repair of missing screw caps

sarge · Post by **sarge** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 5:37 pm

Here's an easy method for fixing those missing screw caps on the Atlantic version.

I use an Acrylic craft paint made by Apple Barrel Colors. You can find it in the craft dept. of WM. The paint is Pewter Grey Number 20580 and White. The grey is ALMOST a perfect match for the grey on the plane. I've used this type of paint on all my models over the years and never have had any problems with it. I used the 1 in. wide 3M Painters tape to cover the holes and to protect the paint around the holes while sanding, then took an exacto knife and cut out the tape over the screw holes. I then filled the holes with Bondex spackling paste as it doesn't shrink and is easily sandable. After the paste is dry ( I let mine dry over night) sand it down to the tape. I used 250 grit and 3M 800 grit wet/dry automotive sandpaper available at WM. You might have to repeat filling in to get a nice smooth finish. Remove tape and blend it all in. After Air brushing you'll find that they look better then what comes on the good ones of 21C. Hardly noticable.

Hope this helps. Sarge

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:22 pm

That is a GREAT idea about putting the tape around the hole, then cutting the center out so that the paint around the hole is protected. I wish I'd done that when I started out as I sort of messed up a couple holes when the putty I was using actually corroded the aircraft paint. I then switched to Squadron putty, which worked much better! As for paint, I used Testors Acrylic Dark Gull Gray and Flat White to my general satisfaction.

sarge · Post by **sarge** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 5:32 am

tmanthegreat wrote:That is a GREAT idea about putting the tape around the hole, then cutting the center out so that the paint around the hole is protected. I wish I'd done that when I started out as I sort of messed up a couple holes when the putty I was using actually corroded the aircraft paint. I then switched to Squadron putty, which worked much better! As for paint, I used Testors Acrylic Dark Gull Gray and Flat White to my general satisfaction.

If you look close at the white on the plane,it's not white. I added some drops of baby blue and some drops of dolphin grey. Had to keep playing with it but finally got a near bulls eye on the match. I use Squadron putty also but in this case wanted to use something that was a little easier to sand. After I remove the tape I use the 800 grit WET to take it down to the surface of the plastic. The paint does the rest. Have a good one. Sarge