GNATural OOB version for Splash **finished**

[splash]

After lots of thought I have decided on an OOB version as the silver and orange looks so good.

My work bench is a bit full but I will start the build soon.

Regards
Splash

[splash]

I just could not wait any longer, so I have started.

I know the Gnat was small, as I have seen them close up on several occasions, but when you put it next to the Wessex and Sea Harrier it is so, so, so small.

[splash]

When I re-started model making 18 months ago, I could not see what the problem with the new style of Airfix engraved panel line was, I quite liked them as it made it easy to carry out a dark wash to show them up.

But now I have refined my painting technique I find them just a bit to excessive, I still prefer them to the old raised panel lines as they are easier to tone down.

Being such a small kit this should be a good kit to practice new techniques, having looked at a lot of photos of the Gnat the panel lines do not stand out ,so for this build I'm going to fill all the panel lines with liquid filler and try for a smooth finish.

[splash]

To tone down the panel lines I have given them all a coat of Mr Surfacer and then when it was dry wiped it off with thinners.

Having seen the problem others are having with the wing to body join at the front, I'm going to add the cockpit detail after joining the wing to the body, this will involve thinning the sides of the centre IP and forward seat and just slipping them in.

[JamesPerrin]

I really don't think the panel lines in themselves are that bad. They are a great improvement over previous efforts and are are now quite fine in width if a little deep, they are much better on the wing than on the fuselage. The problem is that the Gnat is very small and Airfix have chosen to replace every panel line and access panel. So the surface looks too cluttered the look of which is made worse by the supplied silver scheme. Theses lines would look fine on a larger aircraft but are too bust on the diminutive Gnat. That said there is some very nice details such as the bleed vents either side of the rear cockpit.

[splash]

I really don't think the panel lines in themselves are that bad. They are a great improvement over previous efforts and are are now quite fine in width if a little deep, they are much better on the wing than on the fuselage. The problem is that the Gnat is very small and Airfix have chosen to replace every panel line and access panel. So the surface looks too cluttered the look of which is made worse by the supplied silver scheme. Theses lines would look fine on a larger aircraft but are too bust on the diminutive Gnat. That said there is some very nice details such as the bleed vents either side of the rear cockpit.

I fully agree with you, I think Arfix have done a great job, the panal lines are a very minor point that is easily fixed.

Regards
Splash

[PaulBradley]

Agreed, James - just look at the Revell B-17 as an example of manufacturers taking panel lines too far! Looks like a diecast.....

[JamesPerrin]

At least they've moulded the control surface hinges correctly on the wings, the other recent Airfix releases I've got (Sabre, SHAR) have these as square trenches.

[splash]

I have toned down the panel lines and stuck the wings on.

This method appears to work as the intakes only needed a slight rub down at the back to make them fit.

[MerlinJones]

Good spot, Splash.

Regards,
Bruce

[splash]

I have gone for the simple fix for the splinter plate, all I have done is run my engraving tool a couple of times down the side of the intake.

A quick blow over with silver has shown up some filler that needs rubbing down at the rear wing joint and the toned down panel lines that I'm now happy with.

[Jagewa]

Nice simple fixes Splash. Top job.
Cheers
Jim

[splash]

After a touch more Mr Surfacer on the panel lines, a quick rub back and a coat of Citadel Mithril Silver, I’m happy with the results, with luck the silver should make a good base colour for the orange.

I personally think reducing the panel lines substantially improves the looks of the kit, normally I would not have bothered, but on a kit this small I think you have to treat it as if it was 1/144 scale.

Next stage will be masking and a coat of orange or if that all fails I have a two backup plans, Plan “B” = YellowJack XR991 or Plan “C” = Red Arrow XR991

[splash]

The Vallejo model air fluorescent red has gone on well over the silver, I only had one small area of silver come off when I removed the masking tape, but as I had used silver for a primer coat it will be easy to touch up.

[splash]

Cockpit fitted and dry fit of the canopy look good.

I'm really happy with the way the Vallejo Fluoresent Red (day-glo) turned out.

The question is do I fit the wing tank or not?