On the HAP, the sensor lenses were
made with a punch and die tool in
an iridescent plastic sheet.
After all the painting and weathering was done, all of the
small antennas and details are set in place.
A very thinned coat of flat varnish was airbrushed over all the
surfaces to harmonise the finishSome texture and further interest is added on
selected surfaces using grey oil paint ‘dots’
blended with a flat brush or stippled using a piece
of foam.With such a long drying time, oil paints are perfect for subtle
effects and blending.
Tiny scratches and scuffs were suggested with a grey and
white pencil, easier to control than even the finest brush.
The final, and surely the most satisfying part of a
project, removing of the glazing masks; with two
helicopters it’s double the fun and my twin Tigers
were complete. Although these kits aren’t up to the
standards we’d expect from new-tooled releases I
hope I’ve shown they can still produce a good
replica with some basic additions and considered
painting.