Another attempt at a natural metal finish (NMF) that didn't turn out terribly well - and I did this one twice.

This is the Academy 1/72 P-47D Thunderbolt in the "Eileen" boxing. This had new box art, and a new kit number, 12474. The first attempt at painting went like this, with the appropriate masking between steps: prime with a 50/50 mix of Tamiya Flat White XF-2 and Sky Grey XF-19; paint the red on the cowling ring, the top of the fin and the warning areas on the wings with Polly Scale Pacemaker Red; prime again with Tamiya Flat Black XF-1; then paint with Gaianotes EX-07. This did not come out well at all. I almost chucked the model at that point (as I usually do when a paint job turns out that bad). Then I decided to try stipping the paint. I used isopropyl alcohol, which stripped it quite well.

The second time, I again primed with the Tamiya mix, then painted the red with Tamiya XF-7. After masking, I painted the black with Auto Air's Air Borne Dark Sealer. After that was masked, I used Air Borne Black as a primer, as it is quite glossy. I then painted the NMF with Auto Air Aluminum Base (Fine). That turned out poorly too, so I then painted with Golden Fluid Acrylic Silver, which improved the look considerably. However, I do think I will stick with solvent-based model paints for NMF in the future.

The wheels were brush painted with Air Borne black. The landing gear were painted Tru Color Black followed by Tru Color Aluminum. The invasion stripes were painted after the main colors, and were Air Borne White and Air Borne Dark Sealer. I was pleased with them.

The decals are from Eagle Strike 72058 "362nd FG Jugs Pt. II". They went on beautifully with MicroSet. I had to apply a little Mr. Mark Softener to the underwing insignia, as it bumped up against the landing lights.

There are a couple of flaws. Once again, I was unable to attach the canopy brace. I don't think I'll ever be able to use one of those in 1/72. Also, the rear view mirror is not attached.

Page last updated June 15, 2023.