[Epapazian]

I finally got a hold of one of the new Altaya 1:144th scale SM-79s---one of the most interesting WWII bombers in my humble opinion. Like the JU-188 and other smaller entries in this line, the wings as well as the fuselage are metal and the fit on my model, at least, was quite good. Also on the plus side was the amount of detail included in the mold and the pad printed insignias. And they even included pitot heads and support braces for the tailplanes----wow!

Unfortunately, there were the usual negatives. A smattering of glue spots, unrealistic light gray side windows, etc. and, worst of all, one of those impressionistic camouflage schemes concocted by the Chinese factory when it isn't really sure what the real plane looked like. In this case, it's almost like the SM-79 was painted overall sand on its upper surfaces, after which, the Italians ran around with pails of green and brown paint splashing or dripping the stuff about, more or less randomly.

So, as is my custom, I set about doing a repaint. In this case, I chose an early war three color striped pattern for the upper surface, which allowed me to dispense with the white fuselage band ( a real pain to apply ).The hard parts were the various little windows----14 of them----and the metal rings around the engine cowls. However, I persevered and the final step was finding appropriate sized insignias, emblems and numbers from my decal collection. While small models such as this ( the SM-79's wingspan is only 5.7 inches ) are difficult to detail the final product was satisfactory, considering the inherent shortcomings of this mass produced model. If you are a fan of the SM-79 , I'd recommend this model as a nice little gap filler, even if you leave it exactly as it comes from the box.

The first picture that follows is taken from cristiantg's website and shows how the Altaya SM-79 looks in its original form. The second picture is my repaint. Give me a moment to post the pictures.

[Epapazian]

[Cruver Collecter]

Great looking repaint on the SM-79. I am hoping that some day that this one will get done in 1/72nd scale.

[Paladin18]

The master at work....The repaint looks so much better than the original plane...

[jaliya48]

Hey, nice work! Do you usually use a airbrush or brush the paint?
Thanks!

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by jaliya48

Hey, nice work! Do you usually use a airbrush or brush the paint?
Thanks!

Thanks, jaliya48. I prefer to brush paint virtually all of my models because, except for some spray-on mottling schemes, it saves me a lot of time and I have learned how to get similar results. I use Humbrol paint, primarily, as its formulation is especially conducive to brush painting. Even in the mottling area, I am learning, via trial and error, how to simulate the feathered effects, however, I must admit that in this regard, spraying is superior.

[ZS-VAN]

Looks good mate. Can't get the original to open though.

[Ara1]

Ed, you're an artist. Kudos on your brushwork.

[jaliya48]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Thanks, jaliya48. I prefer to brush paint virtually all of my models because, except for some spray-on mottling schemes, it saves me a lot of time and I have learned how to get similar results. I use Humbrol paint, primarily, as its formulation is especially conducive to brush painting. Even in the mottling area, I am learning, via trial and error, how to simulate the feathered effects, however, I must admit that in this regard, spraying is superior.

Thanks for the info