Adjustments need to be made for contrasting different colors - for example, a black cockpit would miss out part of (2) as there would be no need to paint radio boxes black when the cockpit is already that shade. I should also mention that the following steps assume a basic standard Interior Green (or similarly standard color other than say black and aluminum) cockpit. I find that cockpit detailing is the most time consuming of undertaking a model building project and once completed, everything else runs much more smoothly… and quickly. The following steps provide an overview of generally my most detailed painting, usually where I have the cockpit open or where the detail can be seen and I want it to show all my handiwork! I will miss some steps and cut corners when closing off the cockpit that might not be seen or where I dont want to put in the huge effort. Below are some suggested dry-brush colors for specific cockpit/component colors. Deciding on a color depends on the base color of the detail. In this case, too little is better than too much.Ĭolor used for dry-brushing will also add realism and depth. If need be, layers can be added until satisfied. Then, lightly scrub the part with the brush concentrating on edges and raised details. The key to effective dry-brushing is to remove almost all the paint from the bristles before you apply. The pencil is good for small, controlled applications where the brush is good for larger areas. My tools of choice are a stubby paintbrush,, and a metallic silver pencil. Any raised detail is a good candidate for dry-brushing, interior or exterior. It will take some practice and the right tools to get the right effect. Dry-brushing is more of an illusion that adds depth and definition to make parts more noticeable. This is probably one of the most effective methods of detailing. *Lead foil can be used for other details such as ammo belts and armour plating. *Use of appropriate colors for dry-brushing will bring out the detail. It can also be painted once its in place. It can be cut into thin strips with a sharp Xacto knife. *Lead foil is very pliable and easy to use. So, lead foil with PE buckles is an excellent alternative. I feel PE seat belts are too rigid and troublesome. For the majority of my offices, I like to use Eduard photo- etched color sets and scratch-built seat belts. Lets face it, most of the time our hard work goes unseen once its all said and done. I prefer to use the kit parts and add some inexpensive detail to it. Some modelers prefer to use resin kits for their cockpits. Drybrushing is a common term/technique where you dip your brush in paint and wipe it over the tissue, cloth etc to the point where almost all the paint has gone, the brush is almost dry - hence the term. The Base Colour is the basic color of the model aircraft cockpit (eg: Interior Green) and is usually applied by hand painting or spray painting, generally to the walls, floor and other structural parts of the cockpit. Although many modellers (myself included) might apply with a brush, and wipe off excess with a dry rag/cloth. A wash is just that, with an oil-based wash color applied. You will see the mention of many techniques which should be fairly self-explanatory to most modellers. I discuss washes and pastels further in the weathering section. Sometimes, if a wash is too bold, I will use dry pastels for a softer effect. In most cases, a watercolor wash is added to the side panels and floor as well. The smaller parts will be painted, detailed and set aside for installation. I will determine what needs to be painted separately and what can be assembled prior to painting.Īll major parts are glued together so they are in place to paint and wont have to be handled. When I begin a cockpit, all relevant parts of that plastic scale model aircraft are removed and placed in a bowl. I hope, however, it still gives you some tips and helps you gain ideas! It is the way I do things and it does not mean that it is the best, correct or the way most modellers do it, so I suggest obtaining information and tips from other sources and doing it how it best suits you. This post provides advice from my perspective only. Painting Plastic Model Airplanes Cockpits in Five Easy Steps
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