Learning how to airbrush (FT Spitfire build)

[tradmedic]

While at work for a month at a time, I usually like to have some sort of "arts and crafts" project on the go (leatherwork, sewing furs, tying flies, etc.) This month I decided it was time for me to start to learn how to play with an airbrush. This decision stemmed directly from finding a foam board type at Staples; it seems a little thinner and a little more dense than the dollar store variety, so hopefully it all balances out in the end. I decided to build a Spitfire as it was one of the first FT models I had success with, and have always loved the lines of a Spitfire.

EL cheapo Gocheer airbrush set up off amazon...check.

Similarly cheap box of 14 colors of acrylic paint...check

Bottle of Windex...check

On with the build!

 

[tradmedic]

So I did as much as possible with Gorilla glue, particularly aft of the CofG, to try and keep the weight down. Using hot glue only where necessary to hold things together while the CA glue dried.

The airbrushing was a learning experience. In future builds I will paint before hot glue and packing tape reinforcement of foam edges and the leading edge of the wing. Paint peels off packing tape and hot glue fairly easily...

The other major lesson was about how much to mix-down the paint with Windex. Too much and it is easy to get spots and webs that are tough to fix, too little and it doesn't flow well through the brush.

All painted and without electronics I weigh in at 320g. Given the suggested weight (without battery) is in the order of 750g+, I think I am on track for a reasonable weight. Anyone have feedback on this point (heavy/light)?

Thoroughly enjoyed the process and am looking forward to painting my future creations and continuing to learn how to play with my new toy (airbrush)

Now it is nearly time to go home, radios and electronics will have to wait another month for me to come back to work and pick up where I left off.

 

[tradmedic]

Realized it was hard to make out the leading edge, and no belly shots of the finished job...

 

[kilroy07]

A little light sanding might help the paint stick, at least to the tape...
Or what I usually do is use enamel primer prior to shooting the color.

 

[tradmedic]

The thought of a light sanding crossed my mind as an afterthought. Will have to try that on the next one 😁

 

[mayan]

Nice paint job for a new toy. Can’t wait to see more builds with beautiful paint jobs by you. Ohhh and please do share some video of it flying .

 

[rockyboy]

Looks great! I think you'll find that a light sanding will do great things for your paint adhesion too!

 

[tradmedic]

Reviving an older post, finally had a chance to get this Spitfire up and flying. About an hour of flight time on her now. Finally had someone around to catch a little bit of video.

 

[shadeyB]

Thoroughly enjoyed the process and am looking forward to painting my future creations and continuing to learn how to play with my new toy (airbrush)
.

Love using airbrush for my planes, the build process is great when you build a fantastic plane...... then when you paint it .... wow
Now she’s ready to fly