writes:I try not to use either pure white or pure black on models of this scale – they are just too over-powering. However, there is some pure white, a small amount (very small), around the grey hull, and as a final highlights in the windows and portholes.
During these highlighting stages, I have coated the whole model with Kleer (Future) in a mix of 1-part Kleer to 3-parts water. Then a further wash of Kleer, water and black ink, repeated a couple of times.
Once satisfied, I then went back over the final highlights with pale grey, lightened flesh, and even some pure white.
The only negative comment I can make about the colour scheme so far is that it looks a little pale – too pastel. I think it needs 'a bit of colour'. I have therefore added some 'bright' decals or transfers, which came from a ¼8th scale set of Mustang Aces and a 1/144th Phantom F4 set.
Further highlighting or detail painting included finishing off the mast, and adding running lights above the two engine pods. For those who can see the painted detailing, I also added detail to the Indian head gear on the rudders, and grey to the black number 106 and 6.
The top of the twin funnels are painted dark and then mid grey (as USS Maine).
The twin rudders are painted to look like 'doped material,' and are left striped on purpose.
I then varnished the whole model with two coats of matt acrylic varnish. The first is just cheap water-based varnish, while the second is Artist Quality Matt Acrylic (which gives a better matt finish).