Main camo
Next up the main painting and I am using the very good Hataka Red Line water-based acrylic paints designed to be sprayed. I always use the manufacturer’s own thinner and a few drops into a mixing pot along with the colour works a treat. Just spray very lightly and keep the airbrush on the move, building up the density as you work around the airframe. Avoid applying a heavy ‘wet coat’.
The light grey underside FS36622 goes on first…
Clear parts
Now is a good time to mask up the canopies (who forgot that a set of masks is included in the kit – silly person!). Anyhow, Tamiya masking tape works well as usual – masking inside and out for the two main canopies and no need for the smaller centre section and front windscreen…
Main camo painting
Tan (FS30219) on first and the Hataka Red Line set contains all the colours needed as I mentioned previously, FS34102 (lighter of the greens) and FS34079 (the darker green).
You need to be careful not to over-thin this paint, just a few drops will do it after the bottle is shaken vigorously for a couple of minutes – the small mixing ball in each bottle helps with this. I just followed the pattern to be sure I had enough Tan in all the relevant areas.
Leaving the model overnight to dry completely between colours I masked out the Tan areas using my preferred thin Blu-Tack putty sausages. Ideally you want to leave the Blu-Tack on for as little time as possible and so, if you spray in the morning, you should be able to easily mask and spray the next coat later that day. Leave the putty on too long and you can get oil leeching into the matt paint – not good. I sprayed each colour on the top side over 3 days and didn’t have a problem – removing all the putty and masking tape immediately after spraying the final dark green colour.
I wanted to create an uneven application of the paint as this will help down the line with the weathering look I’m after – a bit like the underside if you remember.
The end result is pleasing enough and I also sprayed the nose cone Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black to now mainly leave the metallic back end and exhaust cans to do…
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Howard Kilburn says
Looking forward to seeing this come together Geoff particularly in SEAC camo… just about my favourite camo scheme ever
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – I’m following this project with great interest.
Your previous two Zukei-Mura Phantom builds are testaments to what a great product they are.The level of detail is fantastic.
Digits-crossed for a British version at some point!
As Always,
Paul.
Geoff Coughlin says
Nice one Howard – yes, looking forward to getting to the panting stages :) G
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff , good to see another Zoukei Mura Phantom on the bench,
Hope you’re enjoying the build as much as I do,I’ve just finished My 5th ZM Phantom , also a F-4C. Ioved Your method of painting the cockpit tub ,definitely try that on the next one. Looking forward to the build and especially the classic paint scheme .
best wishes as ever, Steve.
Geoff Coughlin says
Excellent Steve and thanks for your interest and comments – soon will be at the painting stage :) Cheers, G
Howard Kilburn says
Loving this build Geoff, can’t wait to see it in camo, also enjoying seeing yr use of Perfect Plastic Putty…. certainly useful on my Spit XIV laminar flow designs conversion… I, m an absolute tyro with conversions but nice to push the boundaries occasionally
Regards H
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff, great job with the colour scheme ,and I’m really impressed with the results You get with the Hataka paints, great stuff.
If You do suffer with the Blu-tack marking the paint, try using a very slightly damp microfibre cloth ,and wipe over the affected area, the marks usually come straight off.
Look forward to the next update,
All the best, Steve
Howard Kilburn says
Beautiful camo work Geoff
Geoff Coughlin says
Great tip! Thanks Steve
G
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Howard! Cheers, G
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff ,great job on another Phabulous Phantom ,really like Your method of detailing and painting the cockpit, and the overall finish and weathering ,great stuff. If I may be so bold,I think the ZM F-4’s are the most complete models out of the box, and quite possibly the
best Phantoms on the market. Look forward to Your next project ,and of course Your next F-4 ,
All the best, Steve