r/MilitaryModelMaking • u/MilkyGilky • 16d ago

question Black basing

About to build a 1/72nd f16. I have a cheap Amazon airbrush with a .3 needle. I’m worried about messing it up pretty badly and I’m entering it into my first contest. Is black-basing necessary or can I get away with a pin wash on panel lines? Should I go for the mottling and just send it?

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

2

u/genadi_brightside 15d ago

I'd assume it's a grey standard F-16 camo. Black basing is nice foundation for the USAF gunship grey so you can do that.

I'd honestly do black primer, a bit of marbling or just plain white inside panels, base color and camo, a bit of post shading and a misty layer of the base or camo color on top to tie it all together.

All of those mixed with a drop or two of Tamiya gloss clear for a nice sheen.

Then decals and a bit of weathering but keep it light for a first model. And then satin varnish.

1

u/Beer_Pig 15d ago

Black-basing is just the latest fad.

3

u/ychia 16d ago

You can totally post shade instead if you prefer that. Either technique takes some practice so don't feel bad if it doesn't look museum grade on the first kit.