R-34 scale model project...Preliminary clearcoats applied to hull.

Here are the images that I just took of the preliminary clear flat coats of paint applied over the silver on the R-34 model's hull to dull it down to more like the airship actually was back in the day. From what I understood, early British rigids were more on the grey side than silver.

There are some minor imperfections in the hull's surface, but I really cannot do too much about it, now, but I think it just adds charm to the model, if you will. The actual airship's fabric panels, when you find clear closeup pictures of the hull were not exactly wrinkle free at times, either, so this does not detract in my eyes the aesthetic scale correctness of this model, too much.

The basic texture I was  trying to shoot for in applying the ring strips to the hull did contribute to the wrinkled look of the surface, but the looks help differentiate this ship from the way the Shenandoah looked.

As far as I'm concerned, the ring strips help "make" this model what it is. This was the first time I added these to a model. The next time I do this, I'll try to do a neater job.

Enjoy the rest of the images.

Nice side profile parting shot for this post.

Jim.

R-34 scale model project...First silver coats sprayed on hull.

 Finally took the time, today, April 20th to apply the first silver color coat paints on the hull.

 Model has a lot of minor imperfections in it that the silver paint brings out. Much like the actual ship, as the fabric on it in places as you can see in some close up period photos, was wrinkled, so the way this model is coming out, sort of replicates those buckles in wrinkles in perfect scale. The R-34 was not as pretty an airship as later dirigibles, such as the Shenandoah, was.

Next step is for me to apply the clear flat dullcoat onto the surface of the hull to bring the color down to more of a light silver gray as the actual airship was colored.

I will apply two clear flat dullcoats before I set the hull aside to finish fabricating the control car, as well as making the engine cars as well.

Jim.