I will say this is my favorite step in building a plastic model airplane. This is the time where you will add all those little details that will make your model airplane look magnificent!

Be careful not to overdo it, stay as close as possible as reality. Use pictures of the real airplane as a reference. Study the pictures carefully. Look at the oil marks, damage, rust and the effect of weather and time on the airplane. You never know, if you get really good at this, some day, you may end up working at an airplane museum.

Do I want my model to look brand new or do I want it to look like if it has been in action?

There are many techniques that can be used to achieve excellent weathering effects:

• Diluted paint: Dilute some black or brown paint with thinner and apply it to your model.
• Paint chips: Accomplish this by applying aluminum color to the leading edge of the wings or any aerodynamic surface.
• The “Eraser Technique”: Using the eraser from a pencil I have achieved excellent weathering effects. Especially on airplanes painted in aluminum finish. I use the eraser to change the brightness of the surface panels as it happens in real life.

You can choose to make your airplane look factory new or maybe you prefer to make it look old or in active duty. It is up to you. Have fun!

How do you want to display your finish model?

• Stand Alone: This is a very simple procedure; just sit the aircraft model on a bare shelf, maybe next to other models. Two of the most common problems you will face are: people trying to touch it and dust.
• Dioramas: This is the incorporation of the model into a scene or context. The purpose of a diorama is to tell or represent a part of history, a moment or a situation. It is a good idea to protect your diorama using a comercial display case or vacuum-formed clear dust cover (acrylic or styrene). If a comercial display case does not fit your diorama you can consider building your own by contacting a supplier of acrylic plastic.
• Custom Cabinets: This is of course the most expensive solution but it could be the most decorative one.
• Hanging from a string: This is a nice option; but make sure the string you use its of good strength. Try nylon... you don't want your new model end destroyed!
  

Diorama: P-47
Peruvian Airforce
(Scale: 1/72)


Stand Alone: P-38
US Airforce
(Scale 1/48)

Diorama: A-37B
Peruvian Airforce
(Scale 1/48)