Okay, so this is my first model aircraft, but I have built a few cars so I'm not brand new to modeling.

The body comes in multiple pieces, so I'm not sure if I should paint each first and then assemble them, or assemble them and then paint it all together. What I'm worried about is that if I paint and then assemble it that the glue will mess up the paint. Even if I'm able to place the piece in he exact spot, I'm afraid that the joint will be very noticeable because the glue eats right through the paint.

However, it would be very hard to do it if I assemble and then paint because there are so many pieces with different colours. I would have to mask lots off and it would be very awkward to maneuver such a large model.

If anyone has any advice or has done this model, please give me any tips that you think would come in handy.

Thanks

The best thing to do is do the major assemblies first. Most versions of this kit have horrible fit, so you'll want to deal with that before you paint. I'm afraid that masking is inevitable with this model.

Okay, so would you just paint the wings and then attach them, or attach the wings and then paint it together?

I would do the detail painting (inside the cockpit and such) before assembly, then do the major assembly (fuselage, wings, tail, etc). Once I have all the seams filled and fit problems sorted it's time for overall primer just to be certain, then paint white. Once the white is dry, mask and paint the detail colours.

Nathan,
1st off, welcome to Aeroscale.

Jessica has given you some sound basic modeling advice.

I would also suggest that visit U tube and do a search for basic aircraft modeling videos. There are hundreds of them. Look for the ones with high view counts, and watch some of them. Watching the build process will make a lot more sense to you then reading about it, and the better ones are quite enjoyable.

Joel

Hi Nathan

Count me in with Joel's welcome aboard!

I half-expected some joker to pitch in with a rude or sarcastic comment (even though we're a well behaved crowd here), because you haven't picked the easiest kit for your first aircraft build... Don't get me wrong - AWESOME subject, just not a stellar kit.

Basically, all your experience with any poor-fitting car kits will be useful here. I'd go along with Jessie in suggesting that you will have to assemble the basic airframe before considering painting any exterior colours, because there will most likely be a fair bit of filling and sanding to do.

All the best, and it's great to have you with us

Rowan

Thanks for all the help. Ive only aasembled a few things and I have already had to fill in quite a bit. Wish me luck!

Welcome, good luck and above all, enjoy the build!

If you haven't glued the fuselage halves together yet, I strongly recommend that you get some plastic card and cut backing tabs for the length of the joins. They love to crack apart after you've glued them together if you don't back them up. If you have glued the fuselage, it might be worth your while to pop it apart and put the backing tabs in anyway.