Martin PBM-5 Mariner, Belgian Navy

[Spey_Phantom]

ok, as the group build starts tomorrow, ive had a look into my stash to find a good entry.
after somethinking, ive decided to start with a Revell 1/118 PBM-5 Mariner, this one will be built in old Belgian Navy markings (Zeemacht - Force Navale, ZM-FN).

as for a color scheme, im thinking a Royal Navy style 2-tone grey scheme (like the Fairey gannet & Sea Fury) with a full color tail.
i will post a profile sketch of what im planning later. decals will have to be homemade for most part, but i will use this build to test out a new DIY decal applying techique for the darker surfaces.

[NARSES2]

Liking the sound of this Nils 

[strobez]

...but i will use this build to test out a new DIY decal applying techique for the darker surfaces.

You need to take plenty of WIP pics and explain in lots of short, easy to understand words.  That is one of my biggest frustrations and I'll be watching avidly just for that!

[Spey_Phantom]

...but i will use this build to test out a new DIY decal applying techique for the darker surfaces.

You need to take plenty of WIP pics and explain in lots of short, easy to understand words.  That is one of my biggest frustrations and I'll be watching avidly just for that!

well, its not quite a new technique, ive used it a year ago when i repainted a desktop model for our local EMS Helicopter service.
it came out quite well, the trick is to use a ruler with circular shapes in it for the roundels, and use it to draw the diameters for the roundels on white decal paper (to be applied before the full color clear paper).

[CANSO]

....it came out quite well, the trick is to use a ruler with circular shapes in it for the roundels, and use it to draw the diameters for the roundels on white decal paper (to be applied before the full color clear paper).

This trick makes the decals relatively thick (depending on the scale of the model of course). I started doing something else: when the model is ready for painting I spray the areas for the roundels with white primer, bigger than the marking. Than cover the area for the decal with masking tape(I use frogtape) in the exact shape/size of the roundel. Keep it there until the model is painted completely. Then uncover the roundel areas and apply the transparent decals over the white circle. The transparent decals are much thinner than the white ones. It's not very bad to have the transparent decal just slightly bigger than the white spot so it covers the edge of the darker paint below. Same trick works for squares, diamonds or other shapes incl. as underlay for nose art.

[Spey_Phantom]

Update:

work has begun, ive started painting the inside.
also, parts for the gun turrets are also being painted.
decals yet to be printed.

[Spey_Phantom]

more progress

main assembly was completed last week, the props and engines are in the paintshop atm.
the image was shot before the paintwork on the fuselage started, a first coat of light grey on the underside has since then already been applied.

[Spey_Phantom]

ok, 2 coats of light grey on the underside have been applied.
the engine nacelles will be painted in dayglo orange. once the paint on the tail is dry, im gonna add a full color rudder.

[zenrat]

Looking good Nils.

[NARSES2]

Looking good Nils.

It is, I'm really looking forward to it

[Spey_Phantom]

started on the top coat 

[Spey_Phantom]

ok, primary painting is now almost finished, all that needs to be done is paint the trims on the rudder and print out the Belgian Navy decals. she's almost done 

[Dizzyfugu]

Nice colors. And that thing look huge... 

[loupgarou]

Nice build of an ancient kit!

[NARSES2]

That's looking really nice Nils