This is my first attempt at building an aircraft model: the 1/48 scale P-47D-25 by MiniArt.

[sixtime]

Twenty years ago, as a child, I had to abandon my modeling hobby due to the intense academic competition typical of Asian education systems—back then, I was painting with Tamiya enamels and couldn't even properly obtain thinner. Now I've returned to scale modeling. After building only AFVs for some time, I suddenly felt the urge to try aircraft modeling, so I chose this as my introduction to the genre.

The plastic is terribly brittle—simply gripping the parts firmly is enough to cause damage.

I attempted an overall chrome finish, but unlike AFVs which generally have robust paint films, this terribly sensitive finish proved too challenging to work with. Even the excellent cartography decals struggled to adhere properly to this slippery and fragile surface.

I'm recreating various wiring details for the engine and other components based on reference materials gathered through AI web crawling, but only where feasible to replicate. Essential reminder: always cross-check sources when using AI!

I'm working on the weathering and wiring details—hopefully I'll have it finished this year!

 

[Tommergun]

Welcome back to modelling. Your P-47 is looking great!

 

[mustang1989]

Welcome back to the world of scale modeling madness @sextine . Miniart models definitely build up into extremely nice and detailed completions but can be a handful to work with sometimes due to the engineering and issues like you are speaking of with the plastic.
Looks like you've got quite the handle on the details and modeling construction and I'm looking forward to future updates.

 

[wjbrandel]

Looking good so far. My first plane model was a disaster (I was only 9 at the time though)

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Nice work!

 

[Rockin' Rob]

Really nice work. Question. Great work on the metal finish but did you seal it? Maybe that's why you're having trouble with the decals? I'm just wondering because I'm almost to that point on my P-51.

 

[Pantherman]

Twenty years ago, as a child, I had to abandon my modeling hobby due to the intense academic competition typical of Asian education systems—back then, I was painting with Tamiya enamels and couldn't even properly obtain thinner. Now I've returned to scale modeling. After building only AFVs for some time, I suddenly felt the urge to try aircraft modeling, so I chose this as my introduction to the genre.View attachment 165310

The plastic is terribly brittle—simply gripping the parts firmly is enough to cause damage.


View attachment 165312View attachment 165313

I attempted an overall chrome finish, but unlike AFVs which generally have robust paint films, this terribly sensitive finish proved too challenging to work with. Even the excellent cartography decals struggled to adhere properly to this slippery and fragile surface.View attachment 165314



I'm recreating various wiring details for the engine and other components based on reference materials gathered through AI web crawling, but only where feasible to replicate. Essential reminder: always cross-check sources when using AI!

View attachment 165315View attachment 165316
I'm working on the weathering and wiring details—hopefully I'll have it finished this year!

Hi and welcome to the forum. Pantherman

 

[BarleyBop]

Yup, keep 'em coming!
... and welcome to the Addict.

 

[sixtime]

I had a hard time because the wing joint was weak. I decided to assemble the small parts after finishing the base

"I plan to place a large number of fellow pilots, soldiers, and mechanics around the scene.
Each figure takes a long time to complete.
My painting process is: acrylic base coat → basic shading with acrylics → enamel detailing → additional shading with oils and enamels.
I'm currently experimenting with complementary color–based shading and mottling techniques I saw in an art book

This is the mid-stage of the face. I'm planning to add multiple additional layers of color based on real reference photos.

 

[Pantherman]

View attachment 165856View attachment 165857View attachment 165858
I had a hard time because the wing joint was weak. I decided to assemble the small parts after finishing the base



View attachment 165859View attachment 165860
"I plan to place a large number of fellow pilots, soldiers, and mechanics around the scene.
Each figure takes a long time to complete.
My painting process is: acrylic base coat → basic shading with acrylics → enamel detailing → additional shading with oils and enamels.
I'm currently experimenting with complementary color–based shading and mottling techniques I saw in an art bookView attachment 165861
This is the mid-stage of the face. I'm planning to add multiple additional layers of color based on real reference photos.

Loving your work, details are great, especially the figure. Pantherman

 

[kevin]

Outstanding so far, especially the figure.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[BarleyBop]

a large number of fellow pilots

Nice! I find the 'ensemble' approach has its own set of challenges and rewards.

 

[Rockin' Rob]

Do you talk back once in awhile or answer questions? Just wondering

 

[sixtime]

Do you talk back once in awhile or answer questions? Just wondering

yes

 

[Rockin' Rob]

yes

Cool

 

[sixtime]

figure in progress

 

[sixtime]

assemble

 

[BarleyBop]

Figures looking great!

 

[Heavy 7]

I think you'll not have any problems with this new calling LOL ....... very well done.

Pep

 

[mustang1989]

These MiniArt kits are superbly detailed out and your progress is looking brilliant so far. You're most definitely alot further along with figure painting than I am. Good results.

 

[Rockin' Rob]

I'm going to have to look these mini art kits up. But I have a question. Who's he going to be flipping off?