forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: lawman56 on July 12, 2013, 02:49:42 AM
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Once upon a time, I mentioned I would post a technique I learned using baking soda to simulate cast exhaust on aircraft. Well, I finally decided it was time to post it. Between my surgery, recovery, re-hab, etc... it took a bit, but here we go. This is probably one of the simplest techniques, yet yields some fantastic results. My "specimen du jour" will be the exhaust of a Spitfire MkIX that I've been rebuilding since I wasn't happy with my initial work.
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/lawman56/20130601_130307_zps1bab567a.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/lawman56/media/20130601_130307_zps1bab567a.jpg.html)
Here you see most of the original paint has been stripped off, and it's ready for work.
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/lawman56/20130601_130643_zps9fb49137.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/lawman56/media/20130601_130643_zps9fb49137.jpg.html)
I used a scrap of styrene in order to show the concept easier, but basically, mix or select the color you want to use as a base. I prefer Model Master Raw Sienna. As I'll show later, it weathers nicely.
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/lawman56/20130601_130723_zps6e985859.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/lawman56/media/20130601_130723_zps6e985859.jpg.html)
Here's the hard part. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle baking soda on it. After it dries, paint over it again with your base.
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/lawman56/20130602_163831_zpseb2751c0.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/lawman56/media/20130602_163831_zpseb2751c0.jpg.html)
Once done, it should look similar to this. Of course, I still have to weather it, but you can see the texture the baking soda leaves in the paint, simulating a cast iron look.
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/lawman56/20130602_164419_zps2409e1fc.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/lawman56/media/20130602_164419_zps2409e1fc.jpg.html)
As you can see, I've done some weathering using black chalk and Mig Dark Rust pigment. I've still got a little more to do, but that's the basic idea. I've seen this same technique used with success to simulate cast parts on armor as well. I use it mostly for exhaust, especially exposed systems, such as aircraft and tanks.
Hope this helps!
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Neat!! I'll add this to my tickle trunk.
Cheers,
Lance
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nice!
but still a little rough, on my opinion... have a try with talcum powder! ;)
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Great looking Spit, by the way :)
What scale is this? I can see your technique working very well in the larger scales, or as you say for armour where the rust on cast assemblies can be older and thicker.
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Thanks Ian. The Spit is Tamiya's 1/32 offering. I just realized I never mentioned that. As you stated, it works best on 1/32 aircraft or 1/35 armor. Especially German tanks, as their exhaust systems were mounted fully exposed on the rear bulkhead. A previous post suggested talcum powder. I plan to give that a whirl and see what kind of difference it makes. Another technique I've tried is mixing rust colored pigments into the paint, but it turned into a thick slurry that was almost paste like. I'm sure, if I play with the paint-thinner-pigment ratios I can pull it off.
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Another method I've used: do a wet coat, and sprinkle "glass bubbles" (used in fiberglass construction) on the surface. they'll soak into the paint and are very fine.