JU88-A4 Pro-Modeler from 1999

[Edbert]

I ordered a mask set, this will be interesting.

 

[Edbert]

This kit is getting frustrating. No blame on the kit itself, maybe the old decals that were (apparently) stored improperly at some point in ~25 years.

I discovered that those decals that disintegrated were the single color ones. Either the lettering as shown above, or the fuselage band (was it called Reich Defense on bombers, or was that fighters only?), but the multi-colored decals seem to have survived.

At least until I put vinyl stencils on them...le sigh.

I'll never give up or throw it away, but back in the closet for now, until I learn how to make my own masks with the Cricut.

 

[BarleyBop]

Ooh, that must be some kinda frustrating.
Good on you not to toss it, though.

 

[Tommergun]

Nice airbrush work too.

 

[Edbert]

Nice airbrush work too.

Thanks!

I'm not all that happy with it, too much splatter, I can do better. But this caused me to do a full breakdown and cleaning.

I'm suspecting some invisible damage on the nozzle, think I'll put it in the electronic/sonic cleaner before assembly.

 

[mustang1989]

I am DEFINITELY in on this build Ed. I love these aircraft and from what I remember......these are awesome kits.

 

[ambivalentmaybe]

Getting started on the old kit I bought used at the model show last fall for $20. Been fiddling with all sorts of things and realized how little I know about bombers in general. So doing lots of research to catch up a bit. In the course of that I found this "model", you'll want to translate from German...

https://www.fob-scale.com/junkers-cockpit/

I did build up the landing gear, I must say it is nice to have something so sturdy for a change.

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The ejector pin mark on the actuator will be hidden, but not the one on the front (left) in this picture. I also have some seams to deal with for sure.

While some time spent sanding might fix the tires, I realized they look like balloons (seriously Revell?), so I ordered some weighted resin ones. The ones in this kit remind me of this short film...

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Sorry, off topic, but: Oh, man—I loved that episode and the whole series. I hadn't thought of it in ages but that still brought me right back.

In case anyone is curious, the show is Amazing Stories. This particular episode, "The Mission," was directed by Stephen Spielberg.

 

[Edbert]

The decal damage I showed earlier were quite easily removed with high tack masking tape. The "D H" is painted on, due to location it is fine on this side but FUBART on the other,

The parts of the decals that did not come off have perimeters that are still vaguely visible

Here's my mask from my recent Cricut purchase.

 

[Edbert]

For the Balkenkreuz, I am thinking this calls for some enamel. Terrified and maybe scarred from tape on top of acrylic.

Maybe a white cross in model master "insignia white", with XF-1 or NATO Black details on top? I do not want to try and put opaque white on top of black.

 

[Edbert]

The picture above of the vinyl mask, that is trash. Note there's no exterior cut all the way around?

So I made new ones and went to work.

This is what I meant about a cut that went all the way around. The paint is straight XF-2 with alcohol thinner so it would dry fast and not bleed as easily.

Getting these 8 tiny masks in perfect alignment was a little hard, any imperfections WILL be visible.

I used LP-3 for the black, didn't want to risk the black and white messing with each other.

I have to say I am pretty happy with the result.

So now this kit is back on the front burner of my in-progress kits. I'm really trying to knock out the list of ones that are within their final phases. There's kits in the stash that are starting to cry out for attention.

 

[Edbert]

Whew! I think I have saved this build from the terrors of bad stickers and the additional damage I caused by trying to ride it out and push through.

They're not perfect, and totally a-historical, but I am satisfied.

 

[Steve Ski]

Great recovery, Edbert!

 

[TimM63]

Whew! I think I have saved this build from the terrors of bad stickers and the additional damage I caused by trying to ride it out and push through.

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They're not perfect, and totally a-historical, but I am satisfied.

Looks good to me. Nice job

 

[Holz44]

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Since the only few multi-engined kits I've ever built all had crew that climbed in via the wing (Me110/410, P-38), this format is new to me. So why not do two at once?

Impressive Guys! I mostly build WW II aircraft in 1/48 and have an extensive library for getting paint schemes and details as accurate as I can manage. Your attention to detail is nice to see. I think I might enjoy SMA, as long as there's not too much harsh criticism. Ha Ha
Here's a couple shots from my bookcase.

 

[Edbert]

Love the faded paint on that Tony!

 

[Edbert]

Matching my masks on the dive brakes to the decals on the wing was harder than I expected.

With the stickers done, I've applied the clear. I was quite unhappy with the prop blades and spinner, but the dullcoat really made them work.

Now to see how bad my masks were on the canopies and put lots of fiddly-bit on.

 

[Tommergun]

Matching my masks on the dive brakes to the decals on the wing was harder than I expected.

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With the stickers done, I've applied the clear. I was quite unhappy with the prop blades and spinner, but the dullcoat really made them work.

Now to see how bad my masks were on the canopies and put lots of fiddly-bit on.

Looks great. I never realized they did the snake camo on the underside as well. Pretty cool.

 

[Edbert]

I made a pretty major ****oo though.

The squiggly snakes were applied in the field, so they went AROUND the national insignias not under them.

I'm NOT making the same mistake on the next one.

 

[Edbert]

Example...

 

[Holz44]

Love the faded paint on that Tony!

I'm still learning about weathering with washes and have learned the importance of getting a solid clear coat down prior to applying washes, etc. Watching videos, reading articles and listening to others is one thing........ actually DOING IT is just that process of learning and experience. I'm getting there. I'll post more photos as time rolls on.

 

[Paul67]

I can see that you spent a lot of time and effort here. I can imagine me doing such a camo job. without turning out as well as yours did.
Paint on, young Edbert-san.