Progress on the 'Dinah'

I thought it might be interesting to show a build in progress. I am building the Shitei III 'Dinah' from Tamiya in 1/48 scale. It's not just that the Tamiya kit is superb, but the aircraft lends itself so well to a good weathering job. Its twin-engined, twin-cockpit layout serves to make the most of a classic piece of aviation.


Views of the cockpit reveal how much nice detail there is to be realised; a light and dark overall paint job accentuating the ribs, and fine precise painting for the instruments and switchgear. Re-mixing certain colours such as black for consoles and instrument panels and greens for cockpit interiors can make for subtle but eye catching finishes.


Only fine gaps here and there remain after main assembly. Krystal Kleer is an excellent filler for this.
In my view a good quality masking tape and a fine, sharp blade are better than any pre-packaged masking set. With the glazing all masked up and the model rubbed down to a glass-like finish and the panel lines replaced from said rubbing down, the model is ready for its undercoat.


Some views from my rather chilly paint room.

Undercoat, pre-shading and a top coat of paint, all done. We are now ready for some very subtle panel fading. I add mid-stone to the standard colour to start, then a few drops of custard yellow - this makes for a very vibrant colour. So, with the airbrush turned right down, I proceed to add a very patchy look. You can see the difference in the fifty/fifty photo


It doesn't matter if the model at this stage looks a little larger than life. As the project progresses this will recede and add to the authenticity of the finished piece.

More on this very enjoyable project soon.