I'm on fire!!

[rsxse240]

So, I've been wanting to try this for a while. I just picked up some new thinners and a new small compressor for my airbrush.

I only used 5 colors. Red, Orange, Burgundy, Amber and Black for a base/shading.

It looks like crap, but it's my first time ever trying this type of paint job. I don't know if I want to strip and try it again on this car or keep this as a "Where I came from" so I can show how much improvement I make over time. I don't really care if you think it sucks, I know it does, so say what you will, but I prefer you keep your criticism in a positive manner. I look forward to any tips or techniques you may want to share.

Thanks for looking.

[ratpackv8sonly]

Looks really good. I was never able to draw flames myself so its way more than what I could have ever done. And I have been building for over 25 years. Good work an keep it up.

[corvettekid_7684]

I think it looks pretty good! I've seen worse get much praise! Interesting to see how you improve. These real flame flame jobs are pretty cool!

[freakray]

Takes some guts to take on a paint job like that for the first time and you did a great job. You've obviously got a good basis to work from as far as technique so it's just a case of practice going forward.

I think you should keep this one as a benchmark.

[carl63_99]

I would say keep it! Looks pretty damn good for a first try, and in a few years, it will be inspiring to look back on and see where you started. Clearcoat it, polish to a high gloss and finish the rest of the model!

-C

[Greg23]

Looks like a good start.

[cjsbosox]

There is a guy thats great at this. People actually called fire dept. on a helicopter he painted :o. I will find his name

[MidMazar]

For your first try it came out very good. I myself still didn't paint flames yet, its something i believe every car modeller will try in their life at some point. You should be proud, but i agree with freakray the more practice the better they'll be. Maybe try on scrap models or pieces of paper. Good luck on future projects.

[mn80228]

The guy with the real fire helicopter is Mike Lavallee.
He does INCREDIBLE work, and not just "real fire"...

[rsxse240]

Thank you for all you kind words. I've been in a huge slump lately and I believe this has really got me motivated and inspired. I will keep this as a bench mark. Just build it box stock with some cool wheels or something. I'm going to shoot about 3 more heavy coats of clear on it to smooth it out and make it shine.

On another note, I took it outside to see it in some natural light and didn't realize just how reactive to light those testors enamels are. The mix of stop light red, burghundy, turn signal amber and Model master turn signal amber (lacquer system) for a finish/smoothing coat really makes for an interesting combination of pearls and metalics. I think, however, next time I'm going to use a metallic crimson instead of the burghundy as it is a bit pinkish in the daylight. Looks interesting, but makes it kind of feminine when I was going for tough guy looks.

Again, thank you all for your support and comments. I'd really like to hear and see anyone's suggestions/work to help improve my skill.

-Ken

[88Porsche944]

Ken,
Great job!

[nugundam93]

great work on the flames!

[hd221813]

Never seen a better flame paintjob on a 1/24 model, no kidding. Considering this is your very first attempt, it is amazing to say the least! Keep up the good work!

[ianc911]

Pics are kind of small, but from here it looks pretty damned awesome!

Would be very interested to read a description of your technique if you'd care to post an overview...

ianc

[rsxse240]

i would be happy to do a write up. Sorry if the pics are small, I took them with my 8mp cam, I'll get some with my cannon next time around.