Star Wars Red Squadron X-Wing

[ZeroRaven87]

My first post in the forum and wanted to share what I'm working on.
Mainly I do GunPla, but I'm a huge Star Wars nerd, so when I found the Bandai X-Wing Red Squadron set on sale at Hobby Lobby I couldn't pass it up.
Couple that with the Testors airbrush set I got, I'm on a roll.
Starting with the small 1/144 scale first, probably will be a standard Red Squadron X-Wing, the Larger 1/72 I'm going to pull a Red 2 scheme for.
More pics as I progress.

 

[Analyzer]

They are fun to build for sure

 

[ZeroRaven87]

Small update. Working on decaling, learning from my mistakes (note to self, cut the cockpit decal so it sits properly).
Started with the small one so the lessons i learn (read 'my mistakes') would be less then noticeable on the big one.
Anyone have any tips for decaling these birds? Already cutting close to the decal to trim the carrier film. Using decal setting stuff.
Been a while since I've done waterslides lol.

 

[ZeroRaven87]

Another small update, last one for tonight. More decals applied, the small ones on the engine cowlings were annoying AF. Decent amount of microset/sol to get them down.
Soany decals really close to each other, 1 single piece on the wings would be great, but would cut down easy customization.
Gonna let these dry with a slight over coat to hold them down before I assemble and finish.

 

[starks]

Looks like you're doing a great job!

Cheers,
Josh

 

[ZeroRaven87]

Looks like you're doing a great job!

Cheers,
Josh

Thanks man. Like i said, it's been a.while since I worked with water slides (last time was a TOS Enterprise about 10 years ago), and they weren't this small lol. Didn't know much about microsol/set then, and didn't realize the importance of a good clear coat.

 

[starks]

Thanks man. Like i said, it's been a.while since I worked with water slides (last time was a TOS Enterprise about 10 years ago), and they weren't this small lol. Didn't know much about microsol/set then, and didn't realize the importance of a good clear coat.

The slides are definitely fiddly. Admittedly though Im too much of a cheapskate for Microsol and still always use water/ white vinegar mix lol.

Cheers,
Josh

 

[ZeroRaven87]

Another update. Decaling is going good. Detail painting anything I've missed.
Broke one of the damn laser cannons so gotta glue that. But in fairness they are freaking thin! Also messed up the cockpit decal (note to self, DO LAST) during assembly. Had to strip and hand paint it. In fairness I could've used the sticker for it, but I'm trying to avoid stickers as much as possible. Taking a break for a day or so, stabbed my finger with the hobby knife, so I'm gonna let that rest lol.

 

[Jimmer]

Decals look great so far. Micro Set and Sol (or similar products) make it much easier.
Youtube has great tutorials but you seem to be doing just fine.
I remember setting the waterslide around Bandai's R5-D4 dome (thin red stripe that goes all the way around) and was terrified of ruining it. Luckily it came out well.

You might make a copy of decals if you're worried...you can buy waterslide sheets for computer printers...that way you can make a backup if needed.

Great work.

 

[ZeroRaven87]

Once I get this fully detailed and decaled, I'm planning on spraying a layer of clear, and then some decently thinned gull grey or similar (probably not black) and just gonna do a light airbrush blast from the front quad. Kind of a direction of flight sort of weathering.