Author Topic: Vertigo II Build (Read 153841 times)

Mike Morrow · « **Reply #100 on:** May 30, 2024, 06:10:55 AM »

Beautiful work!

Mike

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Don Jenkins · « **Reply #101 on:** May 31, 2024, 06:48:23 AM »

Thanks Mike, greatly appreciated!

Don

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #102 on:** June 05, 2024, 12:23:42 PM »

I decided to use Brodak primer on this build. It's always worked well for me in the past and I was disappointed when it was discontinued. I found an old can of it in my paint locker and a friend gave me two cans he didn't plan on using. The first coat is on.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #103 on:** June 05, 2024, 12:25:01 PM »

All the parts/pieces on jigs of some sort.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #104 on:** June 12, 2024, 06:28:03 AM »

I finally found the time to start sanding the first coat of primer. Wet sanding with 320 grit works best. Dry sanding does work and the primer does powder nicely, but the paper loads up too fast. I'm trying to take off as much primer as I can without scuffing the silk span. Lots of fun!

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #105 on:** June 12, 2024, 06:59:57 AM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on June 12, 2024, 06:28:03 AM

I finally found the time to start sanding the first coat of primer. Wet sanding with 320 grit works best. Dry sanding does work and the primer does powder nicely, but the paper loads up too fast. I'm trying to take off as much primer as I can without scuffing the silk span. Lots of fun!

The only part of finishing that I actually enjoy - wearing a mask!
Looking good. - Ken

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #106 on:** June 12, 2024, 01:24:23 PM »

Quote from: Ken Culbertson on June 12, 2024, 06:59:57 AM

The only part of finishing that I actually enjoy - wearing a mask!
Looking good. - Ken

Well at least you enjoy something about finishing. I sometimes wish I was good at iron-on covering.

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #107 on:** June 12, 2024, 07:24:20 PM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on June 12, 2024, 01:24:23 PM

Well at least you enjoy something about finishing. I sometimes wish I was good at iron-on covering.

I am only half good at Iron on but I am fully bad at paper and dope. I actually did finish one with a contest finish in dope but I hated every minute of it. I am cut out to build and fly. Not into dope.

Ken

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #108 on:** June 25, 2024, 06:07:45 AM »

After a week out of the country for a vacation, I have returned with renewed vigor to sand primer! About three hours a day for four days and the first coat of primer is sanded.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #109 on:** June 25, 2024, 06:08:48 AM »

I did use glaze putty on the deeper flaws and defects that 2 coats of primer wouldn't fill. I'll shoot another coat of primer and repeat.

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #110 on:** June 25, 2024, 07:30:59 AM »

It appears you are at the point where you could make a test flight. Having to revert to the #11 to fix a building "oops" is much simpler before the 20 point finish is applied. If you do, it will be a bit nose heavy since most of the finish is aft of the CG. Give it some thought, electric is changing everything.

Ship looks beautiful so far. Hope you are still committed to the artwork you showed us earlier - Ken

PS - I may be premature - do you have removable hinges?

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #111 on:** June 26, 2024, 07:21:34 AM »

Thanks Ken. I don't have removable hinges, and I won't glue the control surfaces on until all paintwork and polishing is done. Based on that, I'll have to wait for the maiden flight when it's complete. Hopefully I won't have to cut into my 17 point finish! Yes, I am committed to the paint scheme I showed previously. I did shoot another coat of primer yesterday and I'll start sanding again soon!

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #112 on:** June 26, 2024, 09:18:00 AM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on June 26, 2024, 07:21:34 AM

Thanks Ken. I don't have removable hinges, and I won't glue the control surfaces on until all paintwork and polishing is done. Based on that, I'll have to wait for the maiden flight when it's complete. Hopefully I won't have to cut into my 17 point finish! Yes, I am committed to the paint scheme I showed previously. I did shoot another coat of primer yesterday and I'll start sanding again soon!

It is not too late to use the .025 full span wire method Brett has discussed. Just a thought...

Ken

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #113 on:** July 13, 2024, 06:07:13 AM »

I haven't stopped working on this build. I'm still sanding the second coat of primer every day and chasing every pit and crevice of wood grain with glaze putty that won't sand out. Very tedious and time consuming. I'm thankful that I have a TV and the MLB channel in my shop so I don't lose my mind while sanding! I hope to start shooting color next week!

Don

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #114 on:** July 24, 2024, 02:02:47 PM »

I shot two light coats of dope on all the red parts. A few more touch ups on the plane and flaps and I'll shoot some yellow.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #115 on:** August 15, 2024, 02:17:11 PM »

I finally gave up on chasing defects with glaze putty, air brushing primer and wet sanding, and shot 2 coats of Lockhaven yellow.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #116 on:** August 15, 2024, 02:18:13 PM »

The dope went on pretty good without any glaring defects.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #117 on:** August 15, 2024, 02:18:57 PM »

Now the fun starts with masking the paint scheme!

Motorman · « **Reply #118 on:** August 15, 2024, 10:23:49 PM »

That yellow covers very nice. Is that Brodak dope?

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #119 on:** August 16, 2024, 04:55:48 AM »

Quote from: Motorman on August 15, 2024, 10:23:49 PM

That yellow covers very nice. Is that Brodak dope?

It's Randolph dope, which is pigment rich, and it does cover well, but the reds and yellows still don't cover as well as other colors. The preparation of the base is really key to get a nice uniform appearance. Even with the white Brodak primer, if there is any blotch, bare balsa, glaze putty spot or blue Super Fil visible, it may not get covered. So my technique is to thin primer 75% and lightly air brush those areas just enough so they are barley visible, then wet sand with 600 grit to rid of any over spray. It's time consuming and I don't think it adds that much material (weight) but its worth it once the color goes on.

Don

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #120 on:** August 21, 2024, 05:53:02 PM »

Shot clear on all the parts/pieces.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #121 on:** August 22, 2024, 05:36:49 AM »

A friend made up some paint masks for me based on this WORD document I sent him.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #122 on:** August 24, 2024, 07:08:28 AM »

I wet sanded all minor defects from the entire plane with 2000 grit as well as the canopy to rid of scratches/defects and to blend the paint line. I also started to lay out the paint scheme. It's always easy to do one side, but getting the other side to match is a different story!

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #123 on:** August 25, 2024, 05:50:49 AM »

I usually don't get any time during the weekend to get into the shop, but I was able to sneak out yesterday for an hour and got a bit more paint scheme masked.

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #124 on:** August 25, 2024, 11:50:12 AM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on August 25, 2024, 05:50:49 AM

I usually don't get any time during the weekend to get into the shop, but I was able to sneak out yesterday for an hour and got a bit more paint scheme masked.

Purdy! - Ken

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #125 on:** August 26, 2024, 04:57:39 AM »

Thanks Ken!

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #126 on:** August 26, 2024, 05:07:12 AM »

I intend to paint the trim on the fuselage before masking the wings and stabilizer. I think it will make me believe I am making more progress!

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #127 on:** August 26, 2024, 06:40:26 AM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on August 26, 2024, 05:07:12 AM

I intend to paint the trim on the fuselage before masking the wings and stabilizer. I think it will make me believe I am making more progress!

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #128 on:** August 29, 2024, 05:22:10 AM »

OK, I changed my mind and decided to keep masking the remainder of the plane. For some reason I actually felt like masking for several hours yesterday.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #129 on:** August 30, 2024, 05:12:14 AM »

Almost done laying out the paint scheme, just need to do one side of the fin/rudder. Something I learned when using the 3M fine line vinyl tape is to leave a tab which is easy to get a hold of when removing the tape. Otherwise this tape sticks so well, you have to dig at the edge to lift it which usually results in gouging the finish.

Mike Morrow · « **Reply #130 on:** August 30, 2024, 07:34:01 AM »

Thanks for showing a novice how it's done.

Mike

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Don Jenkins · « **Reply #131 on:** August 31, 2024, 06:48:22 AM »

You are welcome Mike and thanks. I learn something new with each build (usually after screwing up) and I know a few guys that build and finish well, and they are always happy to give me tips!

Don

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #132 on:** September 04, 2024, 05:09:36 AM »

Figured out where to install the paint masks.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #133 on:** September 04, 2024, 05:13:45 AM »

It took a while to cover the plane with paper to prevent overspray. I used a trash bag for the tail but I had just removed it for the photo.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #134 on:** September 04, 2024, 05:14:37 AM »

I used a different set of paint masks than my original plan. I used the same font as on the original Vertigo.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #135 on:** September 05, 2024, 04:58:54 AM »

Starting to mask everything that stays yellow.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #136 on:** September 09, 2024, 04:45:27 AM »

Masking done and ready to shoot some black trim.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #137 on:** September 10, 2024, 05:08:14 AM »

Black is on.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #138 on:** September 10, 2024, 05:09:14 AM »

Mask removed from the areas to be painted red.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #139 on:** September 10, 2024, 05:10:14 AM »

I need to let the black completely dry before masking, then shoot red.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #140 on:** September 12, 2024, 02:25:03 PM »

Black is masked off, ready for red.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #141 on:** September 12, 2024, 02:28:03 PM »

Red went on without too much trouble, except it really doesn't cover well.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #142 on:** September 12, 2024, 02:29:06 PM »

I had to do a third light coat to get rid of color gradients.

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #143 on:** September 12, 2024, 02:52:25 PM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on September 12, 2024, 02:29:06 PM

I had to do a third light coat to get rid of color gradients.

That is one red airplane. My second favorite color to look at and my least favorite color to paint!

Ken

wwwarbird · « **Reply #144 on:** September 12, 2024, 08:13:15 PM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on September 12, 2024, 02:28:03 PM

Red went on without too much trouble, except it really doesn't cover well.

What paint are you using?

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #145 on:** September 13, 2024, 04:45:39 AM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on September 12, 2024, 08:13:15 PM

What paint are you using?

Randolph dope, which is similar if not the same as Brodak's. I've used the red and yellow Brodak dope before and they didn't cover well either, and I do mix the paint thoroughly before and after thinning. The red seems to get darker with each coat and you have to be real careful when wet sanding defects because the more you sand the lighter the red gets. At least that is my experience.

Don

Matt Colan · « **Reply #146 on:** September 13, 2024, 07:44:21 AM »

Quote from: Don Jenkins on September 12, 2024, 02:29:06 PM

I had to do a third light coat to get rid of color gradients.

In my experience with Randolph red, when spraying over white or gray, it covers in just over 1 pass. Maybe I’m laying the paint on more than I should but it covers really easily. Painting over yellow may be a different story.

Looks great so far! Can’t wait to see the finished product

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #147 on:** September 13, 2024, 02:44:40 PM »

Thanks Matt. I can only assume different guns with different settings may make a difference. When I painted red on the "parts" over white primer, two light coats covered well. Painting over the yellow is probably what cause my issue, it had an orange tint to it after one light coat and after the second coat I could make out some darker areas. The third coat worked.

Don

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #148 on:** September 13, 2024, 02:49:34 PM »

Unmasking the entire plane is like Christmas morning unwrapping presents. Before applying color I did air brush clear on all the spots where tape overlapped to minimize bleed. It worked well since nothing bled under the tape.

Don Jenkins · « **Reply #149 on:** September 13, 2024, 02:55:50 PM »

I have a few minor touch ups to do along with wet sanding minor defects and the paint lines with 2000 grit, before applying clear. Overall, I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. Sometimes unfortunate things happen when painting a plane and removing tape.