stena

Torsten
Looking forward to more

Tom Harris
Hi CaptGPF! Thank you for the insight on the funky airbrush results. I'd watched a few videos of Mission Model Paint tips, so was very aware of the distancing issue (I got closer during the same session but it wasn't helping). Given the same paint didn't do this on other parts I'm leaning toward your "contaminated surface" reason. I didn't wash these parts first (I've heard from people who swear by washing, others who say, with modern sprue-making technology, you don't need to do that anymore). But, encountering this headache, methinks I'll go back to washing.

I've also heard very mixed reviews of the Mission paints. I decided to try them because I saw them on Adam Savage's Tested channel on Youtube and I liked that it was a US company. But, I have to say I've mixed feelings after using them on this and the MADOX kit. I used to go with Tamiya (although I used Vallejo for the first time with my Mandalorian and I feel that is one of my best paint jobs ever!).

Ahh, 'tis true, misery doth love company! Have to say, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has suffered through Hasegawa hells of sanding/filling. 😉
I love/loathe that my wife got me another Hasegawa I wanted... the newly released Miria639's Queadluun Rau battle suit from the Macross movie - it's all _curves_ LOL

CaptGPF
We're kinda stuck with Hasegawa for the Macross stuff, but, it could be worse, we could be fighting AMT/Revell/ERTL quality kits…

The good news for you is that their newer releases like the SV-51 come together like a dream - no excessive need for sanding in obvious or awkward places. 😀

Villiers de Vos
Very nice work.

Tom Harris
Many thanks, Villiers de Vos!

Tom Harris
Hi, Jennifer!
Thank you!
I'm very pleased with its mouth. Was fairly pleased so far with the hide, but have run into a snag - for some reason the wash (same I've used all over its right side) is now reacting with some of the yellow/bright greens on the left side and turning them off-white. :|
Same paint brand (Mission Models) in the wash so I have to wonder if it's a thing with the wash aging, perhaps??

I really wanted to like Mission Models, but seriously considering going back to Tamiya given my experiences on these 3 recent kits.
Maybe it's me - maybe it's them. Either way the result is not optimal. LOL

Jennifer Franklin
oh no

CaptGPF
Beautiful build - including the wood stock grain effect!

Tom Harris
Many thanks, CaptGPF!!

I will admit, while I was nervous about this kit (particularly about the "wood," and how to get the armor finish) I believe it's one, if that THE best builds I've done. :]
I still find myself walking by the shelf and stop to look at it - "I did that!?!" 😄

CaptGPF
Excellent wear and tear on the battle damage!

Tom Harris
Thanks CaptGPF! :]
I had fun experimenting with this one. A nice, inexpensive, but cool mobile suit to play with effects.

For those who don't to paint:
I pleasantly surprised how much of a finished look I could get with just layered washes, very minimal hand painting, using cotton swabs before everything dries and, after drying, some judicious scuffing of the results using sanding sticks/hobby-knife blades.
Just remember to top coat to lock it down!