I would just try to keep it subtle.

Hi Fredrik,

I don't know if this is allowed, but I would suggest checking out some of the techniques here. In my opinion, Daniel is a real artist... you might be interested in techniques he used to obtain that subtle finish on F-4's or North American F-100D "el viejo cazador". Be sure to check out his step-by-step section on the blog. Cheers!

Hi Fredrik,
Your understatement honours you. So, I’m just lacking some – let’s say – patience.
 
Good to see that the rumours about a new formula regarding Gunze paints were not proven. At least there is no difference in using them.

As your camo turned out perfect, I definitely would test any method before getting serious and think twice to resist the temptation of overdoing. The picts of Viggens in action I‘ve found show quite subtle weathering...

All the best.
 
Cheers
Matt

Hi Fredrick,

I would advise against it. I have tried something similar for a different effect and it never comes out the way you envision because you really can not control the abrasion. Honestly, instead I would try honestly lightly drybrushing each small area, or use powders to simulate fading. Or even just randomly hit the entire model with faint grays or tans to simunate faded paint.

I look forward to your next post!

BTW, whoever said the Viggen is one of the best looking airframes-- I agree! It looks like a thunderbolt attached to Thor's hammer!

great looking build - always wanted to do a viggen, so i am envious!

Folks, thank you for all your comments and postings. It is really fun to read all your posts, they surely add some extra to this build. I still look upon myself as a beginner even if I have a few builds behind me by now. I mean...

...wow. If I could paint like this guy. He is an artist!

Anyhow, I am doing my best and this is the progress so far

I always try to do something new on every build and I read about a guy gently sanding through raised panel lines to make the pre-shading come through. It really looked good, so hey, lets give it a try. I have sanded the wings gently with a 8000 Micro Mesh and it seems to work. What do you say?

I think the camo has softened a little giving it a more faded tone. I will also have a smoother surface before applying the decals. Regarding the weathering I still want to weather it quite heavily. I hope I can pull it of though, fingers crossed.

The Viggens were quite worn and thorn during the last years of service. You can really see it on the two tone grey JA37s. Faded, chipped paint and lots of exhaust stains from the reversal. It is not as visible on the camouflaged ones but you can still see it in the pictures above, D67 was flown directly from service into the Museum were it currently is on display. She is actually signed by the very last pilot on the brown paint on the nose between the Wing number 4 and the national insignia.

The brown paint under the number is also newer than the rest of the paint as the previous owners number, the 15th Wing, has been painted over. A funny thing is that she still wears the insignia of the 15th wing on her tail.

I am also glad that You folks out there like the Viggen as a plane. It is an odd bird, built in quite few numbers and only operated by the Swedish Air Force. As I have said before, I really miss her mighty roar in the sky.

Anyhow, the next step is to fix some small details on various places and sand the whole airframe before giving it glossy coating in preparation for decals.

Until later...

Great work Fredrik I did this scheme on a Matchbox Viggen many many moons ago.

@ Matt, the Gunze formula hasn't changed one bit in the 10 years or so I have been using them.

Thanks!

I know that one, actually made one of them last year as a quick build just to learn the masking. I painted it to be an SK37E, D70. The engraved panel lines on that one looks like the deepest depression of, lets say the moon

Final detailing prior to decals is done and the whole plane has been gently sanded. Now it is time for a gloss coat and some identity

Fredrik

You have done a great job of the paint on this model.
I will be looking forward to seeing it finished.

Pete

Decals are in place and the first layer of flat is on. Have not posted any picture if the underneath earlier so here is one.

Fredrik

Great progress more pictures please?

Are you going to mask off individual panels and use satin as well as matt to accentuate the finish to give it a used look?

Pete

The overall flat layer has dried and it is now time to finish the detailing and weathering.





Actually no, The Viggen is a plane with overall flat paint. It is give and take only the nose and a few antennas that are satin on this plane.



Left to do:
-Paint the intakes
-Weather the whole airframe
-Paint chipping on wings and intakes
-Paint the lights
-Paint and assembly canopy mirrors
-Final assembly
-Paint and weather the ladder
-Paint the second pilot and perhaps some ground crew
-Finish the ground diorama

Let's get back to work!

This is what the weathering looks like halfway through the first layer.

Extremely nice work! Miss the Jakt Viggens that flew from F4 at Frösön! Got few kits sitting and waiting to be done as Swedish 'what ifs', almost done with a B-57 Canberra, in a imaginary camouflage job. Got a Canberra Pr.9 waiting plus a TSR.2, an F2/F6 E/E Lightning and a Buccaneer!
The Lightning and TSR.2 will be done in the splinter, thinking a wrap around for the Buccaneer....using the swedish camouflage colours, good fun to do!

Hej!

Very nice job on that Viggen! Man, I like that swedish style camo...

Servus,

Sebastian

Ok, let's see how this turns out.

What I am trying to do is creating colour shifts using AK Interactive products. They will dry for a while now and then I will blend them using White Spirits.

The right wing is done and the left one is prepared and drying. I think it worked. What do you say?

That's a very nice effect. Quite subtle, yet clearly visible when you look at it long enough. I also like the randomness.

Skit snyggt bygge grabben, inspirerande minst sagt!! Kan inte vänta till man börjar på F2/F6 Lightning och TSR.2 I 1/48 och i samma kamouflage!

Bl**dy nice build mate, inspiring to say the least! Can't wait to start on the 1/48 F2/F6 Lightning and TSR.2 in the same camouflage!!

I think you have built the best scale viggen on the internet. Nice job.

Folks, dirt is done!



Thank you for all your kind comments.




Comments like those really make me feel flattered. Honestly, I have have just dreamed of being an inspiration for fellow modellers. I look upon all your nice builds and I am just trying to copy your work the best I can, read your recommendations, test your methods and so on. There is a lot of talent out there so I am really glad that you folks like what I am doing.

Getting ready for some finishing touches

D67 is finished



Now I am going to paint a few figures and make a small diorama.

Hi Fredrik,
Congrats to your masterpiece!

A really cool looking bird in a striking scheme. I like it very much, including the weary but subtle weathering you‘ve done.

Now, the flight instructor is just waiting for another trainee...

Cheers
Matt