A bit more progress made as the inclement weather keeps me housebound, such a pity!
After 3 coats of Future were applied the decaling of the mainframe was completed and given a top sealing coat of Future. As you can see the colours are very bright and the effect, as I mentioned earlier still "toy like" to my eye.
Next step was 3 successive overcoats of a very thin "Buff" Filter to tone down the colours. (I used Tamiya XF-55 Deck Tan with their X-20A Acrylic Thinner) I then added some post-shading with chalk Pastels and used a thin wash of Newton Winsor Lampblack to highlight some of the details.
I'm quite pleased with the results of the buff filter, perhaps slightly over done however I inevitably work for a "worn" look.
The colour scheme may appear different then many have seen it represented; in fact the colours are not well documented and all of my references mention the fact. There are two areas of the scheme that have numerous interpretations: the elevators and the engine cowlings. My interpretation of the three photos available of "2695" led me to conclude that the elevators were left in 5 colour lozenge when the empennage was painted in the (presumed) Unit Colour and that the side engine panels definitely matched the tail colour. Most references state that the colour was most likely a "light blue". It's entered my mind that possibly the aircraft was one from Bavarian Jasta 77b per Option A of the Kit and option 6 of Pheon's Sheet for the D.XII. The two well documented Jasta 77b machines were left in factory finish of light grey-blue or grey-green however I think it is still possible that a camouflaged version or two could easily have found their way to the Jasta. Like many other areas of conjecture in our Hobby no one can convince me I'm wrong regardless of which possibility I choose........... unless it's a PC-10 issue!?
I should mention now rather then forget later in the build the quality that the after market decals bring to this project. The Aviattic Lozenge and Pheon Unit and personal markings add so many possibilities and enhanced quality to the experience. Your efforts and the sheer quality of your products and customer service are very much appreciated, Richard and Rowan. You bring a lot of "happy little moments" to my bench!
I've presently shifted focus to the guns and also have an Axial prop to carve, still a long way to completion.
Cheers,
Lance
