The results you're showing are just awesome considering the size of the pieces you're working with. And I'll second the nomination for the "heritage" scheme!
I looked at a few pictures of some of my first models. I wouldn't let them out the door now haha. I've had a lot of practice but I still have a lot to learn. Gerd gave me the best advice when he told me to get a krome and an air compressor. The results instantly became better. I'm glad it helped you too!
I'll also second your plus for a good airbrush and compressor. I've been using a Badger 350 with a Testors compressor until fairly recently, when I broke down and got a Paasche double action and compressor with a tank. After just a little additional practice, I'm just floored by how much more I'm able to do. Truly a case of the right tool more than making the job.
If you think of an airbrush as a tool it becomes easier to understand how they work. It's a tool that takes a lot of practice to use. You can take the best airbrush on the market but if you don't have any experience using it you still won't get the results you are looking to achieve. A torque wrench is a precision tool, too much torque (paint) and you over do it, too little torque (paint) and it's not enough to get the job done. It really is something that only practice can improve your skills. I can't tell you how many times I've stripped and repainted the same model to get better results. I'm trying to achieve perfection with my models. I want to produce a factory quality paint job. I want something a person can look at and proudly run on their layout and proudly have my name mentioned when someone ask who painted it. It's not easy getting perfect results. I still have flaws in my paint jobs. I'll be the first to tell you there are flaws and mistakes but I'm still practicing.
Aaron, Your attitude towards this skill is what will set you apart from others who just quickly do the job. Maybe you won't have the title 'professional' attached to your name, but certainly your name will bcome synonymous with quality and you will become the 'go to' guy for paint jobs. Are you sure you want the notorioty and dedication it will take to have folks clammoring after you at all hours of the night? You may have to change your email, name, phone number, even go into witness protection to avoid the throngs who will be at your door step. Let's see now, how long is your waiting period? )
Thank you Loren, My only hope is to produce a model that even the toughest collector would like to own. I just enjoy painting the models and each one is a challenge. I try to out do the last model every time. I would like to be able to do scenery like you do. That is a craft you have mastered. Haha I already get emails around the clock so I'm used to that. The wait time just varies right now, I have plenty of time to work on models right now so I can turn them out quickly.
