James' Mark 1 1/144 Hunter T7 **FINISHED**

[JamesPerrin]

It did need a little extra as there was still a yellow tinge under one wing. I also had forgotten to spray the pylons, these might not be added though as I've yet to source some 100gal tanks.

[JamesPerrin]

Decided that the voices were right and the Xtracolor HSS was too bright. I have looked at HSS in museums (at least whatever the museum painted the aircraft) and my thoughts were that HSS is a metallic grey not a pure metallic colour. I've toyed with mixed grey and a metallic in the past but always thought it would just end up being grey with flecks in it. So thought about trying to spray a grey filter (very thin paint) over the silver. I used Gunze's Light Aircraft Grey as it matched the tone of the HSS. I'm very pleased indeed with the results. It's great when an experiment pays off (and I did test all this on my Lindberg X-3 guinea pig first). Off came the yellow masks, no touch-ups required, another result!

I nearly sent it all the the trash though when I thinned a Tamiya X-20A Gloss coat with Mr Levelling (celloulose) Thinners, I don't think the Gunze would have protected the enamel, but thankfully I stopped myself in time and reverted to IPA.

[splash]

That looks brilliant.

Great idea for using a grey filter over the silver, I must remember that one.

[DavidWomby]

Yes that silver looks 'right' from here.

David

[shangos70]

Nice work James, I've a tin of HSS but not used it yet. Possibly won't now.

[JamesPerrin]

Thanks chaps.

While looking at photos of HSS machines including XL568 I realised that the tip of the nose should be black and has been missed off the kit's paint plans. I've got the fin tip to do anyway as well but it'll be a swine to mask. Also so bare metal around the bottom lip of the exhaust, but this will be done last of all. I found a nice contemporary image, trainers got dirty too! https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1163342;

[JohnRatzenberger]

I'm not sure I ever understood filters the way the armor guys use them, but this seems simple enough to make a note of - thanks !

[splash]

Can you punch a round hole in masking tape and place that on the nose as a mask?

Good time to test your new punch set

[JamesPerrin]

Can you punch a round hole in masking tape and place that on the nose as a mask?

Good time to test your new punch set

Read my mind though I think I need a cone of masking tape so an arc of larger circle will lie flat(ter)

[JamesPerrin]

Well I tried, but as the nose tip is a about 3mm across there was fat chance of getting it properly masked. In the end I went old school with a fine brush, steady hand and high magnification. Both it and the fin tip areas were demarked with panel lines so it wasn't too insane and took me less time than masking. However I should have waiting till after decalling as I've rubbed half the paint off the nose

Did I mention decalling, all went pretty well they are thin but not so much they curl up. Off course there was and errant X that wilfully adhered itself to my thumb but was soon brought to check.



I've also made a replacement pitot from filed down brass rod to add later.

[shangos70]

Looks great James, I really like this scheme.

[DavidWomby]

Beautiful

David

[skypirate]

Gorgeous!

David

[Clashcityrocker]

Looking good.

Nigel

[JamesPerrin]

Touched up the black, a bit of panel wash on the control surfaces and under carriage doors, and so very minimal staining. Ready for final clear coat.