Masking, masking and more masking

Spent over 8 hours on masking parts for SF70H and BT46 builds. Most on SF70H. Never have done so much and so complex masking before. Prior to that clear coat was applied over livery decals for BT46 and over main colours for SF70H and MP4/6. At least builds will be unblocked for decal application after that.

Main colors painted

Got white and red base paint coats on over last few weeks. I’ve used masks provided in the kit for the fin on engine cover. Zero matched red went on reasonably well. It might not be 100% even, but close enough. Clear coat is going to be next, before I could mask again and spray some semi-gloss black. After SG black is applied, I should be able to switch focus to applying decals for the main livery and CF decals as well.

I’ve also painted floor, gearbox and number of suspension pats in new Zero carbon paint. It’s not a direct replacement for CF decals and does not provide CF patterns out of the jar. But I will use it as base for CF decals and probably even leave it exposed as is on some parts, that I won’t apply CF decals to. The likes of brake ducts, underside of the floor and probably most of the gearbox casing.

Fluo orange painted

After body was stripped off of paint from my previous attempt, it took a while to get it primed and painted base white. Work on other projects got in a way. But last weekend I got it masked and was able to put fluo orange on. In attempt to minimize paint bleeds under masking tape, I’ve “sealed” masks with one more coat of base white. In the end it did not come out perfect, but it’s not too bad either. I was able to polish some overspray, bleeds and orange peal spots. So, I am ok with it and it will have to do it for this build. Need to get thin clear coat on top of base paint, before I could apply decals. Color is a bit of on the photo made with my cell phone. I will get proper white balanced photos after clear is applied and true colors will show.

Completed decals for BT46

Finished decals for BT46 on Sep 2. Patched broken spots last Saturday's night. Struggled with decals quite a bit, until I tried Solvaset. It worked much better then my "go to" Micro-Set/Sol combination. And altough Solvaset melts those decals to big extent, it softened decals more and allowed them to conform to surfaces much better.

More rear end assembly done

Got gearbox and rear suspension assembled past week

Primed parts of SF70H model

Last weekend I started to prime parts. Decided to go with light layers of grey first. Will need to smooth these coats a bit and then get white primer on the parts, which will be white and red later. First photo shows well how much pre-assembly I've done for the main shell of my model. On second photo it is possible to make out what other pre-assemblies I've done before primer for other parts.

Assembly steps started on BT46

While focus was on BT52 build, I've continued to work on BT46 in parallel. After decals with simulated rivets were applied, I've primed over them and then shot Zero Alfa red onto body parts and wings' elements. Next I've done detail painting on engine and suspension items. And finally this week I've started assembly steps. Engine is coming together first. Put extra effort into wiring it up. Ignition wires and fuel lines could be seen on photos. I still need to come up with solution for ignition plugs/booths, which are missing from the kit. I also plan to put extra effort into plumbing. Most of the hoses will be added latter, but accepting holes have been drilled ahead of time.