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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: James Mills on June 06, 2008, 10:12:31 PM

Title: How to paint a pilot.
Post by: James Mills on June 06, 2008, 10:12:31 PM

I want to use a Williams Brothers pilot in my next plane.  What kind of paint can I use on the plastic pilot, will craft paint work?

James

Title: Re: How to paint a pilot.
Post by: Andrew Hathaway on June 06, 2008, 10:57:28 PM

I did one with water based craft paint, and another with Testors paint for plastic models.  The Testors seemed to work better...

Title: Re: How to paint a pilot.
Post by: peabody on June 07, 2008, 03:29:20 AM

Bob Hunt has a terrific video about painting pilot figures....check Robin's View Productions.

Title: Re: How to paint a pilot.
Post by: RC Storick on June 07, 2008, 08:14:07 AM

Quote from: peabody on June 07, 2008, 03:29:20 AM

Bob Hunt has a terrific video about painting pilot figures....check Robin's View Productions.

I bought this CD from Bob. The guy who narrates it is a fine artist. The pilot in my Continental was done in this method. I Looks more life like. Highly recommend this CD.

Title: Re: How to paint a pilot.
Post by: Mark Scarborough on June 07, 2008, 08:38:01 AM

I paint my pilots with acrylic paints from the craft store. I also make sure to wash the pilot very thoutoughly before I try to paint. the Acrylics dry faster and allow much better use of the "wash" techniques.

Title: Re: How to paint a pilot.
Post by: Balsa Butcher on June 07, 2008, 09:10:46 AM

I thought I did pretty good pilots but Mark "You da Man".  A key with the Williams Bros pilots is to get them to look to the side, not straight ahead.  The easiest way to do this is to angle the entire body slightly in the cockpit. THE REST OF THIS  POST IS RATED "V" FOR VIOLENCE:  A more elegent way is to amputate the head above the collar - angle the pilots head to your liking and glue it back on.  Fill any mis-matched area with plastic model putty. 

If you want more security just jam a piece of soft balsa stock into the neck cavity and glue appropriately.  You will have to cut an access hole in the base to do this.  On another note:  Isn't it great having the Williams Bros pilots back into production?  I thought they were gone forever when the original Williams company closed down a few years ago.  8)