This is my third build of this kit, and I must say I really do like it. I had originally planned to use aftermarket decals for this build, but decided to save those for a Hasegawa kit, since I have a couple of those waiting for me. As with my previous build, this was a pretty uneventful build. The only unusual thing was the wheels - I used the wheels from a Dragon Fw 190A-8 kit. I had to drill out the holes in the wheels a bit to get them to fit (I used a #51 drill bit, which was perfectly sized).

The cockpit was painted with Floquil SP Lark Dark Gray. Instead of my usual Tamiya mix for RLM 02, I used Model Master Enamel. The wheels where painted Tamiya X-18 Semi Gloss Black. I had painted the main tires some time ago and could not remember what I used. I think I used Model Master Acryl for the rear tire, but it may have been Mr. Color C-137 Tire Black.

The bombs were Model Master Enamel RLM 80. The spinner was Tru-Color Paint Black. This is a model railroad paint that goes on very well. The yellow was Model Master Enamel RLM 04, and the red was RLM 23 from the same line. I used Testors Flat Gun Metal in the 1/4 ounce jar for the guns.

I primed with Mr. Surfacer 1200 and used Mr. Color C-117 RLM 76 Light Blue on the bottom. The RLM 75 and RLM 74 on the top surfaces were Mr. Hobby Color paints - the first time I've used them. I thinned them with Tamiya thinner and they sprayed very nicely. However, they are not available in the US, so I will not be using them on a regular basis.

The decals are from the kit. The first ones took a long time to get free of the backing paper, but I heated up the water and the rest went on well. After applying the decals, I attached the remaining parts - landing gear, bombs, drop tank and rack, antenna, foot step - and applied another gloss coat. I then used Liquitex Soft Body Titanium White for the winter camouflage. I applied it with a brush (the way it was done in real life). For a first try, it came out okay. I had to manually hold the canopy in place, so the streaks would line up.

I took this photo before attaching the canopy and applying the winter camouflage, so I'd have something to show if the camo didn't work out!

Page last updated June 15, 2023.