I must warn you that you are quite likely to experience some frustration with MM metalizers. They are notorious for lifting under pretty much any masking medium.
I have gone to Alclad for my NMF builds. The Alclad line is a bit pricey, true, but I’ve found that I can always mask it and not have a big chunk of it come away with the Tamiya tape. Always put it down over a good primer coat, typically a gloss black. I’ve used Alclad primer, was not as impressed with that, and I’ve used black Stynylrez and Krylon gloss back de-canted out of the spray can.
That’s a real beauty i have one also . You got my attention with this one.
Keyda
I’m an Alclad guy but as Aggie said, it’s a bit tricky to work with but will produce a realistic NMF.
I recently got a bottle of AK Extreme Metal polished aluminum and was very pleased with the results, very similar to Alclad but without a primer coat. The secret to getting a good reflective finish with the AK product is to spray it on bare plastic. It produces a beautiful reflective finish. If you want it weathered then shoot a white or grey primer that will cut down on the shine. I think as a NMF beginner the AK product will be easier for you to use.
As Aggie stated, MM Metalizers are not receptive to masking and need to be sealed so I would stay away from it till you have experimented with several NMF models.
If you have any concerns feel free to ask me here or PM. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the heads up! I will check out what my local hobby shop has tomorrow. I don’t think I’ll need to mask anything off once it’s painted with the NMF. I honestly sometimes think Tamiya tape itself is the culprit when it pulls paint. It happens to me almost everytime. I have better luck with plain old masking tape. Seems things work differently for everyone though![:D]
plasticjunkie, thanks for the advice! I’ll see what the LHS has sometime tomorrow, and if he doesn’t have anything I’ll order what you suggested online. I’m in no rush to get it painted. I would like to do it right the first time!
Keyda
This is what it looks like:
They carry the entire line.
Thanks. I found it on hobbylinc.com. I have some rewards points I can use with them.
Oh nice choice, Keyda.
I was going to suggest plain old MM aluminum in the spray can lol. At least for a base coat. Vallejo lays down nice over MM spray paints lol.
I really like where this is heading!
-BD-
You go use whatever fancies your heart. That’s the only way to learn. That’s how I learned but during the learning process, you must do one crucial element! Have Fun!
Toshi
Great start, Keyda! Like following your builds…well done and quick, I have a short attention span. [:D] It has been perfect building weather in the Great Lakes region…rain and more rain.
Mike, I may just try that route too, lol. Spray cans are much easier than the airbrush, and now that my paint booth can handle the fumes!
Thanks BrandonD
Thanks Toshi! Live and learn right!
DasBeav, the weather here has been terrible as well. I was really tempted to turn the heat back on last night, and towards the end of the week it is supposed to be in the 80’s!
Fantastic cockpit. You’re a rapid builder and your work is impressive.
BK