zeus60

I think Daryl meant, which two kits are you talking about? Tamiya makes two each of the A6M5c and A6M2 in 1/48 scale. List the kit numbers, and that will help. Stacey

I've been very pleased with Winsor-Newton Series 7. They are pricey, but I've never heard anything bad about them. And I have been amazed at the difference a good brush makes in painting details. Also, ditto on everything Triarius said.

I also use water and Dawn dishwashing liquid, but I apply it with a Handy-Wipe, similar to cheesecloth. But you do have to be careful. Often I won't attach the guns, antenna, etc. until after painting. I build props, but maybe it's different with aircraft from different eras.

Excellent shots, John! The models are good too!

Thanks for the info. I had tried acetone-free nail polish remover with Polly Scale after reading that it worked for someone, but all I got was a glob of goo. Polly Scale and MM Acryl don't like alcohol.

If it's the stuff shown in your P-47D tutorial, it is Sally Hansen, and it is acetone-based. That I will have to try.

Thanks for this info. That is very handy.

You should be able to get it at any drug store or drug section of a discount store. Perhaps it is sold under a different name in other English-speaking countries, the same way that what we call lacquer thinner is called cellulose thinner in the UK. And it is a common household product. I wouldn't worry about any legal consequences.

Larry, a couple of questions. Which brand(s) of acrylic paints have you used it with? Also, is the nail polish remover the acetone-based type or the acetone-free type? I had heard of this trick, but when I tried mixing Polly Scale with acetone-free NPR, it turned to goo very quickly. Maybe the acetone-based type works better.

I use an Iwata, but I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being unhappy with the Evolution. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

I'm just starting to do washes, and the ones I've done are wide area washes, such as for armor. I didn't even think of a pointed brush. Thanks for the info.

Hello, all. I'm going to be ordering some things from an art supplier, and I'd like to get some brushes for doing washes and for drybrushing. Is there any particular type of brush I should be looking for, other than good quality in general (probably sable)? I recognize that what is good for washes may not be good for drybrushing, and vice versa. TIA Stacey

I've only used the flats, so that ratio matches my experience as well.

I thin my Tamiya about 50/50. I've used both Tamiya's acrylic thinner and their lacquer thinner - same ratio. Once of the things it's taken me a long to time to learn is how much you can thin modern model paint (either acrylic or enamel) and still get good coverage.

I bought some dropper bottles on eBay for the same purpose. Did you just pour the paint in, or did you add thinner to the paint in the dropper bottle? Stacey

I tried that, but it didn't work too well for me.

Depends on the paint. I know there are folks who thin Tamiya acrylic with lacquer thinner, but I think that's the only brand.

You're welcome. And regarding the shampoo - nothing is too good for dogs! I have a Golden Retriever (used to have two but lost one a couple of months ago). Bottle Solutions also has small glass jars perfect for thinners, too.

I ordered a bunch from Bottle Solutions, but Hawkeye's has a better price. BTW, the MM/Polly Scale lids are 28-400, if you do need to know the size. Stacey

MicroSet goes on the surface before you put the decal down. If needed, MicroSol goes on top of the decal. HTH Stacey

I'm kind of curious. Does anyone see Tamiya releasing a 1/32 A6M2-N Rufe at any point in the future? Or do you think they've done all they're going to do with that family, especially with the Spitfire now out? I haven't heard any rumors - I'm just asking.

I believe Blu-Tac is a brand name. I've never seen it here in California. The same basic product is sold as Handy-Tak and possibly other names. I've seen it at Walmart and Target. I just bought some at Big Lots! this past weekend. I also recall that Elmer's makes a version that is white.

Greg, that is a clever technique. How exactly do you trace the outline? Stacey

You might want to take a look at Swanny's page on masking canopies.

I'm building the Hasegawa A-3 right now. Good to know I am not the only one who had issues with the cowl.