Catalina Build

As far as aircraft go; the Consolidated Catalina is one of the best looking (in my somewhat biased opinion). Airfix's kit of the 'Cat' has been around for a while but still builds up into a good depiction of this seaplane. The 'classic' Catalina livery seems to be an overall white scheme with black leading edges when in RAF / Coastal Command guise. This was the route I decided upon - since it is the image of the Catalina that most people are familiar with.

Above is the kit after a day's session of airbrushing with Matt White / Black. The internal spaces were quickly coated with Humbrol 78 'Cockpit Green' using the brush before the two fuselage sections were attached. By the end of two afternoons - the kit is in it's main sub-assemblies of main hull, central / outer wings plus landing gear units.

The engine detail was picked out by dry-brushing - the bronze/gold rings being painted on freehand. Any kind of moulded or raised detail is instantly brought to life by giving it some contrast. 

The model was put together without glue - the various assemblies rather thoughtfully staying put for the photo. Test-fitting a big kit like this is always handy to check for any major alignment issues - prior to finding out the hard way! The canopy and observation blisters were carefully hand-painted and also test fitted at this point. Even without transfers - this model is now starting to look like the box-art!

Another post showing the finished result with transfers applied is on the to-do list!