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Anybody done the VMFA-314 digi-camo hornet yet?


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Just wondering if anyone has done the digital camo paint scheme successfully and has any tips. I've tried twice with fair results at best. My main problem is my lack of patience when doing the masking, but the compound curves around the nose area are driving me nuts too.

I'm gonna get it though, one day....!

-Mike

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Sounds like you have a cool project. Got any pic to share of what you have so far? I'm thinking about doing the same jet....just getting collection all of the info/photos for reference for the moment. Hopefully I can tackle this project this year.

Mike

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..... Got any pic to share of what you have so far? ......

Mike

I have a few from the first go-round, Mk II looks even more goofy so it's getting stripped as I type. The section forward of the canopy is what really drives me batty but I noticed even on the real jet, everything isn't perfectly lined up. I really need to get the size of the individual sections done better-I'm not gonna drive myself further into insanity by trying to match the exact pattern. Also I just learned yesterday that there's five colors instead of the three I thought (dang.) I may just stay with three. I have a life, after all ;) .

Anyway, here's a few of the first disaster...

IMG_6120.jpg

IMG_6121.jpg

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Thanks Dave!

I just ordered your VMFA-314 "We're Back" sheet. Looks like the markings should work for this but ss the new project you mentioned more appropriate for the digi camo? I've still got a long time before I'm ready to do decals...

-Mike

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The section forward of the canopy is what really drives me batty but I noticed even on the real jet, everything isn't perfectly lined up.

Also I just learned yesterday that there's five colors instead of the three I thought (dang.) I may just stay with three. I have a life, after all :D

It's coming along very nice. So, was the digi-camo on the real jet were painted by matching the panal lines?

Wow, the real camo was painted with 5 colors...interesting. Can you tell me what colors you are using and do you know the other 3 colors? Thans

Mike

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It's coming along very nice. So, was the digi-camo on the real jet were painted by matching the panal lines?

Wow, the real camo was painted with 5 colors...interesting. Can you tell me what colors you are using and do you know the other 3 colors? Thans

Mike

Dave's got another post somewhere on ARC listing the proper FS numbers for the 5 colors. Found that of course after I started :whistle: Gonna search for that one when I get ready to repaint.

What I used is Light Ghost grey, (lightest) Euro I grey (darkest), and a mix of dark ghost/Euro1 for the middle grey color.

Also FYI: I found that blue painters tape does in fact leave residue...I've used it before on models but never in such quantities as on this project!

-Mike

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Dave's got another post somewhere on ARC listing the proper FS numbers for the 5 colors. Found that of course after I started :blink: Gonna search for that one when I get ready to repaint.

What I used is Light Ghost grey, (lightest) Euro I grey (darkest), and a mix of dark ghost/Euro1 for the middle grey color.

Also FYI: I found that blue painters tape does in fact leave residue...I've used it before on models but never in such quantities as on this project!

-Mike

I guess I better start looking for that post by Dave....or Hey DAVE!! Yo buddy can brother get some help :D

It would be hard to get away from the residue on the model when doing this camo. I'm sure it was pain masking all those squares, but the result is loookin' super :doh:

Mike

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I have a few from the first go-round, Mk II looks even more goofy so it's getting stripped as I type. The section forward of the canopy is what really drives me batty but I noticed even on the real jet, everything isn't perfectly lined up. I really need to get the size of the individual sections done better-I'm not gonna drive myself further into insanity by trying to match the exact pattern. Also I just learned yesterday that there's five colors instead of the three I thought (dang.) I may just stay with three. I have a life, after all :doh: .

Anyway, here's a few of the first disaster...

IMG_6120.jpg

IMG_6121.jpg

Looks great, the colors you are using are correct, the dark gray I used (gunship gray) is too dark, I think should be Dark Gull Gray, which is what it looks like you are using.

To speed things up, I placed masking paper on a cutting board, laid out different sized grids on the tape, and cut them out. They were applied perpendicular/parallel to the centerline of the plane, so that all of the "pixels" were at right angles. I painted the darkest color first, masked over it, and then applied the next lightest color. Try not to coat too heavy, or you'll have ridges in the paint by the time you get to Light Ghost Gray.

Don't forget to paint the pylons and center drop tank also!

Edited by Frank Steffens
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Dave's got another post somewhere on ARC listing the proper FS numbers for the 5 colors. Found that of course after I started :blink: Gonna search for that one when I get ready to repaint.

Six colors actually. If hydraulic fluid counts... :doh:

IMG_1229a.jpg

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Very nice, Phil! That is a heck of a lot better than mine.

As for the leak picture, McDonell Douglas/Boeing must have some former General Motors engineers on staff...."if it ain't leaking, it ain't full!"

_Mike

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Anyone trying this should have a psych consult! But I'm already working on my next attempt so I reckon I'm over the edge.

Bad thing is, I'm already looking at that MiG & thinking...."where can I get the decals for that one?" :thumbsup:

Of course, the patterns are larger so that should be easier to do.

-Mike

Edited by Sunliner
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