Looking real pretty Guy. Gotta love that Ford blue says a fellow Ford Truck driver, quality all round!
As for the color/masking sequence, flip a coin; unless there's white involved I don't think which goes on first matters.......
I'd recommend you consider thinning the Smoke and a very light application to start. I don't have a lot of experience with it but have found it "darkens" the finish more then expected. If you start light you can always add more if required; hard to go back the other way.
Looking forward to your next update.
Cheers,
Lance (Guinness of course!)

Hello Guy:

It is coming along nicely. A very unique looking aircraft. When finished you should put a figure by it to get a sense of size. I suspect it is a rather small model. I usually paint the base color first, mask and then paint the silver/natural metal to avoid chipping and peeling.

Best

Mark

Thanks for the comments guys. I've never done a figure mark, but I'll sure think about it.

I did mask to high-light the ribs the other night. It seemed to go well. I used thinned Tamiya dull aluminum darkened with a little Tamiya smoke. Was quite happy with the results.





Then, everything went south. For one thing, that blue really shows fingerprints, even when sealed in with future. I touched-up repeatedly before I finally ran out to get some latex gloves.

When I started decaling, things got worse. The small white 268 on the one fin side disintegrated, and I have no replacement. Then to compound my frustrations, I mistakenly put the larger blue 268 on the top wing instead of the black 268. The deed was done before I noticed my error, so I was compelled to put the black 268 on the lower wing. Plus, the application of the word 'FORD' just dosen't look straight to me.

Here is a series of photos:










Ah Well!! Guess I'll continue on.

You may be able to get new decals from Williams Brothers; they had excellent customer service in the past. Here's their website.

Thankyou Jessie! I'll give them a try, and work on another project while I'm waiting to hear.

Guy,
We are our own worst critics. Your rib highlighting came out great, the Ford Logo looks straight to me, and Jessie may have all but eliminated the decal dilema, bet William's Bros. will come through for you.
You have a real little jewel there, keep at it and it will be a unique addition to your line up.
Perhaps it's the weather or something in the Alberta water; as you saw on my blog all is not perfect with my little project as well.
Cheers,
Lance

Thankyou, Lance, for the up-lifting comments.

However, I stand by the notion that only cattle drink water and that Kokanee is a solve-all elixir and not some concocktion consumed only by oilfield workers. Come to think of it, I could probably sue the Kokanee Corp for forcing me to put the decals on wrong.

No worries you'll get it done. It is the modeler in you that will drive to get it done. We are our own harshest critics. Just be happy you did not choose the Battle Axe 1:32 Fokker D.VII.

Never even thought you would have noticed. Very glad for your comment.

Your right, though. I do intend to get it done.

Never fear. I read every post. . .at some point.

Hi Guy,

I am very sorry for the decal mishap! I am sure you'll manage to fix it somehow. Otherwise, that small beastie looks quite nice, and especially that "Fordie" look. I must have been fun to fly, but who knows...

All the best,
Entoni

Thankyou Entoni for the kind comment.

I've emailed Williams Bro., to see if I can get a decal replacement.

This is the 2nd time Jessica has helped me with a manufacturers email. The first was for a Minicraft 1/144 Stratocruiser wing replacement, which was successful. Minicraft sent a new wing free of charge.

A big thankyou to Jessica!

Guy,

Well, Jessica is a true gem of this site... You can find hers useful comments throughout the site. She's like a good jinni from the bottle

All the best,
Entoni

I'm very happy to report, that Williams Brothers, with their outstanding customer support, has some replacement decal for this project.

Further, they have told me they hope to be producing another run of the Flivver in the future.

Great news all around

Hello Guy:

I know the feeling of disintigrating decals. Some Microscale sheets were notorious for that. Your Fliver is looking good, errors notwithstanding, and cudo's to Williams Brothers for their quick response and prompt attention to your request. I think the Ford looks straight, your ribbing highlights really make it stand out. This is a neat little bit of aviation history coming to light.

Best

Mark

Guy,
Great news from Williams Bros; looks like you've got this little gem back on the rails. Looking forward to the completion.
Cheers,
Lance

Hello Guy – sorry to read of your troubles – but glad it seems to work out in the end. This is a very handsome aeroplane, the blue and the silver looks very classy indeed!

Best Regards

Mikael

Looks a great model, and as usual the 3d model proportions look better than photos. I haven't seen shading after the paint but there is good logic to it, that's the way dirt goes on the real thing!

Hi,

Like everybody says... REALLY GOOD...!!!

Congrats... You makes me Smile

Bye

Any further word on the replacement decals?

What a fantastic job. What a great little kit!!