Airbrushing large aircraft

[Hobbes]

I'm getting ready to airbrush two fairly large items:
- Antonov 124 (the Revell 1:144 kit)
- Tu-114 (Trumpeter Bear with BraZ models resin fuselage)

These are too large to set up the way I do with smaller models (a stake up the tailpipe). One option would be to spray the aircraft in two halves; e.g. mask the front so you can hold it securely and spray the back, then a second session for the front end. I worry I may leave a demarcation line, though.

Any other ideas?

[Ed S]

One thing I have done in the past when painting larger models or ones that aren't condusive to "staking" is to mount some kind of leg in each wheel well.  I usually use dowels or sprue depending on the weight of the model.  You can glue it in place with some white glue (Elmer's) and then use a big wad of poster tack (blue, yellow...) to secure it.  I have found that poster tack by itself will allow the legs to shift under the weight of the model, but it does help secure them.  Then I hold the model in my hand and paint the underside.  Once this is done, I place it on a lazy susan and paint the upper side.

HTH

Ed

[Hobbes]

Ed: That would work if you apply the paint in one layer. I usually apply 3-4 coats at 10-minute intervals, though.

Wooksta: Xtracrylic dries quickly enough that you can handle the paint like that without leaving fingerprints? Interesting.

[sotoolslinger]

How about hanging it by fishing line

[Hobbes]

Sotoolslinger: I've done that a few times, and didn't like it. The model would move around in the airstream too much.

Wooksta: thanks. I'll buy some Xtracrylic and experiment.

[Gary]

I checked with a few of the guys in my club and two things came out. Prime first and then you can take the time to do it in sections and buff out any ridges or pools. Then because the planes one guy does are usually so big, he paints individual panels and sections. Some guys fuss and finish to a point so that they can attatch the wings in sep sections without a visible seam. A few of the guys have a rig made that holds old coat hangers and these are inserted in the wheel wells in holes specially drilled for that purpose. There are bends in the ends so that the model doesn't move about and the CH wires are generally strong enough to handle the weight without deforming.

The guy who paints panels and  and sections and such, wins awards consistantly for his big arcraft. He did a white Vulcan and the panels and the like are beautiful. Imagine how people panel shade NMF only with colours.