Okay... now we start getting into the challenging stuff. I've used airbrush quite a bit, but complex patterns with two and three schemes, not to mention 'complicated' camouflage patterns - is new to me. I spent about 5 hours over 3-4 sessions applying masking tape, and praying I had cleaned the resin well enough to prevent the first layer (Kommando Khaki) peeling off with the tape. I then gave the craft another layer of Kommando Khaki to seal the masking, before spraying on two layers of Catachan Green.
After letting the paint dry and cure for a while, I carefully peeled off the entire mask, one bit at a time, and was relieved to see the paint stayed on the hull! The masking wouldn't really have impressed anyone, as there were more small 'leaks' than I had hoped, but for a first time on such a (relatively) complicated job I am very happy. I'll have to do q bit of touch-up work with a brush, but the smooth layer of paint as well as the crisp edges of the camouflage made the time spent on masking to use an airbrush worthwhile. I'll definitely be doing more research on masking materials and techniques, however; both to save time and get better with it!
I did suffer a bit of a catastrophe, though; as I removed the masking on the windows one of the came loose and fell into the cockpit. It was one of the two I had converted and built into the back. I have no idea how I am going to fish it out, let alone re-attach it... and I deserve a kick in the butt for not getting proper glue for clear plastic parts and attaching it solidly. Worse case scenario the navigator will have opened the window for some fresh air... It isn't something most people will notice, but it does irk me of course. Maybe I'll come up with some great idea on how to replace the window without having to tear off the whole canopy.
In any case... still a great, rewarding project and I'm learning lots! Now it is back to my desk with the tape to mask it all up again. Thankfully this time around there is no strange patterns, I'm just masking it up to apply the bottom coat of dark gray (although I am still torn between Chardon Granite and Adeptus Battlegray). Once the last airbrushed basecoat is on, I plan to touch up all the slight leaks, then carefully drybrushing on some highlights before giving the whole vehicle a airbrushed glaze of Gryphonne Sepia. Then it's be a bit more work on the three base colors before I cans tart basecoating details. That's when it'll really start to come together - or at least I hope so I know I won't be finished-finished by the 22nd, no way; but with a soal basecoat the model wills till look good on the tabletop!