Need advice on Hasegawa VF-1 build

[Vifam7]

Hey guys,

I need some help in my current build of Hasegawa's VF-1.

It's concerning the canopy. So, um, the kit comes with decals for the canopy framing.

Should I use it or should I simply paint-in the canopy framing?

Both ways eventually requires me to carefully mask the canopy around the frames for the clear coat stage. The problem is - it's so darn difficult to do it. Especially around that curved framing.

How do you guys do the canopy frame?

I would appreciate any advice.

[Ratatarse]

Hi

I think you're talking about 1/72 VF1

However, Hasegawa always give decalz for those parts, but I feel it's way better to paint it.

I'm refreshing a Hasegawa YF19 for a friend, I've painted all that is given in decals and is paint decoration, the result is better than if it would be decal

I've not finished yet, but you can see the beginning here : http://www.robotechcollections.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?t=540

[mickyg]

I've got 3 Hase kits that need to be built and I've deliberated on this question myself. Unfortunately, I haven't decided what to do yet either! I'd have to say though, if you're not great with decals, I'd paint these instead. If you haven't got an airbrush, perhaps the decals are a better option though. Yeah, that probably doesn't help, does it?

Check this tutorial out: http://www.swannysmodels.com/Canopies.html

That should give you an idea of what you're up against. It looks daunting but I've used this approach for lots of masked details (just not canopies - yet) and it works a lot better and easier than you'd think!

[shinagami]

hi vifam, there r two types of decals in hasegawa vf-1 model kits, one is fragile which can be found in the older vf-1 model kits. the other version of decals in the newer vf-1 version by cartograph is a lot stronger and durable plus easier to handle.

i wud say all depends on ur patience and skill to handle those decals. if i were to do the canopy i wud go for the decals. reasons, less messy, u can get sharper canopy frame edges compared to paintings or airbrushing.....and faster (at least for me....from my past experience building the vf-1).

tips, always use the Mr. MARK SETTER plus Mr. MARK SOFTER from mr. hobby. It does make a big difference. hope this does help....

[Vifam7]

hi vifam, there r two types of decals in hasegawa vf-1 model kits, one is fragile which can be found in the older vf-1 model kits. the other version of decals in the newer vf-1 version by cartograph is a lot stronger and durable plus easier to handle.

Which kits have the new cartograph decals? The kit I'm building currently is a VF-1J Hikaru.

mickyg, thank you for the link. I think I got some ideas after reading it.

[shinagami]

kits with cartograph decals, e.g. vf-1d tv edition with PE(the new release), vf-1a 'vf-2 sonic birds', vf-1j super valk 'svf-41 black aces'. these r kit which i bought lately, the decals r completely better in quality compared to those older versions like vf-1j hikaru, vf-1s, ve-1 elintseeker, vt-1 superostrich.

u can check the description from hlj

http://www.hlj.com/product/HSG65780

http://www.hlj.com/product/HSG65782

http://www.hlj.com/product/HSG65781

Edited November 16, 2009 by shinagami

[mickyg]

mickyg, thank you for the link. I think I got some ideas after reading it.

Any time! Looking forward to seeing/reading your progress.

[mickyg]

Oops... Double post.

Edited November 16, 2009 by mickyg

[leading edge]

Oops... Double post.

Although I don't usually mask the canopies I put together just as some quick advice try using a resist on the canopy. One comes to mind by Grumbacher it's a kind of watercolor rubber resist that gently clings to paper and plastic. It makes accurate lines when I've used it on paper and models ( I use it to airbrush and hand paint camo lines). It's very accurate when used with an airbrush and won't run I've even used a brush to do some work. I usually find it at craft store Aaron Brothers and Michaels.