1/48 Otaki/Arii Ki-43 II WIP

[speedgraflex]

Now that’s the zone I’m talking about. We all face something that is basically a compromise. It’s how you finesse it that matters. Thanks, Carlos. I believe you did that well.

[stikpusher]

Since my last update, I hit the un cooperative upper left wing Hinomaru that was pointed out to me earlier, with a couple doses of Micro Set and got it to snuggle down properly



Then this afternoon I made up a homemade sludge wash and applied it on the upper and lower surfaces





After giving the wash a few hours to completely dry, I went back and cleaned it up





I will say this about the homemade sludge wash... it takes a bit longer to mix up than mixing up a wash with oils, but it dries quicker and cleans up even more quickly... I am sold!

[keavdog]

Looks great. Is this a chalk/pastel based sludge wash?

[stikpusher]

May 22, 2024 20:20:00 GMT -5 keavdog said:

Looks great. Is this a chalk/pastel based sludge wash?

Thanks John. Yes it is, and quite simple to make too! Just pastel chalk, water and a drop of dishwashing soap is all it took. Who needs Flora’s when you can make your own in a few minutes.

[stikpusher]

May 20, 2024 22:43:57 GMT -5 speedgraflex said:

Now that’s the zone I’m talking about. We all face something that is basically a compromise. It’s how you finesse it that matters. Thanks, Carlos. I believe you did that well.

😉

[handiabled]

I do the very same thing and make my own sludge washes. Carlos your wash really brought out the fuselage detail great!

[stikpusher]

Thanks Brent! I tried a new technique and it worked out wonderfully! This old dog CAN learn a new trick...

[thug626]

That paint scheme is amazing!

[stikpusher]

May 23, 2024 9:59:22 GMT -5 thug626 said:

That paint scheme is amazing!

Thank you Dave. I wasn’t sure how well I was gonna be able to pull it off, but once I got going, it went quite well…🙃

[thug626]

May 23, 2024 11:09:21 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

May 23, 2024 9:59:22 GMT -5 thug626 said:

That paint scheme is amazing!

Thank you Dave. I wasn’t sure how well I was gonna be able to pull it off, but once I got going, it went quite well…🙃

Sometimes rolling up your sleeves and just jumping in works pretty darn well. As evidenced by this scheme.

Cheers
Dave

[stikpusher]

Thanks for your kind words Dave!

A major milestone reached today... flat coat on and masking removed...



I have a few more detail items to paint and some others to glue on... as things stand right now I ought to have it wrapped up over this holiday weekend

[thug626]

May 24, 2024 15:52:59 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks for your kind words Dave!

A major milestone reached today... flat coat on and masking removed...



I have a few more detail items to paint and some others to glue on... as things stand right now I ought to have it wrapped up over this holiday weekend

You are most welcome!
This is looking mighty fine indeed!

Cheers
Dave

[handiabled]

The anti-glare unmasked really adds a ton to the look of this. It really is outstanding

[stikpusher]

Dave & Brent, thank you.

[406 Silverado]

May 26, 2024 17:26:51 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Dave & Brent, thank you.

  Ya just can't ask for much more of a good outcome than that Carlos!! I'd be half scare to death to try something as busy as that but you've most certainly pulled this off quite well. 

[stikpusher]

Thanks Joe! The schemes that scare me most are the Luftwaffe night schemes with the RLM 76 squiggles over the standard RLM 70/71 upper surface colors… one day I will have a go at that scheme.

[TJ]

May 24, 2024 15:52:59 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks for your kind words Dave!

A major milestone reached today... flat coat on and masking removed...



I have a few more detail items to paint and some others to glue on... as things stand right now I ought to have it wrapped up over this holiday weekend

The blue markings really add color to the camo

[adt70hk]

Now that's VERY cool!!

[406 Silverado]

May 26, 2024 19:45:13 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks Joe! The schemes that scare me most are the Luftwaffe night schemes with the RLM 76 squiggles over the standard RLM 70/71 upper surface colors… one day I will have a go at that scheme.

  You and me both on how daunting those schemes are and wanting to pull one off one day. I'm thinking a good ol' Ju-88 build would be in order for such a scheme. 

[stikpusher]

Thanks guys!

TJ, the blue markings do add a nice splash of color to the tail area. But with the yellow wing ID stripes, a d big red Hinomarus, this is one quite colorful aircraft, in spite of the camouflage.

Joe, one of the German bombers in my stash, a Do-217 I think, has one of those squiggle schemes as a markings option. A bomber Me-262 does as well… so I do have a few choices…

[stikpusher]

Well, I am at the 99.9% done point now... I still need to add an antenna wire tomorrow once the antenna mast is fully dry in place, and some dirt on the wheels.



after I add those things, I'll get the usual multi angle photos up in the proper completed forum...

[keavdog]

Great markings.

[thug626]

Outstanding!!!

[stikpusher]

John & Dave, thank you for looking in and commenting.

[floki]

Looking forward to the finished photos

[handiabled]

Superb job on this! Standing by for the grand finale

[stikpusher]

Clint & Brent, thank you. It's back to work for me today, so it will be evening at the soonest before I can get back on this...

[406 Silverado]

Man this is looking good already Carlos!! This has been alot of fun to follow and I'm looking forward to seeing the finishing touches go onto this one buddy. 

[406 Silverado]

May 27, 2024 9:42:54 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks guys!

TJ, the blue markings do add a nice splash of color to the tail area. But with the yellow wing ID stripes, a d big red Hinomarus, this is one quite colorful aircraft, in spite of the camouflage.

Joe, one of the German bombers in my stash, a Do-217 I think, has one of those squiggle schemes as a markings option. A bomber Me-262 does as well… so I do have a few choices…

I forgot about the 262 having that scheme!! 

[stikpusher]

The completed build photos can be seen here

Oscar in New Guinea