Hasegawa P 38 J Lightning

[colin m]

This build was really an experiment in producing a nmf, but a tired and weathered one. So I wanted something metallic looking and picked on this. How I wish I went for the Tamiya 'Jug' But I didn't, so this little beast took far too long to build having just a number of fit issues to deal with, when all I really wanted to do was paint and weather !

So, here's the result. Is it what I was aiming for ? well, close enough, but then again, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted.














The paint was also a bit of an experiment. I would normally use Alclad for nmf, but this time used the Vallejo metal colours, and yes, they are good. I would be happy to use them again. A couple of different shades were used and then the main weathering was done using oils, splodged on top of everything. I think my biggest criticism is the metal finish is to uniform in it's appearance. I need a bit more variance here.
Oh yes, the drop tanks are nice and shiny, because they're newly fitted.

Any suggestions how to achieve a well worn nmf, please do tell.

Thanks
Colin M..

 

[yak face]

Great looking lightning Colin, youve captured the well used look brilliantly in my opinion. If you want a bit more variation and a well worn /weathered look maybe try some eye shadow in different shades.It works great for me ,I used it on the f 100 Super sabre and voodoo of my ongoing century series builds if you remember , cheers tony

 

[colin m]

maybe try some eye shadow in different shades

Yes Tony I do remember. That could be a good one, different shades of grey, some also have a touch of metallic about them. I shall seek daughter No2's opinion. Although she has caught me before checking out her sanding sticks and paint brushes (although she calls them something else) and is these days a bit defensive about what's on her bench, I mean dressing table.

 

[papa 695]

Cracking work Colin I really like the P38 and you've done a great job on this one.
As for the variation of colour, I've been thinking the same, what to do.

 

[colin m]

As for the variation of colour, I've been thinking the same, what to do.

Yes, it's a little too plane - see what I did there, plane, not plain. Oh come on, I'm tired. I wonder if my missing link is something to do with the way real nmf aircraft reflect light due to lumps and bumps in their metal work. This model doesn't do that.

 

[PaulTRose]

oooh me likee that one

 

[flyjoe180]

I reckon you've already nailed that worn and faded metallic look on this one Colin. A real beauty, nice job

 

[colin m]

Thanks for stopping by gentlemen.

I reckon you've already nailed that worn and faded metallic look

And thank you Joe. I reckon you've seen a bit of faded aluminium in your time, so yes. It's done.

 

[Wouter]

Hi Colin, I like that P-38 a lot mate, really nice paintwork and the weathering sure is the icing on the cake!

Cheers

 

[Jim R]

Hi Colin
I like that. The finish is excellent - used and abused.
Jim

 

[Alun Wells]

Hi Colin,
Very nice, has the 'used' look.
Cheers
Alun

 

[Si Benson]

Evening Colin,
An excellent example of quality building and paintwork! Very good indeed
Si

 

[colin m]

Thanks again for your comments everyone. As the general consensus is the finish is ok, that'll do me then. This nmf was a bit of a test before I launch into the Revell B17, which has a good mix of nmf and painted surfaces.
Thanks again everyone.

 

[Thorbrand]

I think it looks great! one of my favourite aircraft, used to have the Airfix 1:72 one when I was younger before it met the business end of a BB gun

 

[BigZimmo]

Wow, wow, wow.......Colin.....another Cracker for your display case........absolutely well done,mate!!!

 

[Alun Wells]

That is a cracker
Cheers
Alun

 

[eddiesolo]

What a superb model, lovely paintwork and weathering.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Great tired looking aircraft, good work indeed!

 

[Mickc1440]

I wouldn't worry about doing anything else to it, that is a superb worn look.

 

[colin m]

Thanks again gentlemen for having a look. I mentioned previously I wasn't sure what the final finish should look like, I just wanted a weathered nmf. Consensus seems to be, it's just about right. Thanks for your input everyone.