Airfix 1 72 de Havilland HF 82a Tiger Moth

[Tim Marlow]

What Jim says I would also recommend that you mask the cockpit before painting or the spray will get in and wreck what you’ve done so far. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Damp tissue will mould on nicely, then simply dampen it again to take it off.

[Valeron]

Hi Mike


You have actually hit on one of the big modelling questions. "How much of the putting together to do before painting?" Often the answer is obvious. A cockpit or the dashboard of a car must be done before the body is buttoned up but sometimes it's not clear.
What I do is dry fit, holding things together with bits of tape or blu-tac and see whether I can get where I need to with a brush. That helps me decide. No two modellers are the same and some will paint a loads of parts on the sprue to fit later and some will virtually finish a model before any paint goes on.
Not much help I'm afraid but truly it's up to you :smiling:

Actually that's a lot of help. I have been discovering the joys of Blue-tac already as an aid to modelling.

I think I'll give your idea a go tomorrow and see what it looks like

[Mark1]

When it comes to biplanes 1.48 is as small as I would do, as Jim said it's a matter of what you think would be best for you,are you more confident that you can put it together after painting or more confident you could paint it after its built? You could also cut a small piece of foam/ sponge to stuff in the cockpit for masking.

[Valeron]

What Jim says I would also recommend that you mask the cockpit before painting or the spray will get I. An wreck what you’ve done so far. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Damp tissue will mould on nicely, then simply dampen it again to take it off.

Thanks, yes, that's definitely on the plan. I have a couple of rolls of Tamiya masking tape. I bet I have fun trying to mask such a tiny area.

I really think my fingers are too big for 1 72 modelling and my eyes too bad. I did use a handheld magnifying glass but that wS a struggle. I'll invest in more tools as I do more modelling.

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks, yes, that's definitely on the plan. I have a couple of rolls of Tamiya masking tape. I bet I have fun trying to mask such a tiny area.

I really think my fingers are too big for 1 72 modelling and my eyes too bad. I did use a handheld magnifying glass but that wS a struggle. I'll invest in more tools as I do more modelling.

Don’t sweat it on scale. The smaller scales just need a different approach, that’s all Mike.

[rtfoe]

Every scale has its own challenges Mike, But are all the same with the different approaches of building as Tim has mentioned.
The same with whether to attach painted or unpainted depends on individual preference. Pre-planning and dry fitting will help you decide. Sponge or wet tissue are two good ways to mask cockpits as has been said other than the masking tape.

Cheers,
Richard

[Valeron]

Whilst inspecting the plane to undertake some cleaning before priming I've noticed a few more glue stains that I would like. Any tips on removing these? I've ready scraping and even acetone or even just hiding them with weathering.

I'm not that fussed as it's my first model and I'm learning as i go but I do want to pick up tips as I go. I guess the first one is don't get glue on the model in the first place or wipe it off immediately.

[stillp]

don't get glue on the model in the first place or wipe it off immediately.

In my (fairly limited) experience it's better to let it dry completely then sand/file/scrape the area. Trying to wipe it off will just spread the damage. If the glue is liquid you can try dipping the corner of a tissue into it to soak some up.
Pete

[Valeron]

I have struggled so much with this. The parts really are tiny and applying the second wing has been a nightmare. I have had so many broken struts.

I think with hindsight, doing a model of this scale as my first model was the wrong idea, especially as I have limited tools and experience.

So I'm going to park this for now as the frustration is getting to me. It's just not fun to be honest.

I will come back to it, but for now I'll be moving on to my original plan and building the 1/35 scale Tamiya kit I have purchased. I'll do another blog for this. And sometime in the future, I'll resurrect this one.

On a positive note, the postman delivered me a set of Tamiya Sprue cutters today. I've spent 5 minutes with them and the difference this makes is phenomenal. I have previously been cutting the pieces of the sprue with a Stanley knife.

[Mark1]

It was a bit of practice at least! You'll probably enjoy the tamiya a bit more I reckon and a few tools makes things a lot easier.