Taking some time to learn

I’ve got the current projects done and I feel it’s time to take a pause from building/painting new things and up my game.

I’ve noticed the last few builds (particularly miniature painting), and although I’m happy with them, I feel I can do better.

I’m going to spend the next little while watching some YouTube channels on painting techniques.

So far I’ve been binge-watching Artis Opus and finding his dry brushing technique quite amazing.  His videos fully explain how to do it. As dry brushing has always been a weakness of mine this is a technique I do want to improve.

I’ve also got some old builds that I’m going to use as paint mules to improve my dry brushing on models as well.   Starting with this older Panzer I’ve had for a few years in the display case.   I’m running short of room so some kits are going to go either as donations or as a paint mule.

Looking forward to learning some new things to improve my builds.

CF-22 Raptor

This one ultimately beat me, thanks to a combination of various things, including real life. It still meets what I was looking for—a sample of an RCAF What if subject.

Tamiya Acrylics and a mix of IPMS Canada and Above and Below Decals.

When cleaning goes sideways

About once a quarter I give my airbrush a deep clean which includes soaking the smaller components in Mr. Tool Cleaner, which is a very strong cleaner the will dislodge anything.

Usually I finish that put it back together, flush it with water and it’s ready to go.

The first thing to paint was the underside of the CF-22 I’m working on as part of my RCAF what-if series. This comprises mixing AK Gen 3, and Gen 3 thinner and a drop of two of Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver.

I’m still working my way to get the AK Gen 3 ratios dialed in as easy as I find using the Tamiya. One thing you must to with the AK is several light coats where the Tamiya is more forgiving if you are a bit heavy on the airbrush trigger.

Right away I noticed the ratio was off, but I’d had that happen before. I proceed to do a few light coats pausing long enough (I thought) for the coats to dry in-between.

I finished and cleaned the airbrush noticing it took a bit longer to spray completely clean.

When I turned around to look at the model the following greeted me.

After my initial shock (and some language). I realized what had probably happened.

After cleaning the airbrush I always flush it with water before starting any new project. I think I did not flush it enough and the some of the lacquer cleaner was still in the airbrush body.

Lesson learned. Make sure I flush it fully out before starting anything new. The kit is recoverable after a light sand and perhaps a fresh coat of primer.