Assembly and Painting Questions

[chaos_geek]

I recently got a full SC kit for the Shadow Scout. For the most part painting it seems like an easy task. I just have some issue with the bucket. It comes in 4 pieces; Back/Sides, Dome, Face, and Visor.

 

Originally I thought to paint everything then assemble, but then I realized applying ABS Cement, or any adhesive really, to the paint was probably not the best idea.

 

The Dome and Back/Side piece need to be glued together, and then the Face and Visor need to be glued. Then those two are connected with the hinge bolts.

 

With that all being said, I have 2 questions/issues.

 

1. Am I going to need to bondo over the Dome and the Back/Side pieces connect?

 

2. With painting does anyone have tips to get all the nooks and crannies without having drips or pooling?

 

If anyone has detailed pictures of of the Scout bucket (especially the back) it would be greatly appreciated too.

[Griffin-X[501st]]

If you purchased the black ABS kit, then no painting is required. If not, you will definitely need to paint it up (satin of shiny). In that case, I'd paint the parts first.

 

Also, no bondo is required for general clearance or Specialist approval.

 

You can check out my WIP stuff here:

 

http://forum.501stsp...__fromsearch__1

[chaos_geek]

Awesome on the no need for Bondo and thank for the link. Nice suit!

 

The paint was more because the armor black ABS has a kind of foggy look to it that is uneven. I know I can probably "polish it out" but I prefer the duller finish the satin paint gives over a gloss.

 

Is there a way to reach that without paint?

[Griffin-X[501st]]

Thanks, I love my scout.

 

If you want to "dull" the armor shine down, I think that'll be tricky. But, I basically just let mine go dull over time and wear and tear. It's got a nice satin sheen now, so no polish is used on it - ever.

[chaos_geek]

Thanks, I love my scout.

 

If you want to "dull" the armor shine down, I think that'll be tricky. But, I basically just let mine go dull over time and wear and tear. It's got a nice satin sheen now, so no polish is used on it - ever.

 

Never considered that, It would make my life much easier! I think I will go that route.

[Griffin-X[501st]]

Awesome. If you need any help, just holla...

 

[Chef[501st]]

What Jim said.

 

The SC style lid can be assembled without the need for Bondo. You can minimise the gap around the join at the main dome with some careful trimming.

 

If you do decide to Bondo and paint it, then it's best to get it assembled first. Get everything square and spot on before moving on to the filling and painting part.

 

Run a skim of filler (what you call Bondo over there) around the join at the dome, making sure that you force some down into the gap.

Flat this back with something like 120 grit paper. Repeat this process until the join is nice and smooth.

 

Then you'll need to key the entire lid, so the paint sticks properly. Something like 240 grit is fine for this on plastic. Key the whole lid and take the shine off the plastic.

Then you are ready to prime and paint.

 

If your armour is unpainted, then I suggest you leave your lid unpainted too and let them weather in together naturally as Jim has done. It'll be difficult (nigh on impossible) to get a painted colour match.

If your armour is painted, then it's probably best to paint your lid too to match it up using the same paint you used on your armour.

[chaos_geek]

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I'm gonna back down on the paint for now and if I decide to do it another time I can. I gotta link up with someone local who as a TB maybe and see if they can assist. We have tons of them down here just gotta see who is available. In the mean time I'm gonna see what I can do with sewing the straps and velcro and getting the under suit and making the alterations.

[Griffin-X[501st]]

You are on the right track Clay and ask great questions. Keep us all posted.

[chaos_geek]

Thanks Jim. When I get into projects like this, who am I kidding I've never done anything on this scale, but when I do get involved I go full bore on things. I plan to get this done and in for approval by July at the latest. Hopefully pull everything together to be able apply for Specialist by Dec. Lofty goal I know, but that's my plan.