Pat Villarreal's DeHavilland Mosquito FB Mk. VI

This is a box stock build including most of the stencil decals. I used Eagle Strike Decals (72075) for the roundels and NE*D markings.

 

This is my fourth Tamiya 1/72nd scale Mossie to build but the first with underwing rockets. This was a new experience and painting was difficult due to the small size and compactness of the parts. After a primer coat of Mr. Surfacer 1000, I sprayed the hardpoint tabs with XF-21 Sky. Then I used Vallejo acrylics to paint the rockets and rails. A slow tedious process but it looks good. I’ve heard one builder recommend assembling and completing the ordnance first. So, when you get close to the end of the build you can install them immediately. Otherwise, you will look at them with disdain since the plane is already done. This will increase your chances of doing a sloppy job on the ordnance since you will be in the mood of “just get it done”. This, I must agree, is a good sequence to practice since it will help our mental health at the end of a build.

 

Exterior paint is Tamiya XF-54 Dark Sea Gray for the upper surface and XF-21 Sky for the lower surface. A Future coat was brushed on areas that would receive decals and I it let cure overnight. For the kit stencil decals, I used a 50/50 mixture of MicroSol and Future as a base layer to apply the decals. The MicroSol element will soften the decal while the Future portion will grip it tight to the surface. Thus, reducing the possibility of silvering. For all the Eagle Strike decals, I used Solvaset to help soften the decals and conform to the surface.

 

Next up was a coat of Vallejo Satin Clear. This was airbrushed in preparation for some charcoal weathering. Once done, I did a final coat of AK Ultra Matt Clear Varnish to give it a dead flat finish.

 

This is a great classic kit from Tamiya. Awesome fit, engineering and detail. I’m always looking for this kit at vendor shows and if the price is right, it’s coming home with  me.