Avro Lancaster B.III (SPECIAL) 'THE DAMBUSTERS' by Chadwijm6 - FINISHED - Airfix - 1/72

[chadwijm6]

I started this build earlier in January. And since then I've invested in an air brush, paints and various other bits and bobs. I've never used an airbrush before so this build for me is very much a learning curve.

 

Here's my progress so far. I work abroad but live in the UK so I have a project on the go in both places. Currently, in Brussels, I'm just finishing the Airfix Titanic, my first ever build and then next up will be an Occre Polaris, I love the look of these wooden boats so wanted to try my hand.

 

Once the Lancaster is finished my next UK build will be the Airfix 1/24 which I have to say having seen a lot of reviews and builds on YouTube, looks great.

 

I'm really enjoying the model making, maybe I came across it just at the right time of life, albeit rather late!

 

Any comments, suggestions or advice gratefully received.

 

 

[chadwijm6]

So it's all a learning curve. I had gaps in the colours when I took off the masking so I went back in with the brown and now I'm repainting the green.

I've realised I need to do a better job with my masking off as well.

In future I think I'll paint the model all in one colour first, whichever is lighter, and then mask off and paint the second colour.

It's coming on though

[chadwijm6]

That's better! Next step is to mask off for the black. I'm using this as a learning project so after that I'm going to try my hand at some washes and then see if I can add some wear detail.

Enjoying this build. And a new airbrush arrives tomorrow. I've decided that the cheap one I got isn't helping me improve. I've invested in the new for 2024 H&S evolution CR 2 in 1. Excited to try it out.

 

[chadwijm6]

Well what a difference a new airbrush makes. So much nicer to use and much better results.

 

I think I might have to redo the camouflage now

 

[chadwijm6]

Good progress today. Sanded the camouflage down and resprayed it. I did this freehand with the view that it should help improve my airbrush technique. Undercarriage is on too. Starting to look like a plane!

[chadwijm6]

I think we're ready for a coat of gloss before decals and weathering.

I had an issue with the flaps and glued on the wrong part that is for them to be closed but I wanted then open, so improvised with a 50/50 approach.

 

[chadwijm6]

Glossed and having a go at engine smoke markings... I'm sure there is a technical term!

 

Edited February 10 by chadwijm6

[Javlin]

2 hours ago, chadwijm6 said:

. I'm sure there is a technical term!

Exhaust stains but she starting to look the part I have the Tamy 1/48 in the stash.

[chadwijm6]

12 hours ago, Javlin said:

Exhaust stains but she starting to look the part I have the Tamy 1/48 in the stash.

Of course! Duh! Thanks Javlin.

[chadwijm6]

Decals was a disaster. Didn't realise that they'd got wet and I managed to put my hand in them while I was putting one on the Lancaster. So some were just ruined. So I tried my best with what I had left which fortunately was most of the larger visible ones. But then I had a go at an oil wash and I'm quite pleased with that, soi guess that's the ups and downs of modelling. Overall though I like it. Matt varnish and pop the remaining bits on and I think it'll be done 

 

[Old Collingwood]

That is  looking so nice.

 

OC.

[chadwijm6]

I'm calling it done on my first build. I'm really pleased with it, that said there's loads of things I think I could do better now. Onto the next one!

Thanks to everyone who stopped in to have a look and the words of encouragement.