Command Module  Pod 1  Pod 2  Pod 3  Pod 4  Pod 5  Pod 6  Pod 7  Pod 8  Pod 9  Pod 10  Pod 11 Epilogue  The Hangar  Moonbase  Back to Main Mission   This is, without doubt, the one part that can make or break a model.  Careful detailing not only adds much needed colour (especially with an Eagle) but draws the observer closer to your kit Masking tape used to create detailing.  If you desire a sharp edge to your detail, be sure to burnish down the tape edge Removing the tape after spraying.  I found that the cleanest results were acheived when I lifted the tape after letting the paint dry for a minute or so.  Any longer and the paint would stick to the tape causing a rough edge.  Conversely, any sooner and the paint would often bleed or get dragged along the adjacent paintwork These turned out quite well which inspired me to do some more fine detailing near the engines The finished command module.  Although confidence was high, I didn't want to ruin the model by adding too many details...I think, for this scale, this is just about the right amount Masking up an area.  Care must be taken as overspray of fine particles can, and does, get everywhere.  I quite often used a tape mask like the one here with additional peices of paper.   I picked up some automotive filler primer which was exactly the colour I wanted for these engine details...cheaper than purpose-made paints too!... Details on the engine.  By this point, I was keen to experiment so I just went with what I thought looked good...after all, I haven't seen a definitive guide to an Eagle's paintwork or decals anywhere! Detail on the leg pods.  Again, not having a definitive guide, I just refered to my collection of reference pics and chose or adapted what I liked These decals from JBOT Decals of Canada were a blessing - especially where the alpha-numerics and stripes were concerned The decals come in three scales; those for the 12", 22/23" and 44" Eagles.  Careful handling is required as they are fragile and also prone to smudging.  However, they were very easy to apply The decal set from Small Art Works.  Shame they didn't arrive soon enough as they superb - still, I'll maybe apply them one day if the others get damaged... Once applied, I gave the stripes a light dusting with some white paint in order to tone them down Again, a light dusting to reduce the new decal's stark appearance on the weathered ship.  You'll note that the decals here are slightly damaged.  In this case, it wasn't a major problem as I think it added more realism anyway With the kit virtually completed, it's was time to add those minor details and touch-ups that I'd been delaying until now... ...a spot of grime on a bolt head I decided to polish up the VTOLs a little just on the exposed surfaces... ...and I also re-sprayed the sooting on the main engine bells to achieve a more subtle finish Scratchbuilding the spine clamps from styrene sheet - very fiddly but well worth the effort The clamps on and spine fitted to the body.  That ain't comin' off in a hurry!  Now for some paint... Those with a keen eye will have noticed that I've fully enhanced the engine assembly pipework...even down to the afterburner injection valves near the engines The detailing I added was based on a concept for a custom built 44" Eagle by Jim Small of Small Art Works.  The piping configuration would have looked much like this when the #1 Eagle model was originally built   Click here to see Jim's pic Bet you thought I was just making it all up!!! So, there we have it; another Eagle is born...go to The Hangar or Moonbase to see pics of the entire model! Also check out Epilogue and Credits and Links All imagery copyright Eagle Imagery (PhotoGraphics) unless otherwise stated Unauthorised use is illegal