1/144 Bandai U-Wing // Spec-ops custom paint *Complete*

[JNordgren42]

I started painting my Bandai U-Wing today. While I love the ship, I thought the paint scheme of the movie versions was a little pedestrian, so I'm going my own way on this build. I decided to do a low vis (mostly) scheme for a hypothetical elite special operations unit. Most of the ship is a dark grey with a few lighter grey areas and plan of picking out some panels in yellow and a sand color. So far I have all of the base colors down and I'll start masking out the colors tomorrow.

 

[JNordgren42]

I have the basic assembly done, nothing is glued yet, just in case I need to pull some of it apart to paint panels. I took several shots on a green(ish) background so I can bring it into Photoshop to play around with the exact final color scheme. One thing I'm not happy about this kit is the gigantic panel they use for stand access, it leaves a giant gaping hole in the bottom it you don't have it in the landed configuration. I'll almost certainly modify it to improve the look since I don't plan on displaying it with the gear out.

 

[Hagoth]

Interested to see what you come up with here. I like the direction so far.

 

[JNordgren42]

I did a preliminary mock up of the top with the wings closed in Photoshop and I'm happy with the direction my brain is going in. I still need to see how this looks with the wings open and figure out the bottom. I think I need to add some more randomness and variation and not have everything perfectly mirrored, but I think the areas I have picked out help slim it down, enhance the forms, and make it look a bit more aggressive. More to come soon.

 

[Padawan311]

Following this! I love the U-Wing and have a few of these to build myself.

 

[Analyzer]

Love the color scheme!

 

[JNordgren42]

Photoshop with the wings open. I'm liking it more and more. On to the bottom

 

[Hagoth]

This is looking nice! I really like the pattern symmetry but as you mentioned before with the thought of adding some randomness I think it might be possible to keep the current look but make random work with just one or two top and bottom panels colored differently. Maybe on an engine or to one side of the cockpit.

 

[JNordgren42]

The white and yellow are sprayed. I adjusted it slightly and I'm really happy with the scheme. Now to work on some randomness with panels in a few other colors.

 

[JNordgren42]

I've got all of the panels done and I'm loving the scheme. I think it looks very Star Wars while still being unique. I'm going to let it sit a day or two and decide if I want to add any other color to the design, then I'll clear coat it and start the weathering.

 

[Analyzer]

Love it!

 

[JNordgren42]

I finished it up tonight and I'm really happy with the results. I kept the weathering a little lighter than I normally do for a Rebel craft, in keeping with its role in a spec-ops unit. I still put a little past damage in the rear underside, it is Star Wars after all.

 

[Hagoth]

I think this is a fantastic display piece. Really nicely done and in a unique way.

 

[Frantikgirl]

I love Star Wars ships with custom paint jobs. This is very slick.

 

[Analyzer]

Excellent!

 

[Padawan311]

Beautiful work! It looks awesome!

 

[Essex23]

Love the design....but i am more interested in how you mounted it, and what you used. Any info on that?

 

[JNordgren42]

Love the design....but i am more interested in how you mounted it, and what you used. Any info on that?

Thanks! I just used the stock Bandai base that comes with the kit. There are two versions of the bottom-center hull plate. The solid one you see in the underside pics, and another one with a hole that the base mounts to. I painted both so I could swap them out as necessary.

 

[Essex23]

And of course, my stupid brain also just realized I have a small issue.

Yours is the Bandai U-wing.....I have that Revell U-Wing that is actually a toy, not a model. lol

Guess I have to custom fabricate a stand for mine. lol