Decals
Alex mentioned to me that he used a OOP Superscale sheet for the markings on his Hawk MK53. Since I could not get my hands on one, I decided to try my hand at making some custom decals and combining it with the basic stencils provided in the kit to finish the kit in
TNI-AU markings.
Using all the references for the TNI-AU Hawk, some from Alex, some I found myself, I made the national logo, A/C numbers,
TNI-AU lettering and squadron marking etc using a graphics program. <54>
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Since most of the items are in black, I printed them out on a laser printer using laser decal paper. And since I dun have access to a inkjet printer, for those markings that needed
colours, I printed out the design outline using the thinnest line weight and hand painted the colour portion using vallejo colours. What I learn is to get the colour and coverage you want by applying the paint over
several thin layers in multiple sessions. I sealed the finished decals by misting on several very light coat of future.
Application of the decal is straight forward. Some decal needed a dash of set and sol to get it to conform properly. The various decals after application are as shown.
After the decal has all dried, several thin coat of Humbrol semi-gloss cote was misted on in preparation for some weathering.
I used pastel chalk, in various shades of grey, umber and brown for the weathering to enhance the various panel lines and grimy areas like exhaust outlets, wheel bays and the gun pod etc.
After the pastel chalk operation, a final coat of humbrol semi-gloss coat was misted on to seal everything in.
Final Touch-up n assembly
When the final coat has dried, I removed the masking from the cockpit and touch-up the cockpit sills, canopy etc with paint brush. The 2 underwing pylons and the gunpod was also attached at this point with white glue. Final assembly also takes place for the horizontal stabs which was painted as
separate items as well as for the 4 AIM-9s.
To complete the model, I proceed to make a display base for it using mounting board. I scribed the tarmac lines using a blunt tool, drybrushed using various shades of black, grey and umber. I also used very thinned dark grey paint to simulate the oil/fuel stains on the tarmac. To break up the monotony colour of greys of the tarmac, I made the grass verge by the edge of the display.
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The base is then mounted on a wooden base and I made a name plate to complete the whole display. |
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Conclusion
This kit has helped me to appreciate the smaller scale kits and put back my confidence in them. Maybe I will try more 1/72 subjects in the future. There are some hits and misses during this project but I have learnt from all of them. I have also learn a trick or two from some of the guys like Alex, over at ARC forum and some of them have given me much help that I needed. A big THANK YOU to all you guys out there !!! :P
Jer Wei
Below are some more pics of the completed model. Thanks to TJ for additional pics with his D cam.
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