When all this modelling is done, the item has to be painted. There are various ways this can be done. Depending on the size and number of models to be painted dictates the method I use. First of all the model must be fully cleaned and any bumps or lumps removed. I cheat a little by using a spray can of primer/undercoat, the one shown is by Simoniz which is my preference.One of the most useful things in my kit is a turntable. This was made for me by Sedco in Sheffield many years ago and I would not be without it.
Again, depending on the size of model to be painted,dictates which spray gun I use. For small, numerous items I use my old DeVilbiss Sprite Airbrush. This has a top feed and has given many years of trusty sevice, I help by keeping it spotless, a little time spent after spraying saves hours trying to clean dried paint from inside it. Larger items are tackled with a DeVilbiss MP gravity feed gun. This only uses marginally more air than the Airbrush but has a higher capacity resevoir and I prefer the finish it gives. Both spray guns are powered from my old Compressor which is probably older than me but just keeps on going. It has a good sized reciever to store air and also I have a regulator/filter connected to the airline to ensure no water or oil get through to the spraygun, probably overkill but ruining the paintwork on an 'O' gauge engine is prevented.
Now something to hold the model in place whilst painting. I have numerous pieces of wood of various shapes and sizes to attach the item to. Usually I temporarily attach them with double sided tae to hold them in position. A word of warning, don't use White Tack, this seems to leach through plastic and at worse will be seen as a stain on the finished articl and its a devil to clean off.
Final detailing is by paintbrush and well mixed paint, before transfers are attached and a final coat of varnish applied.
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