Airfix 1/72 Sunderland
Posted on: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Airfix 1/72 SUNDERLAND built by Dorland Bray
The Airfix Sunderland was a project undertaken for a customer over a 6 week period and represents approximately 40 hours of work.
This was commissioned for a customer as his father had been a mechanic working on them in Ireland when the Coastal Command had been based there. We were to build a base model without any special markings.
Below are photos of how the project progressed to completion.
The aircraft in it's completed build stage less the canopy and undercarriage and ready for its first primer coat. Primer was then applied to overall model.
The model with base colours applied and prior to camouflage colours being outlined. Ocean grey was then applied to model with heavy shading.
Detail shading was applied to the ocean grey prior to masking for RAF dark green. Outline masking was then applied to distinguish the overall camouflage pattern.
The model was then masked for application of RAF green (Tamiya masking tape came in very handy!). Green coats were then applied using the Tamiya Sprayworks airbrush system.
Masking tape was then removed and the decals were applied to the model. Note masked area on the tail in preparation for spraying leading edge of the tailplane. The model was then given several washes and drybrushes as depicted in the close up of the nose. Note engines are still not added at this stage.
The model complete with clear parts installed, props painted and undercarriage installed. Nice shot of the model from the rear showing detail of weathering of tail.
Overall this old Airfix kit has stood the test of time very well. Compared to modern mouldings it is actually quite good to work on and we had no problems with fit of parts.
The model was completed using Tamiya acrylic paints applied with a Tamiya Sprayworks Airbrush system. Tamiya masking tape was also critical to the success of the build.
It is surprising to note that the Airfix Sunderland is still the only production injection moulded kit available for this subject.
Given its association with New Zealand it remains a popular subject with kiwis and is always a strong seller.
This project was completed on time and the customer was absolutely ecstatic with the result.