Finally progressed to the point where another update is required.
The nacelle was completed and the engine installed along with the oil tank and "silencer". First step was the base coats for the four separate material sections of the nacelle, the dark wood strips laminated nose cone around the observer's cockpit, the fabric covered plywood around the pilot's cockpit, the aluminum aft section around the fuel and engine areas, and the fabric portion on the mid lower nacelle. After 24 hours of drying a coat of hairspray was brushed over the entire component to assist in the final paint chipping and weathering step.
The description of the original "Jess" in the Kit's Instructions states that "the black finish was weathered considerably and much faded" so I've elected for heavy "wear and tear" on this model. To that end the chipping was done quite heavily to show the underlying different materials. I used three different shades of Tamiya Black (Based on their NATO Black) for the wood and metal areas and a very darkened version of Tamiya "German Grey" for the fabric portion. Once the chipping was completed the surfaces were sprayed with a light protective coat of Vallejo Polyurethane Satin Varnish.
The engine was installed and the oil tank and silencer followed.
Last, I managed to get three hand brushed coats of future on the wings and rudder and the decals applied. Once they've had a day or so to dry I'll overspray them with the matt version of the Vallejo Varnish in preparation for post shading.
It's still a comfortably smooth Build however there's still plenty of time for confusion, carelessness, or disaster to strike!
I'll post another update once the shading and some weathering of the flying surfaces is completed.
Cheers,
Lance
