Airfix Model World – September 2019

(Romina) #1
ADVANCED BUILD
MC202 FOLGORE

ADVANCED BUILD
MC202 FOLGORE

22 Airfi x Model World

RINGS AND SQUIGGLES
When applying Regia Aeronautica or Luftwaffe mottle camouflage, it’s important to
create an ‘in-scale’ pattern if the camouflage is to appear authentic. The best way
to achieve this is to dilute the paint to the consistency of skimmed milk, and ensure
the air pressure on the compressor is set at a correspondingly low value. During
application, the airbrush nozzle should be held closely to the model’s surface – no
more than perhaps 2mm distance – which also requires the needle travel on the
airbrush itself be reduced to minimise paint flow and maximise control.

mottle being
applied. Once
again, a selection
of Humbrol brown
and black enamels
were employed
and specific panel

lines (those delineating what
would be moving items on the
real aircraft, such as the rudder,
ailerons, hatches and latches)
emphasised. Oil and smoke streaks
were also added, the browns being
blended into their surroundings

as described above. A subtle
‘squiggle’ mottle pattern was
then airbrushed over the upper
surfaces, utilising highly diluted (to
the consistency of skimmed milk)
ACRA09 Verde Oliva.

Final frenzy
Several coats of Humbrol
AC5501Gloss Varnish (www.
humbrol.com) were applied over
the camouflage and once this had
hardened, Micro-Mesh sanding
cloths were utilised to polish the
airframe in preparation for the
decals. This was a straightforward
step, as Cartograf’s decals
performed faultlessly.
Similarly, no problems were
encountered when attaching the
undercarriage and doors, aerials
and two-part canopy, though a
hinge had to be scratch-built from
plastic card and stretched styrene
runner for the glazing to be posed
in the open position. Further coats
of gloss varnish were applied,
which enabled me to perform
post-decal wet sanding, which
despite being a ‘heart-in-mouth’
job, provides a totally smooth
finish and gives the decals a

‘painted-on’ appearance. Needless
to say, great care is necessary
when sanding over decals, and it’s
imperative that sufficient varnish
was applied beforehand. Finally, a
uniform finish was achieved with
an overall coat of AC5401 Satin
Varnish, which was diluted almost
to the consistency of water with
approximately 80% thinner. Such
a mix provides for a rapidly drying
layer that allows very little time
for dust to settle on the model and
spoil the finish.

Eastern Front fighter
Hasegawa’s C.202 easily stands
the test of time and Eduard is
to be applauded for re-issuing
this endearing classic. The
Czech manufacturer’s resin
enhancements were a delight
and the multiple-choice Cartograf
decal sheet was a riot of lavish
colour. Without the addition of
the Brassin sets, the model was a
simple build which, when finished,
captured perfectly the type’s
graceful curves, as on the real
aircraft. I recommend you avail
yourselves of these kits while
you still can.

mottle being
applied. Once
again, a selection
of Humbrol brown
and black enamels
were employed
and specific panel

lines (those delineating what
would be moving items on the
real aircraft, such as the rudder,
ailerons, hatches and latches)
emphasised. Oil and smoke streaks
were also added, the browns being
blended into their surroundings

runner for the glazing to be posed
in the open position. Further coats
of gloss varnish were applied,
which enabled me to perform
post-decal wet sanding, which
despite being a ‘heart-in-mouth’
job, provides a totally smooth
finish and gives the decals a

the Brassin sets, the model was a
simple build which, when finished,
captured perfectly the type’s
graceful curves, as on the real
aircraft. I recommend you avail
yourselves of these kits while
you still can.

 The gloss-varnished surfaces were then wet sanded with increasingly finer grades of
Micro-Mesh cloths, which provided a perfect surface for decaling.


 Having allowed the varnish to dry thoroughly, the final components were attached – the
four-part flaps proved to be rugged assemblies that butt-fitted into the housings.
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