Thought I would post my completed Wildcat pics with some progress photos from the build as well. I did something I don’t normally do but I got a wild hair and dirtied her up. Probably because I had already snapped the canopy in two early in the build and had to improvise, adapt, and overcome my frustration.
I used a black base for the bottom of the aircraft and for the two blues on top I used a white base which I think helps to simulate fading the way a black base creates shadows.
I really like that white basing with dark colors. I’ve done it on some others as well.
This is the point I decided to get it dirty.
She needs a bath.
Sorry folks OOB and no seatbelts but notice the out of place top support beam on the canopy. That was my improvising when it snapped in two. Unfortunately when I glued it back together I didn’t quite get it right and it’s misaligned. It also made it difficult to attach and I screwed it up more getting glue on it. Duh to me.
All the weathering was done with a pastel sludge wash, area pastel washes, dry smudging pastels and colored pencils. You can also see my canopy snafu but I’m just gonna say it’s a panel that needs replaced due to damage.
This was a really fun build. The paint scheme for me was my most challenging so far and I fully intend to build this again but I’ll most likely get back to light weathering. I guess sometimes you just have to step outside the box of your comfort zone, which I’m sure I’ll do again when the mood hits. I am pleasantly pleased with the outcome despite my canopy issues. Now onto the next project. Have a great day.
Looks good to me! Third picture from the end got me thinking…does most of the exhaust grime come from initial engine start or flying in general? I’ve never really noticed before (haven’t been looking), the landing bay doors are relatively clean whereas they have the usual trail of exhaust back behind them. Anyways, a good looking plane for sure! I like the subtle mottled effect
Thanks and I realized the doors and right behind the exhaust pipes needed a bit more dirtying up after my photos and I did go add more so it looks a little better. I’m really not sure about what the exhaust does I was just playing with an odd shaped plastic canvas and having fun with my imagination. Glad you like the mottled effect I just figure if it works on black it should work on white and I think it does.
Great job with the overall finish…I like the black and white basing technique you’ve used…I need to try doing that at some time…maybe on an older cheap model for the first time, just incase I mess up.
I tend to keep mine “clean”, but your work on that Wildcat is very, very nice. So I think I’ll try adding a little more “dirt” to my next build. I’ve also been using dark base, but I’m going to try the light base under dark next time. Thanks for posting the pics!
Thanks I really enjoy using that technique and I don’t know what I would do without paint mules to practice on. They are the best tool in the shed. Definately try that technique and see what you can do with it.
Your so called stepping out of the box build is absolutely amazing. Those Naval Pacific Thearter Aircraft we’re submitted to some of the harshest condition’s Mother Nature allowed itself.
Salt water alone was so corrosive. Then you add fuel, grease, and trying not to get shot down by the Imperial Japanese Navy, is more than enough to create such a worn effect. I wish my build‘s would if only look so good!
Thank you and go for that white base and, what to my eyes anyway, it does to create a little faded look. I also figured if it worked with black then why not try white and see what it does. I believe with the lighter blue on the sides I could have gone with white or black but I think it worked well with white.
