F5C_SV

Mike Daniels
Nice work Alfredo. Might be worth just adding a layer of varnish just to blend the decals in?

Łukasz Gliński
Nice, agree with Mike as well. Always wanted to have that kit in that camo 🙂

Spanjaard
i would suggest one layer of bright vanish before decals, so there they adhere better. and a satin or matt (as you wish) after decals, to blend them in.

Alfredo Jurado
Gentlemen... many thanks for your input. Some of the finished models I am uploading here are not precisely something I am proud of. I am uploading my entire collection and projects, because ScaleMates is the best website I've seen so far for keeping my stuff together, well organized and with the priceless feedback from all of you.
The model in question was built some time ago, while experimenting with art painting varnishes because most of the hobby stuff needed to reasonable complete a model, are not to be found in Ecuador. The result was not good in any aspect. First, I had problems with the airbrushing because the paint was not enough liquid. Airbrushing the model with a wrong varnish was another problem because tended to turn white when dry, specially in the roots and joints. Obviously, I ruined the decals as well, because they silvered as being applied to a non flat surface. Also have to say that Microscale decals used in this model, were very difficult to apply because they did not fit properly. I am referring to the yellow/black checkered band on the fuselage. To make this long story short, At the end I only wanted to finished the model as is, and had no longer the mood or pride to complete a superb model.
This is part of my story as a modeller, and my story has ups and downs as usual in life, hahaha.
Please keep up with your feedback, because is really important to me and there is always a lot to learn from you. My best regards,

Mike Daniels
A triumph over adversity then. Dont run your models down. They are very good, especially in your circumstances, which must be frustrating. Can you not purchase modelling stuff from abroad in Ecuador ?

Spanjaard
hi Alfredo. my congratulations on your posting all your models, regardless of the results. most people tend to see SCM almost as a competition and post only their best. i remember short time ago there was an initiative by several people of posting also our early attempts, which usually are not that good 😉 I did support that idea, and I think we need more of that, and also more constructive criticism... people tend to only praise great models and criticism (constructive criticism) tends to go on short supply in SCM.

Mike Daniels
Absolutely Spanjaard. We all learn by making mistakes. We could call it the 'Nearly Made It' forum. Ha, ha.

Spanjaard
indeed. although i must say that some of my early ones are far from "nearly made it", they were more "i really f* up this one", but of course, i did not know then! I though they were good. Even when my first F-14 was finished i was happy. and it had so much paint on it, that if i look at it today, do not now if it had raised or engraved details 😛

Alfredo Jurado
Thanks for your input.
Mike, in Ecuador We only get very limited Revell kits and a local brand of model país for airbrushing. Anything else you News must be importes with waiting times of about 4 months. I have an inventory of 765 models and had to import a lot of supplies or bought directly while traveling. The local paint is of brand Monkey Paints and was a local response because you know that enamel paints cannot be taken with you in an airplane and hobby shops cannot ship them by mail.

Alfredo Jurado
I like the idea of the forum "my worst job" hahaha. But actually, with any new model I build, I am repairing or redoing two old kits, but keeping the old work well documented in photos, as a "memorial".

Ekki
In spite of all the trials and tribulations good work! 👍

Mike Daniels
Wow 765 models!! You must have made all of them. Look forward to seeing more of your archive as it progresses. You should write a book with that wealth of experience.

Spanjaard
750, wow , I will think that that will take several lifetimes.... 😄 , Buena suerte Alfredo 🙂