We're off. RAF Sea King HAR

[Waspie]

That’s not unique to cheap airbrushes, as the trigger is usually only really held in place by the needle, though it may have some additional protrusions to keep it inside the airbrush a bit. On a Badger, for example, pulling the needle out and holding the airbrush upside-down is enough to lose the trigger — and then you’ll have great fun getting it back in because a sprung bit of steel sits against the back of it, that you somehow need to push back before you can re-insert it. Iwatas are similar but at least have a kind of pivots on the trigger so it needs to be rotated 90° before it can come out of its slot. Doesn’t stop it coming up too far, of course, but that’s not as bad as it dropping out unexpectedly.

As for masking tape: buy the kind aimed at modellers, or at least the yellow or orange or otherwise colourful kind sold at DIY stores. The old-fashioned white type, like Jim said, is far too adhesive.

Thanks Jakko, I did get a lot out of the airbrush self destructing on a minor scale!!!! Took it all apart and understood more about how it operates. Also getting to grips with operating pressures which made spraying easier today.
After you and Jims remarks re masking, I'll source some correct tape before I proceed further with the internals.
All comments positive or negative gratefully received!! :thumb2: :smiling2: :smiling2:

[Waspie]

Doug,
Welcome I will follow along.

Thanks but don't expect too much Paul. It's been a veeeeeeerrry long time since I last dabbled!!!!

[Waspie]

Well, my masking tape arrived today so I can start taping off bits for airbrushing!!
On the down side, nothing was done because I had a major paint spillage after a blockage in the end of the container caused the end cap to fly off dispensing Sea Grey - everywhere!! Not happy.:unamused:

[Waspie]

Had a half decent day today. Experimented with airbrush. At the same time, airbrushed the interior fuselage of the 'King'. I tried adding a little too much thinner to the paint to check the effect!! Lessons learned from that, weak colour and when dry, the colour was speckled with minute bubbles. Also tried with too much paint!! Well - no spraying. Also found the mix varies from colour to colour. Did a dry fit of the two half and the deck, appears to be a minor bend in the deck which I will get around!!!!!
I'm almost pleased with how the deck turned out. It looks suitably worn!
Slow progress but it's been a busy time with everything else going on!! Retirement - it's a trap!!!! Never been so busy!

[Geoffers]

Progressing well Doug :thumb2:

Might not be getting every result you have in mind but it seems like you sre learning loads of valuable lessons.

Whatever type of masking tape you use it’s almost always a good idea if you are masking area’s already painted to take some of the tac off the tape by putting the strips on the back of your hand or arm a couple of times. This will lessen the risk of it lifting of the paint already put down when you remove the tape.

Geoff.

[Waspie]

Whatever type of masking tape you use it’s almost always a good idea if you are masking area’s already painted to take some of the tac off the tape by putting the strips on the back of your hand or arm a couple of times. This will lessen the risk of it lifting of the paint already put down when you remove the tape.

Geoff.

Thank you Geoff, that's really good stuff to know.

[adt70hk]

Coming on nicely.....

Like you I cut my teeth on cheap ABs...a great way to learn how they work without risking something expensive.... That said the quality can be a bit iffy sometimes, which can cause its own issues.

Keep up the good work.

Andrew

[Waspie]

Coming on nicely.....

Like you I cut my teeth on cheap ABs...a great way to learn how they work without risking something expensive.... That said the quality can be a bit iffy sometimes, which can cause its own issues.

Keep up the good work.

Andrew

Thanks Andrew. Airbrushing is a bit like my first car, (VW Beetle), a right bag of worms but the experience putting everything right stood me in good stead. Already mentioned to family I will be upgrading the AB about Xmas time. Today I'm going to experiment with a 0.5 needle to see what I get from that. The more I cock up the more I learn.
Thank you Andrew et al for all the comments. What is common practice for you guys is all new stuff to me so the learning curve is quite steep at the moment and I appreciate any and all feed back and advice. :thumb2:

[Waspie]

After a few upsetting days, (Dogs - not my new arrival thankfully). I managed to source a squadron badge for my Sea King. That stage will be a week away I guess but it'll add some authenticity to the helicopter.
Managed to assemble the undercarriage yesterday, three hands would have been helpful. Another lesson learned to boot. The assembly consisted of three main parts, Stub wing, undercarriage housing and arm to house the oleo. Stupid me placed the stub wing one night then tried to mate the rest up the day after. Unfortunately for me one of the stub wings was a gnats bits out of true. As a result the oleo didn't fit in the recess properly. Disassembled the U/C and spent the rest of the afternoon removing and cleaning up mess!!! Alls well that ends well, finally assembled it as it should have been!!
Note to self - Don't Rush!!

Question? Anyone any idea or experience simulating thick oil flowing down the airframe? (Sea Kings renowned for leaking main gearbox's!)

[rickoshea52]

Have a look at this website for ideas on how Sea Kings look in service. Although different variants than the HAR3/3A, the same staining and dirt streaking is common. In fact, as you are doing the grey whale these might be fairly accurate.

http://www.primeportal.net/hangar/howard_mason3/sea_king_aew7/

My experience on Sea Kings were that oil leaks were cleaned up quickly and rectified. What you see streaking from under cowlings and panels is more likely rain/sea water or from aircraft washes - supposed to be a fresh water rinse daily if operated over the sea or every seven days for a full soapy wash if time permitted. You might also see vertical streaking down the cab side from the exhaust from compressor washes.

There are products that replicate oil or fuel for weathering, Mig do a number of different effects but I have also used Tensocrom for this effect. Apply more product to build up the effect you desire.

[rickoshea52]

While I remember, don’t follow the Airfix instructions when you come to add the HF aerial masts on the cab side - they’re wrong. Airfix have used a mix of HAR3 & HAR3A aerial mast layouts. I have reference sketch from my Sea King course notes to share when I find it.

[Waspie]

rickoshea52 Thanks for the link. Our Kings on 819 were fairly hammered. Standard joke in the RN was if you see oil at least you know it has oil in the gearbox's. I did an emergency landing at Dundee, (Pan-Pan), after the CWP illuminated and a quick look outside the cab at 5000 feet discovered the reason - the Main rotor gearbox had dumped the oil down the sides of the aircraft. Totally obscuring the Observers and sliding cabin door. Also had a similar failing climbing vertical up the side of Fortes B in the North Sea!!!!
I spent over 10 years flying in them, they all leaked from one component or another. Five hydraulic fires form the sonar kit! The list goes on.
Sadly only having six aircraft and a massive operational commitment the aircraft were well used!

[Geoffers]

Sounds like a good recovery with the model Doug :thumb2:

As regards weathering, as Rick said Mig do some ready made oil stain washes as do a few other brands.

You could also consider investing in a couple of tubes of oil paint and thinner which you can use for a few different weathering techniques including oil streaks/stains.

I’ve linked a clip for you which may be helpful.

I use Abteilung 502 oils which John sells and are specific for modelling but most reasonable quality oils will do.

Either way looking forward to seeing your build progress :thumb2:

Geoff.

[Waspie]

I have been meaning to ask about this a week ago but the new arrival has distracted me every time I think about it. (She's sleeping now)

There are two parts that obviously fit together but I cannot see where or how. Also no mention of the two parts in the destructions. Circled parts below!

[Andy T]

They are mounts for a separately available motor.

I'm sure it was mentioned in the instructions on the one I built. You have to leave part of the interior out to fit them.