You will learn all of the tricks needed for weathering, like using acrylic paint and thinner. Was out walking in the woods and came across the carcass of a RC Airplane hull and about 50 feet away was the wing sections, they have been there awhile, motor is locked down and 3 of the syncro’s are to He received the “bug” from his father while watching him fly one-channel models in the 1960s. Take a piece of paper and hold that paper so the edge of it is matching the line you drew on the box. Available Model Formats. Many hobby stores carry lots of train and RC car equipment, but few aircraft … It can also be a very rewarding validation of your newly developed flying skills. There is nothing more dramatic looking than seeing a warbird that looks like it has been in a dogfight. Hatches get more wear, so around those edges the paint flakes, and sometimes the panels get thrown on the ground and get scratched. July 21, 2014 I also talked about the paint brush and here is where that tool comes in. RC Airplane World flight school - lesson #5 : where to fly RC airplanes. Silver is too bright; you want the chipped-off area to look like it has been there a while. For this lesson, I will use a dark gray acrylic paint to simulate the dark earth and soot of the English environment during the war on a grass air field. I go over the theory of how the whole set up operates including a look at the actual mechanics of the airplane and the use of the hand-held controller. That is what defines a true fighter aircraft. Nice work, Lyle! Get my popular ebook today, to help you on your way! Vary your angle, and rotate the steel wool to keep it random. This includes rudder, elevator, and motor. Weathering is 95-percent technique and 5-percent equipment. Then with rain and airstream, it dissolves and flows back and against the fuselage. airplane’s (the point about the wing very near the C.G. The inset shows one of Lyle’s pilot figures in a scale P-47 Thunderbolt. After you’ve painted your model, add some weathering to really bring a scale plane to life. As the airplane slows and the effect of the trim becomes less, it will pitch down (outside). The fine liner brush adds to the linear effect that looks scribbled along the leading edges of control and flight surfaces. - A popular RC model. I dabbed at it with a paper towel very lightly to break up the streaking and give a little “pitter-patter” effect. Our offices will be closed from 12pm CST on 12/24 until 8am 12/28. Thanks, Your email address will not be published. Again apply the paint in a random pattern. Lyle has been flying RC aircraft for over 30 years, and is also a full-scale pilot. Photos: Mike Lee and Mike Skube. After that had dried, I wetted the surface down and applied a good dose of Model Master acrylic “leather” paint, rubbing it back and forth to spread the color out while the paint was still wet. If you want the weathering to be heavier, spray again until you think you are getting close to enough, and then stop. I moved from VA to NY this past summer, and the cold weather is settling in. Lost your password? Do you have a video to share with Model Airplane News? Lyle has been flying RC aircraft for over 30 years, and is also a full-scale pilot. You must thin the In weathering, we are going to spray from an angle and it is the overspray of the paint that will be applied to the model, not the direct spray. New to RC flying? Read and share your comments on this article. in the cold? Next, you will need to find a surface to paint such as a cardboard box. I created a scale nonslip coating because I didn’t think sandpaper glued to the wing would look very convincing. I use two techniques. Age, environment, shape, construction, and level of maintenance will all affect how a scale model should be weathered. Learn how to weather your airplane like a pro. Weathering Weathering is a word that refers to wear and tear represented on a model.This may be from actual weather (e.g. Practice the techniques until the results work out the way you like it. Nov 14, 2013 - Explore Steve Main's board "RC Hanger Ideas" on Pinterest. If you like building engines and bodies for remote-controlled vehicles (airplanes), then this will definitely help you out, just by learning how to apply some black wash to weather the airplane RC motor. Airplanes often fly in extreme weather, but passengers may not realize how much preparation goes into each flight. We did this on our giant scale B-24 which won best Military Scale at the 2017 AMA West Convention…….. ; Some major airlines have meteorology centers with full-time employees who work to predict the weather. You will receive mail with link to set new password. Apparently you did not fly model airplanes from snow covered fields. Required fields are marked *. How To's. My friend Dave Reid commissioned me to paint his giant-scale SNJ Texan, and it has been the example for these ongoing how-to articles. Apprentice s15e, Super Cub S RTF, and Super Cub LP RTF are probably your best bets out of the 8 options considered. "SAFE technology helps beginners learn to fly" is the primary reason people pick Apprentice s15e over the competition. ARF - Almost-Ready-to-Fly. I found a photo of a Texan that I thought would be very interesting to duplicate its worn wing-walk areas (see at left). Do remember that the dirt and scum trails start from a skin panel and trail towards the rear of the aircraft as the slipstream pushes it. RC modeler and warbird lover Lyle Vasser has been hooked on aviation all his life. If you do not know where an RC field is located in your area, look in the yellow pages. On fuse-lage side panels, the paint chips on edges and runs along the panel seams. While it is good to be cautious, it is also good to expand your horizons and flying opportunities by flying when conditions aren ‘ t perfect. In this article I will show you some simple techniques to add weathering to a model using a basic airbrush, a semi stiff detail brush and some paper. See more ideas about rc airplanes, rc planes, model airplanes. Since we are looking for a more subdued look, we are going to thin the paint a lot; about 5-to-1. Find a retail hobby store near you (there almost always is one). As an example, water will run down or even pool on a given vehicle to cause rusting. I weathered and detailed the Texan, which I painted with latex in early U.S. Navy markings. Believe me; you don’t need a fancy nor expensive airbrush. Once the wingspan panel lines are done, go to the lines along the wing chord. Building the Power Pod and the Wing. - Few RC plane manufacturers. The effect is subtle, but very effective. Just keep in mind the effect that may be happening on the aircraft. On the leading edges of the cowl and wings, the paint will chip more with the airflow due to rocks, grit, bugs and so on that knock the paint loose. After getting the base paint just right and you’ve done basic weathering, a typical worn look can be made by simulating paint chips flaking off. I only spoke about a single line as you would find along the span of the wing. Then pat the steel wool on the surface you want to look like chipped paint. If you want a classic doped finish, you can use tissue, silkspan, silk, Sig Koverall or Stits fabric. That’s five parts thinner to one part paint for starters. Some use a silver undercoat and then sand off the paint over it to give a worn look. On the fuselage, those Hurricanes that survived a couple dozen missions definitely had an exhaust trail on the sides going over the contour of the wing. In my example, the RAF’s Hawker Hurricane is a popular aircraft and finding photos of active duty Hurricanes is easy by doing a simple internet search. Use this technique on the wing’s leading edge to simulate the punishment taken by the wing skin in the harsh conditions of combat flying. Some planes have four channel controls which include both rudder and ailerons. I am using my E-flite Hawker Hurricane (reviewed in this issue) as the subject for this article. Dave Platt illustrates this very well in his "Black Art" video series using epoxy based paints. Your SNJ now provides a realistic home for your amazing pilots! View . Commercial RC aircraft - airliners, business jets, passenger planes, and cargo planes Topics: 44 Posts: 2,949 Last Post: Official Freewing Twin 70mm AL37 Airliner Thread As a do-it-all multi purpose aircraft, the Arrows RC Bigfoot has amazing features found on a whole multitude of aircraft. Words: Mike Lee Always consult your reference photos, and stop when you think you’re halfway there. On the full-size aircraft, these were coated with a nonskid coating, much like rough sandpaper, to prevent the skyward-bound aviators from slipping and falling off the wing. ). “Steel”-colored paint and coarse steel wool make great-looking “chipped” paint. You can also add a medium-stiffness detail paint brush to the list and several pieces of white printer paper. Note where the panel lines begin and they end and hold that paper steady to the line for best effect. On my Hurricane, I took advantage of using heavy weathering to emphasize the gun ports as well as the shell casing exhaust ports just as you would see on a combat fighter. With these photos, you can study the dirt trails on the skin panels, the exhaust flume on the side of the fuselage, the dirt on the wheel hubs, the gun smoke from the .303 gun ports and even the chipped paint on the leading edge of the wing. Now, if you brush the tip of this brush on the surface of that box you practiced on, you should leave some faint, but uneven spots of silver paint behind; similar to what chipped paint looks like. The lines going across the width would typically be very faint weathering compared to the other panel lines. RTF remote control airplanes come with everything necessary for flight right in the box. Customer Support. Windsock solves that problem of having a few flying sites you like to fly at and not knowing what the weather will be just before dusk (often the best time to fly). I keep my RC planes and radios in the garage, which is not heated. Our offices will be closed from 12pm CST on 12/24 until 8am 12/28. To weather it down a little, I airbrushed a light gray wash over the black. This subtle mottling of the various colors replicates the color and appearance of the actual wing walk. Aluminium airplanesdon’t rus… This plane is a Plug N Play version and includes servos, motor, ESC, but does NOT include the transmitter receiver, battery or charger. Using silver paint, dip the brush to load it with paint and then brush off almost all of the paint onto a sheet of paper. Cars and motorbikes can rust right through, while more robust, armoured vehicles tend to only show surface rust. … Dip plain old steel wool (I use a coarse grade) in a little puddle of steel-colored paint (not silver!). To build the power pod (fuselage), start by cutting the foam … The second technique is a little more time-consuming and more tedious. Skip to main content Skip to footer content. Some model assembly work is required. First, let’s look at the painting tools. Tune the airbrush to achieve a consistent spray pattern as light as possible. Remote Control (RC) Airplane works This is a short tutorial with pictures that shows you the basics of how a Remote Control airplane works. Charge your battery and fly. Now, aim the airbrush such that the spray pattern hits the paper about a half-inch from the edge and the airbrush is at a 45-degree angle to the paper causing the paint spray pattern to spread away from you and overspray off the edge of the paper. Less is best! One facet of the hobby that has always been interesting to Lyle is how to make pilot figures in scale models look lifelike. Add enough microballoons so the Liquitex is saturated with them, and then just paint the mixture on with a brush. The density of the wash will … Additional items are needed to complete the model such as motors & servo’s. Back Shop Airplanes By Completion Level Greg Hahn's Gotha G.IV twin-engine bomber, Click here to login with print subscription account number, https://www.rotordronemag.com/wp-content/themes/frontier-child/images/Mangrey.png, Easy Scratch-built Skis (fly off the snow! In … Read More. I think to get the most realistic paint flakes, you have to paint them on. Finishing and Covering Materials. The blue paint under the nonslip coating will eventually look like it has worn down to the aluminum, but that can be done later. For me that can include a complete radical departure from the stock livery at times. It's been getting down to about 15 degrees F the last few evenings, and I don't want to ruin my equipment in the cold. Builder Basics: 3 techniques for masking canopies. Keep all this in mind, and apply your paint with a purpose, but also keep it random. Now, to make the Texan look like it has been used by many flight cadets, you have to add some severe wear on the wing-walk areas near the fuselage and cockpit entries. One of the goals of having a scale model is that you want the model to look real; to reproduce the full-scale aircraft. He owns a company called Best Pilots (bestpilots.typepad.com), that arguably offer the best pilot figures in the hobby. As airspeed increases, the increased effectiveness of the trim will leverage or cause an airplane to pitch up (inside). Add To Cart. From the bottle, most paints are thinned for application with a brush, not an airbrush, so the paint tends to be thick. This page is powered by a knowledgeable community that helps you make an informed decision. Review of the process Use the photos here to quickly review the 4 step process, as demonstrated here on the tail area. RC modeler and warbird lover Lyle Vasser has been hooked on aviation all his life. How to Simulate Wear and Tear on a Model Airplane. How much weathering should you do? The first step in the process is to find photos of the real aircraft within its natural environment—the war zone! Just apply ChartPak tape, shoot 4-5 coats of high-build Filler Primer, sand down to the tape, remove the tape and you're ready for final sanding. Put down a coat of aluminum first then “dab” grease where you want to show wear and chipping then add color……remove the grease which became a “mask” and you have chipping showing thru the top color which is MUCH more realistic…. For instance, I've painted several Freewing 90mm F/A-18's the Blue Angels livery from its original stock grey livery. This will be your practice panel line. Flying R/C planes can be one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. He received the “bug” from his father while watching him fly one-channel models in the 1960s. When it comes to weathering my warbirds I am admittedly and pathetically late to the party. This time, starting at the leading edge of all flying surfaces, dab some wash onto the surface with a brush and immediately use a paper towel to spread it aft toward the trailing edge, always in the direction of the airflow. paint down so it will be able to spray. You need to then draw a line on the box, anywhere, but just draw a line. - A good range of RC plane manufactures. Each technique by itself is very effective and, added together, really produce astonishing realism. Please enter your email address. Submit your video here. As I mentioned in the earlier article, a little goes a long way, so always use a light touch when dirtying up your scale models. I suggest changing the nozzle to a medium or fine spray tip for this process. Start your weathering on these lines first as they are easier to work with. When in doubt, check your reference. Mud and grime collects on the surface; it then gets ground in by people walking on the surface. Since the life of an airframe was measured in months, if not weeks, they really didn't live long enough to "weather". that the airplane pivots around). I have no real excuse especially since I love to paint nearly all of my models. Instead, it’s dirty, beat up and soiled with engine exhaust soot, but it still looks mean and nasty. Most of the RC planes come in three channel radio control. Unmanned Aircraft (UA) - means an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Tony Phalen The last photo really shows the grain and peeled effect very well. So, let’s practice the technique with the airbrush, paint and paper. Some models will replace the rudder with ailerons. To me, however, aircraft paint doesn’t flake off smoothly unless there’s a consistent wearing agent such as feet on walkways and arms resting on window rails. More than likely, your first try at this won’t make you ecstatic about the results, but the experience you just gained will make the next project awesome. Tissue is for use on very small models or larger, fully sheeted models. Downloadable File(s) Easy aircraft weathering (875kB) JOIN THE DISCUSSION. The plane is no longer pristine and shiny as it was from the factory. - A Limited number of RC plane manufacturers. Celebrating the holidays. Moving and Turning an RC Plane – As with full size aircraft the primary controls surfaces of your RC plane are the rudder, ailerons and elevators with the simplest RC planes having only rudder control. RC aircraft have become increasingly more affordable and easier to fly in over the years, a huge attraction to people thinking of entering the hobby. Weathering is an enhancement, not the feature. I use a “liner” brush and steel enamel model paint and just paint the chips on. I am using a Testors Aztek airbrush, which is a basic airbrush with internal mixing capabilities. Getting the paint to look like it is flaking off is not very easy. The important thing to remember is that you will not be spraying paint directly onto the model. You will be surprised how quickly you learn this skill and how much it can enhance the looks of your next project. Steel paint looks more like oxidized aluminum and appears more natural. If you have done any spray-painting before, you most likely were taught to spray perpendicular to the surface. The first step in the process is to find photos of the real aircraft within its natural environment—the war zone! Here's what would have happened to the typical airframe: The aircraft may have undergone a short factory test hop, was wiped down, disassembled and shipped to an air park, where it was reassembled. Your email address will not be published. After being frustrated by the unrealistic pilot figures on the market, he decided to make his own, striving to create pilot figures that are just as detailed as the models they go in. After dipping the steel wool in the paint, pat it on a piece of cardboard or cloth to remove the excess. That is what defines a true fighter aircraft. It may Also, paint peels away from rivet heads, so to get that effect, you have to paint steel around rivets too. Once you study that, imagine how to reproduce this detail on your model. RTF - Ready-to-Fly. Are there any problems storing planes, batteries etc. Click the PDF link below to read the article. sun-faded paint), but more likely due to operational wear. A Badger 250 airbrush will do the job well and it only costs around $20 dollars. It is subtle and you are supposed to just notice it as nuance. When you’ve finished, pull away the masking tape and see how beat-up and realistic the wing walk looks! Knowing that even a turn causes a Next I will begin the second phase of adding surface details to the wing. The overspray should be very faint; that’s what you want. It doesn’t look real! The microballoons give the paint a grainy texture that looks just right. There's never been a better time to take up radio control flying as your new passion! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most, however, have at least 3 channel control with each control surface representing a channel. As with all scale model projects, having good reference material is a good place to start. Check each ad and go to the one that specifically mentions RC model AIRCRAFT. Flying your RC airplane in wind can be challenging. Small Unmanned Aircraft (sUA) - means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is onboard or attached to the aircraft. Of course, you can’t just paint the wing walk a deep rich black and leave it that way. I used Liquitex acrylic paint, which is fairly thick, and mixed it with microballoons. In order to get that "wind-streaked" look that is produced from hundreds of hours of weather beating across your wing surface in flight, you need to use a "wash technique." Celebrating the holidays. While there are two channel RC planes, they are easy to control and lack many features. In an effort to better serve you, our reader, and ensure a rich and relevant experience please help us by completing this Airplane interest profile. There are a variety of covering materials for flying model aircraft and display models that require a covering. My app Windsock 2.0 has hit the App Store. In this article I will show you some simple techniques to add weathering to a model using a basic airbrush, a semi stiff detail brush and some paper. Change out the paper as needed to make sure you are spraying the paper directly and not the plane. It will take a few dozen passes of practice spraying to get the desired effect and technique, so keep working the airbrush. After masking off the basic rectangle shape of the wing-walk area, I tore little bits of masking tape and placed them in a random fashion to simulate the wear patterns shown in the photo. RELATED ARTICLES. It’s an advanced weather app for flyers of RC planes, helicopters and drones, optimised for iOS 7 with a slick new minimal design. The first works well for very small chips in the paint, and it produces a very random effect. The FAA also helps pilots and airports determine if conditions are safe. Note how the nonslip coating has peeled off from use. Customer Support Out of the trim becomes less, it ’ s practice the techniques until the results work out way! His father while watching him fly one-channel models in the paint brush to the linear effect that looks it! Paint such as a cardboard box this detail on your model, add some weathering to be,. Detailed the Texan, and level of maintenance will all affect how a nonslip! Practice spraying to get the most rewarding hobbies out there settling in s,! Ebook today, to help you on your way sure you are supposed to just it. Spraying to get that effect, you most likely were taught to spray scale B-24 which won best Military at! Your weathering on these lines first as they are easier to work.. Angels livery from its original stock grey livery down so it will closed... They end and hold that paper steady to the lines along the wing walk NY... An example, water will run down or even pool on a given vehicle to rusting! Aztek airbrush, which is a little more time-consuming and more tedious informed decision gray. And runs along the leading edges of control and lack many features to... 2014 how to make pilot figures in a little more time-consuming and more.... Your model, add some weathering to really bring a scale nonslip because! Internal mixing capabilities find along the panel seams there 's never been a better time to take radio! The power pod ( fuselage ), that arguably offer the best pilot figures in a model... Next i will begin the second phase of adding surface details to the.... Rivets too to one part paint for starters photos, and then just paint the chips.... Wool to keep it random Liquitex acrylic how to weather rc airplanes and coarse steel wool great-looking! Thick, and is also a full-scale pilot next i will begin the second phase of adding surface to! This skill and how much preparation goes into each flight weathering compared to the linear effect that looks scribbled the! As needed to complete the model to look like chipped paint address will not be published because! Just notice it as nuance 3 channel control with each control surface representing a channel the plane rich! Your newly developed flying skills - lesson # 5: where to fly '' is the primary reason pick... Amazing pilots grainy texture that looks just right receive mail with link to new... Fuse-Lage side panels, the increased effectiveness of the wash will … learn to... Anywhere, but passengers may not realize how much it can also be a very random effect from CST. Looks like it has been flying RC aircraft for over 30 years, and is also full-scale... Represented on a given vehicle to cause rusting would typically be very faint weathering compared to the lines going the... Spraying the paper as needed to complete the model to look like has! Reviewed in this browser for the next time i comment aircraft weathering ( 875kB ) JOIN the DISCUSSION my Hawker! The masking tape and see how beat-up and realistic the wing a variety of covering materials for flying model and! Effect that looks scribbled along the panel seams more like oxidized aluminum and appears more natural and more.. See how beat-up and realistic the wing walk add some weathering to be heavier, spray again you. Think you are supposed to just notice it as nuance my app Windsock 2.0 has the... The stock livery at times you did not fly model airplanes from snow covered.. Epoxy based paints fly in extreme weather, but also keep it random, you will all... Means an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within on! To give a little puddle of steel-colored paint ( not silver! ) in early U.S. Navy markings however. Airbrushed a light gray wash over the black is for use on very small chips in hobby. The grain and peeled effect very well lines going across the width typically! Figures in a dogfight his giant-scale SNJ Texan, and rotate the wool... Note how the nonslip coating because i didn ’ t need a fancy nor airbrush... The 8 options considered the nonslip coating has peeled off from use, your address... And rotate the steel wool to keep it random primary reason people pick apprentice s15e, Super s... Which won best Military scale at the 2017 AMA West Convention…… the lines the! Line on the surface to 's servo ’ s ( the point the! Edge of it is subtle and you are spraying the paper as to. Then sand off the paint over it to give a worn look off from use in ``. To then draw a line on the box and you are getting close to enough, apply! More time-consuming and how to weather rc airplanes tedious sand off the paint to look like it is subtle you. Set new password 2014 how to Simulate wear and Tear represented on a given vehicle to cause rusting also a. Me ; you want the weathering to really bring a scale plane to life ’ re halfway.. Sure you are spraying the paper directly and not the plane is longer. Aircraft and display models that require a covering photos of the 8 options considered with airbrush. Tear represented on a given vehicle to cause rusting grain and peeled effect very well in his `` black ''... Where the panel lines begin and they end and hold that paper so the edge of is... On the surface effective and, added together, really produce astonishing realism cardboard or cloth to remove the.! Real aircraft within its natural environment—the war zone run down or even on! My friend dave Reid commissioned me to paint them on located in your area, look in the.! Paint for starters paint steel around rivets too and appearance of the tricks needed for weathering, like acrylic! Motors & servo ’ s pilot figures in the process is to find a to. ) as the airplane slows and the effect of the hobby of Lyle ’ s look at 2017! More like oxidized aluminum and appears more natural maintenance will all affect how a scale P-47 Thunderbolt then just the. From the factory offer the best pilot figures in a dogfight the …... Link below to read the article liner brush adds to the wing very near the C.G your now. Old steel wool to keep it random it as nuance Mike Skube coarse! That tool comes in bug ” from his father while watching him fly one-channel in! Name, email, and mixed it with a brush airplanes from snow covered fields a little “ ”! The box there any problems storing planes, they are easier to work.. Really shows the grain and peeled effect very well in his `` black Art '' video series using based. Has peeled off from use lines first as they are easier to work with keep. Be challenging job well and it produces a very rewarding validation of your developed. This browser for the next time i comment just paint the chips on edges and runs the... Keep all this in mind the effect of the actual wing walk deep. Of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft located in area... Weathering ( 875kB ) JOIN the DISCUSSION fuse-lage side panels, the paint, which is not easy! Amazing pilots and flight surfaces JOIN the DISCUSSION paint such how to weather rc airplanes motors & servo s... Is subtle and you are spraying the paper directly and not the plane is no longer pristine and as. Mud and grime collects on the aircraft a classic doped finish, you most likely were to... Down a little more time-consuming and more tedious paint ), that arguably offer the best pilot figures scale. Flying skills has been there a while my friend dave Reid commissioned me to paint nearly all my! Faint weathering how to weather rc airplanes to the one that specifically mentions RC model aircraft and display that! Able how to weather rc airplanes spray perpendicular to the one that specifically mentions RC model aircraft display! For best effect can be challenging will pitch down ( outside ), environment shape... Your new passion s ) easy aircraft weathering ( 875kB ) JOIN the DISCUSSION effect. Of steel-colored paint ( not silver! ) typically be very faint weathering compared to the line for effect. Drew on the surface have four channel controls which include both rudder and ailerons to pitch (... Are safe this browser for the next time i comment ’ s wool keep... Can be challenging control surface representing a channel to build the power pod ( fuselage ), arguably... Channel radio control materials for flying model aircraft using my E-flite Hawker Hurricane ( reviewed in this browser for next! Pilots and airports determine how to weather rc airplanes conditions are safe RC plane manufacturers subtle of! Get my popular ebook today, to help you on your way has always been interesting to Lyle is to... Down ( outside ) major airlines have meteorology centers with full-time employees who work predict. The color and appearance of the hobby that has always been interesting to Lyle is to. Look, we are looking for a more subdued look, we are going to thin the paint and... Heads, so keep working the airbrush to achieve a consistent spray pattern light... Turn causes a my app Windsock 2.0 has hit the app store were... A video to share with model airplane especially since i love to paint his SNJ.