Radretireddad

I prefer to do all the sanding up front during the prep work. The Tamiya white primer seems to always dry in a uniform very smooth finish. I have my ratios, air pressure, needle settings and application method dialed in to where the final finish is smooth enough to not require any final sanding. Hobby Lobby sells a package of final polishing and buffing pads that rage from 3200 up to 12000 grit and are perfect for removing small flaws. I use Meguiars Plastex to remove any fine scratches or hazing.

I have not had to adjust the thinning ratio with either type of paint. Your airbrush and compressor combination are what’s going to determine the correct ratio and you’ll need to experiment until you find it.

Wow, much better!

Sounds good. Trial and error is what does it for me. I also forgot to mention to meticulously clean your airbrush between uses. Good luck!

Here are a few things you should be doing consistently with all acrylic paints. Make sure the paint is thoroughly shaken or stirred. Especially metallics. Use a stirring stick to make sure there are no residual solids still sitting at the bottom of the bottle. Use Isopropyl Alchol or Tamiya thinner. Some guys recommend Mr Color leveling thinner but it’s expensive and hard to find. You’ll have to experiment with thinning ratios and needle settings until you find the one that works for your compressor and airbrush. For the thicker craft paints start out at about 40% paint and 60% thinner. Make sure to use a good primer. I use Tamiya exclusively. Make sure the part is thoroughly clean, dry and free of finger oils and foreign material before applying the primer. I gently scrub the part with a little dish soap and water and an old toothbrush. The final obstacle to getting good results may be your compressor and airbrush. I spent around $75 for a compressor with a tank and adjustable pressure. Spending the money for a good compressor that provides a consistent pressure made a world of difference in the results I was getting. If you can’t get the CraftSmart paint to work try some other brands. Tamiya is the gold standard but I’ve recently found that the Createx brand sold at Hobby Lobby is also very good. I just got through spraying some red Craftsmart outdoor acrylic paint on these seats and I’m very happy with the results. Good luck and let me know how it’s going.

That’s where I’d start. Use 91% isopropyl alcohol or Tamiya acrylic paint thinner. It isn’t a good idea to use tap water in your airbrush because the solids it contains can clog it up. Try adjusting your thinning ratio as well. What pressure are you using?

What brand?

Wow that DeAg E-type is stunning! I wish it came in a LHD version that I could build to match my 1:1.

One of the first things I do when starting another build is check the OTB stance. I’ll assemble enough of the chassis and suspension and temporarily assemble all four wheels on it and then I’ll inspect it for a few minutes at eye level. If necessary I’ll do the extra work up front to adapt different wheels and tires and or correct anything that doesn’t look right to me. Once I’m happy with it I’ll leave it out on the bench for a few days while I do the same thing to another build. I’ve had half a dozen mock ups sitting on the bench at one time between builds. Just sitting and looking at a group of different kits mocked up and sitting out keeps me motivated.

Hmm, I wonder if a Molotow pen might work in it.

I think the newest Revell 1/25 kit is probably the next best thing to a nonexistent Tamiya level kit. Other than that the ancient Monogram now Revell 1/8 scale kit is your only other choice.

Thanks again to everyone for all your likes and kind comments. Since this is the alpha Z, be sure to stay tuned for the Omega!

Thanks Steve! All the window trim are separate chrome plated parts that fit incredibly. A little Tamiya panel line accent is all they need to really pop!

Thanks Anthony!

Thanks so much Michelle!

Thanks EMRE! It was my pleasure!

Thanks DJ! Go for it, this one’s worth every penny! You won’t be disappointed I promise.

Thanks so much Carl!

Thanks James!

Thanks David!

Thanks David! All of the trim being separate chrome parts makes an amazing difference in the finished build.

Thanks Glen!

Thanks so much Vince!

Thanks Greg!

Thanks Jeff!