While I was building my giant-scale Top Flite F4U Corsair ARF, I wanted to add just a touch of detail to help break up its overall-blue paint scheme. Regardless of your model’s color, adding some visual surface detail helps your plane gain depth and realism. It’s easy to do with some basic techniques and supplies—here’s how I did it.
The technique for applying panel lines with a pen has been around for a long time, but fine felt-tip pens really make the task simple. First, clean the surface of your plane and really degrease it so the ink will last. You also need some flexible, straightedge rulers, and some basic templates. I use plastic drafting templates for making small panels and the other quick details. For larger circles, templates are also available at most office supply stores.
Scale color profile drawings from aviation books, online drawings and photos also make handy references for detail placement. Remember, this is not a full-blown detailing treatment. I just wanted to add a hint of detail to add some eye candy to an otherwise smooth, film-covered ARF…
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