No doubt a difficult model to paint.
All those corners and strake fins to block the spray pattern.
Nice job!

Jeff-

What kind of top coat paint do you use and what do find the full cure time to be with painting three coats 20 minutes apart?

I typically do three top coats after the primer and sanding, but wait like a week or so between them and sand between each. Of course, that adds considerably to the time element to finish off a given model but I like to ensure a given coat is largely cured (to do any needed sanding) before applying the next coat.

Earl

__________________
Earl L. Cagle, Jr.
NAR# 29523
TRA# 962
SAM# 73
Owner/Producer
Point 39 Productions

Rocket-Brained Since 1970

I used Rusto Painter's Touch gloss white on this SOT. Some guys don't like it and occasionally I'll get a malfunctioning can. I ALWAYS test it.

I've found that if the humidity is low a second and a third coat can be applied within an hour of the first coat. If you wait more than an hour then it's usually too late and you should wait 24 hours or the subsequent coats might blister.

I ALWAYS shoot a scrap length of BT first and with the same combination and frequency of coats that I'm putting on the model. If the paint malfunctions on the scrap piece--it'll probably malfunction on the model.

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Thanks! I rarely have painting conditions this perfect. The gloss white is bone dry now and I've laid the first decal--an easy one: the port side rudder decal of the orbiter. These decals are premium quality. They're not too thin and not too thick. Be careful not to use water that's too warm or the decal may stretch.

I'll finish the decals on the orbiter tonight. Note how I use a piece of 1/2" X 1/2" angle aluminum to register the long fuselage decal.

The big reveal is tomorrow!

"The Vixen" has brought me a shot of 10 year old Glenmorangie--neat, of course.

Good night.

TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

and.............................Voila! The SOT is finished!

All decals are applied, solvastetted and dry. The insides of the faux engine tubes of the booster and the nozzle of the orbiter have been painted flat black. The model has been brushed with (2) coats of acrylic floor polish and is dry.

Thanks for watching!

Fini.

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Awesome job, Jeffy!

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Scott D. Hansen
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe - Your One Stop BAR Shoppe!
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Ye Olde Rocket Forum
WOOSH NAR Section #558

Thanks. I wish I had a built up regular sized OT to put next to it for comparison.

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Here is my 25 year old OT (with green decals) next to my BT-60 OT. Makes it look huge! Your idea of using aluminum angle to align the long decals is one I’m going to try. I used masking tape on my upscale but that was tricky to lay it down straight.

This one is Rustoleum Semi-Gloss White. I swear by Rustoleum. Rarely have an issue, but gloss white paint is known to have more issues than others. But I’ve only had issues with one can, and I’ve used dozens of cans of gloss white. The semi gloss is glossy enough for decals. After a few days I coated with Krylon UV-Resistant Acrylic Clear in Matte. Awesome stuff.

I really want to build the new kit. It’s better suited to the size of fields I mostly use.

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__________________
Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

That does indeed make it look huge. Those are very nice OT’s. Who did your upscale decals (or did you make them yourself?)

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

I ordered them from Tango Papa. Tom sold the business, but the new owners offer custom decal service as I recall. I looked at their website earlier this year.

__________________
Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp