No Airbrush? No Problem! Airfix F-80C Shooting Star in 1/72 Scale - Plastic Model Kit Build & Review

[@MrKevinbrindle]

Very nice build. And yes you're right, not everybody uses an air brush!!

[@ModelMinutes]

Exactly!

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Matt, nice to see someone else forget something (stand slot). Way back in vintage days we didn't have airbrushs or spray cans (the only spray paint cans for sale were car celulose so no good at all). I made many 'natural metal' aeroplanes, P51, B25, Ki42, Ki61 and B29 being memorable with the silver (humbrol enamel) applied by brush. No obvious brush strokes. Large brush and long even strokes (preferably chordwise on the wings) is the secret. I like the vintage classics.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, I have done quite a few larger models with a brush and its all about that long drying time so the paint levels :)

[@kennethjames9416]

I have been building model kits for 40 years and never used an airbrush.Well tidy review.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I only started airbrushing a few years back but I think my first love is hand painting

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

I've been building them for about 57 years and bought myself an airbrush a couple of years ago. Not an expensive unit, under AU$100 and with tips from youtube modelers, learned how to use it with some success. Buying spray paint cans here can be very expensive but the airbrush has improved my painting enormously. I realise not everyone has spare moolah lying around to buy one but I'm glad I did and I have this one waiting to be built.

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

Amazing detail for Airfix given it's age from 1973, usually just a pilot was provided.

[@fercabrera7274]

A SIMPLE, ACCURATE, AND QUICK WAY TO MODELLING. THANK YOU.

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad you like it!

[@janxspirit6707]

First built this in 1975, wonderful to see it built in this way, brings back so many memories, ty!

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad you liked it :D

[@benmanning4340]

I've built many different sizes and types of scale models (aircraft, armour etc...) I've never used an airbrush, they're all hand painted. I feel its much more rewarding and can often take more skill and techniques to perfect. 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for sharing

[@neilmcclary]

always enjoy your builds as there always fun

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks so much!

[@alwoodsmodellingmayhem]

I had this kit as a kid some 45 years ago and have recently bought it again for that reason. I will be trying your painting technique as I don't use an airbrush but have had limited success with silver from a rattle can. The gloss black paint may be the reason why as I tend to use matt black paint. Thanks for sharing this with us.👍👍😉

[@ModelMinutes]

I hope it works out for you :)

[@pedroalbicastrense353]

Very good job without an airbrush 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I think the rattle can did most of the hard work 😂

[@JeffreyBaker-f1i]

Great build and video Matt, and it's nice to see you going back to basics by hand painting the model. Keep up the great work, you make everything look so easy. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍I think the rattle can must take credit for the paint looking so good though :)

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Fantastic job on this vintage Airfix kit Model Minutes. That is one stunning Shooting Star. Great idea to prime/base the model in black spray paint. Especially when it comes to painting metallic colors. The biggest surprise with this kit is the fact Airfix back in the day added an instrument panel to this kit. That is a rather unique feature. Often it was just the pilot and his seat in those kits. I might have to get myself one of these kits. Great video too!

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, it would appear that they pushed the boat out with this one back then

[@andygorman858]

Fantastic build! Every time you release a vid I check my local plastic dealer to see if it’s in stock, and then I buy it! I’m going to be broke for the rest of the year but my kit collection will be awesome! Off to see if this one is on stock 😉 I started with some paints, and a flat brush of painting large areas and a round brush for the details.

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome, thank you!

[@wadejustanamerican1201]

I built this one a couple of months ago. I also used a spray can . I appreciate the information on paint colors.

[@ModelMinutes]

I think spray cans aren't as prevelant in the scale modelling YT community, but they give such good results at a very accessible level :)

[@stephenwhelan2515]

How fortuitous is this video! I bought this very kit at my local model store today. So fired up by this video + my collection of humbrol and revell enamels, i intend to get stuck in from Monday.

[@ModelMinutes]

I hope you enjoy!

[@tomasmlecka6015]

Great video! I am using a tamiya aluminium color spray for everything silver, it lasts long, and its very easy to use

[@ModelMinutes]

Good to know!

[@ricardoayarza8653]

For model detailing I use Sharpie pens. It works fine in small parte.

[@BobMuir100]

What a great tip, thx Bob England

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@markhill4526]

I've always hand painted my models. I've now switched to 1/48 scale, so air brushing is starting to look like a good idea. Bought a cheap set up so i can practice on some cheap old kits. If all goes to plan then i'll get a decent air etc.

[@ModelMinutes]

A good idea! I have just recently completed a cheap project to practice my airbrush skill on

[@robjohnson2821]

Hi Matt. I flit from brush to spray so I really enjoyed this video. You did a great job. To be honest I am always much more comfortable with brushing so it's really appreciated to see you such a great job. Thanks for sharing 👍. Rob.

[@ModelMinutes]

I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@MorrowindES17]

I was thinking of buying this plane and making it on the them plastic stands great build by the way now i can paint the pilot for once.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I love to have my kits flying - still got some more stands so can use them on some future builds

[@MorrowindES17]

@@ModelMinutes could you make and see if the brewster buffalo 1/72 could go on the stand.that could be a good build.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@MorrowindES17 it should do, there is a little slot in the bottom for one 👍🏻

[@MorrowindES17]

@@ModelMinutesoh good to now thanks I will buy stands know.

[@paulwiggins183]

Enjoyed that. Recently purchased a very old Aurora AT-6 kit with some heat deformation and missing small parts... so with the pressure off I have actually enjoyed making something of it. And it will hang up near the ceiling.

[@ModelMinutes]

Very nice!

[@andrewoconnor5108]

Nice work Matt!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@Dudeman9339]

What a gorgeous machine.

[@ModelMinutes]

It really is!

[@neilmcclary]

realy like your attitude to the hobby I think its too easy to get hung up on everything so much that the fun goes out of it ,i enjoy what are works of art from others but the hobby is big enouth for all tastes. I thought your b17 was realy good

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks very much!

[@BansheeNT-D]

Man it looks already fantastic on the Thumbnail! Great work 😍 Do you have any plans for a F-4 Phantom video? 😮

[@ModelMinutes]

I don't currently have an F-4, so would need to clear out some of my stash before I do one of those

[@stuff31]

Very good job with the spray work! It looks very tidy :D

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks very much!

[@VenlyssPnorr]

Nice build. I really like these non-airbrush 'basic builds'. It's possible to get very good results with a traditional brush, as evidenced by quite a few of your vids and others like Quick Kits (although sadly he seems to have moved on to exclusively WH40k these days).

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, Owen is still active on IG but primarily focusing on his WH40K stuff - I don't think he has much time to focus on content creation seeing as the last I heard he was busy with university and then when that was finished getting work full time in his chosen field. He may return in the future but as with many things, there is usually a break

[@blastpop]

The kit turned out nice. As to the blue on the nose not quite matching I have a possible idea/solution. As the transition is abrupt if you lightly painting on to the decal near the current transition with the blue paint not in a straight line it might be less noticeable? Not sure but it might be worth a go. Your eye is drawn to the current transition- if not so abrupt it might play a trick with your eyes an not be seen as easily. Either that and the decal gets obliterated. Roll the dice and take your chances.

[@ModelMinutes]

because the decal has a flat edge where it meets the paint, you will always get a sharp transition - i think the only option is to paint the blue instead

[@leewhite2195]

I painted over the behind-the-nosecone decal on my Mustang.The decal acts as a painting guide and it seems less faff than masking.

[@sonosoloio]

I have been building model kits since 1984, starting with some 1/72 Airfix boxes, and the only time I tried to use an airbrush for a few months, at the beginning of the 90s, I hated it so much that I was about to abandon this hobby, since then only Humbrol enamel colors and brushes and with the experience accumulated over the years I can say that even if not perfect the models I build are quite good, however both I and the friends for whom I build them like them and this is enough for me. by the way, I don't even do the washing because I don't consider it painting but just smearing the model and letting that dirt do all the work, removing what's left over.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@jeff88701]

Well done Matt that’s good advice for beginners 👏👏👏

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 🙏

[@freedomgundam95]

Spectacular. Proves you don't always need an airbrush to make good looking models, even though i still highly recommend it.

[@ModelMinutes]

Absolutely!

[@johnmarley6695]

Good effort Matt!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@MrWhiteScaleModels]

Great build mate 👍 everytime I fall behind on one of my builds I can always count on your videos to give me that push back into it, Cheers!

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad to help! I feel the same sometimes, - need to see someone else having fun to get some motivation back

[@geoffthecarpenter]

For fine lines especially in silver or gold I've started using very fine tip Posca paint pens, works a treat.

[@ModelMinutes]

Good to know!

[@WendyHodgkinson]

Did mine with the airbrakes down as it's showing on the old box art one bomb left on pylon clear stand old school still supplied good little kit

[@bravodelta3083]

Looking good there!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍

[@NickAndrewsFaulkner]

Good result, your unboxing prompted me to buy one. Currently it's part built, mine has fit issues around the jet pipe, but I think some filler and paint will resolve it. I was going wheels down until an unfortunate front landing gear incident.... Luckily I have some stands, so it will probably end up flying!

[@ModelMinutes]

I think you will enjoy having this one in a flying pose :)

[@Babicoste]

Nice! Another spray can video, I finished building Academy MIrage IIIC 1/48 with spray cans a couple of weeks ago thanks to your Mirage IIIC video, not as good as yours but its something. I recently bought a perfect model for bare metal finish paint scheme (Academy F-104G 1/72) and my next purchase will be P-47 Thunderbolt.

[@ModelMinutes]

That is awesome!

[@paolomonachello5343]

Complimenti, ottimo lavoro! Paolo from Italy

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@josephelsdon9886]

Great video

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@alanrogers8535]

I quite like the vintage kits and dont airbrush. Simple fun. I have done 3 of this kit. You didnt file/sand the joins on the bombs. Naughty boy. Sub'd and look forward to your next vid.

[@ModelMinutes]

Lol I always miss something - i do like to see who notices :)

[@franciscoovalle4853]

Well done.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@sweetcorn1968]

Another great build Matt and another candidate for the Pond Squadron. It could be getting crowded over the pond if you keep doing videos like this.

[@ModelMinutes]

i think it would be a great addition to the Pond Squadron!

[@lpjmodels]

Noice work 👏 🎉😮

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 😆

[@julianmhall]

I saw this last night and agree completely. Airbrushes are an acquired skill, and /not/ for newbies. Get proficient and confident at building first, otherwise to nick an old phrase you're just putting lipstick on a pig, and probably not very tidy lipstick either.

[@ModelMinutes]

good points :)

[@rainsreno1]

For that nose revell aqua 56 it's a perfect paint

[@ModelMinutes]

Good tip!

[@glencwilson]

Cracking result. Looks decent value at that price. I would guess the decals are the correct colour and their paint is not the same shade.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, I even made sure to mix the paint thoroughly and used the exact shade they recommended. It's close, but not quite

[@BobMuir100]

Well hello Matt, that build came together very well. I was pleased you chose to tidy up the landing gear area as in flight this may well be shown. Personally I am tiring of 1:72 and look for 1:48 as my standard although choice does slim down as price creeps up?! The larger scales become price prohibitive I feel and choice well is there any?? Airfix seems very 72nd focused for 2024? As you have shown, can, air, brush all work just fine, my lead is airbrush as it’s better in many ways and once one has invested be a real shame not to learn!! A tip I was given and found it successful was a colouring book; cheap, varied and many ‘levels’ to buy. Good video as always. Bob England

[@ModelMinutes]

Airfix does indeed have more kits in 1/72 than 1/48, but there is still a sizeable selection on their website (or has been in the past) such as Spitfires, 109s, Mustangs, F86, Javelin and others - their 1/48 Sea King is quite impressive. I think Eduard has a good selection of 1/48 subjects, but yes - as the scale goes up there is more plastic in the box which does push up the prices

[@rainsreno1]

I did this jet in the same version, good Job Matt👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I hope you had as much fun as I did :)

[@rainsreno1]

@@ModelMinutes Yes, it was fun to build it :) Looking forward to your next projects 🙂

[@joannatrevino8882]

Love it I built one a few years ago, I have another I think I’ll go back and build it and not use an airbrush just for the fun of it.

[@ModelMinutes]

i hope you enjoy!

[@sophieannlouise5098]

Good vid! 😊

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! 😁

[@jeffdurling2167]

This vid has some useful info.the paint on the model is looking good.2questions what container did you use for the spraying,also what kind of paint were the gloss blank and silver enamel?im considering starting my plastic scale modeling again,so im a beginner.

[@ModelMinutes]

What do you mean by "container for spraying"? Do you mean the can the paint comes out of, or are you referring to my spray booth? A full paint list is featured at 01:10 giving all the products I used during this project, there are also pop-up graphics with the products used at the relevant times too

[@jeffdurling2167]

since i am a novice i meant the spray booth@@ModelMinutes

[@jeffdurling2167]

what is a spray booth?@@ModelMinutes

[@ModelMinutes]

@@jeffdurling2167 effectively a box with a fan at the back which sucks all the air through a filter so that the paint in the air doesn’t get breathed in

[@Twoscoopcoop]

Just wondering what “drill bit” is that because it looks useful

[@ModelMinutes]

ah, its a hobby pin vice which came with a selection of bits - I think there may be one listed on my amazon page linked under the video

[@Twoscoopcoop]

@@ModelMinutes thank you

[@davidmccann9811]

An airbrush is a great tool that can definitely improve a model, but I also think they can become a 'crutch' with many models looking 'over' airbrushed.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ashleybishop9937]

HI Matt, do you have any hints on stopping the buildup of paint on the Humbrol tinlets that end up stopping the lids from fitting properly and the paint drying out. Still dogs me after 50 years of modelling.

[@ModelMinutes]

i always clean the lids of my enamel pots after I open the tin

[@ashleybishop9937]

@@ModelMinutes I do too, but it just builds up on the lid.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@ashleybishop9937have you tried wiping the rim of the tin as well - where the lid attaches?

[@charlieboye2009]

Do the other decal option. Would like to see both side by side.

[@ModelMinutes]

I may look into doing a second version some time in the future

[@deanburn3400]

Very good Matt indeed. I always dread myself though how to mask the canopies. I wonder if you have not done this already show especially new modellers how to mask the transparent canopies. I always find it a nightmare to do this right. In particular WW2 bombers. Additionally it makes me wonder where you can buy masks or if Airfix might start to include in alot more kits old and new. I think possibly modellers like me might welcome it. Although the cost of the kits might be a little more. Worth exploring thanks.

[@ModelMinutes]

Good idea! That would be a quick video possibly

[@leewhite2195]

I hate doing canopies.Unfortunately I'm into Mitsubishi Zero's.😂

[@markoleary8810]

Nice one

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching

[@goforitpainting]

Cool

[@ModelMinutes]

😎

[@brianartillery]

That was, and still is, a lovely little kit. I just wish that Airfix would reintroduce the brilliant F86-D 'Sabre Dog' kit, as a companion piece. I've managed to build models for 50+ years, and never once felt the need to use an airbrush. I find using paint, and brush, to be very therapeutic. I do use rattle cans occasionally - usually Halfords acrylic grey primer on scratch built models. If it was good enough for Derek Meddings, Ian Scoones, and Brian Johnson, when they worked for Gerry Anderson, it's good enough for me. Nice video, and great results. Tidy. 👍👍👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I wonder if they still have the tooling for that F-86D, would be another interesting vintage classic possibly. I don't always use an airbrush, i think it's probably about 50/50 on my channel at the moment

[@GeorgeFotopoulos-u8p]

A cheap kit but you made great work. 👍👍👍👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍

[@Concordlover]

I am getting a airbrush soon but I have always brushed my models

[@ModelMinutes]

good luck!

[@Concordlover]

Thanks

[@tomasdvorak5815]

Nice idea, but I still think that some paint schemes (german) are possible with airbrush only, or at least convinient to be done with airbrush.

[@ModelMinutes]

I do find the mottling on some paint schemes easier with an airbrush, after all - that's how they were done IRL

[@jerrymail]

I'm an old modeller (began in early 80s) but still using brushes. I have used airbrush in the past, but it is not for me. I really didn't enjoy used it, really boring. I sold everything, airbrush, compressors, accessories... to a friend. So, yes, brushes are not the perfect tools, especially for camos, but it is the way I enjoy the most this hobby.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jonnypalmberg8351]

If one is a beginner in the plastic model building world I would strongly recommend them NOT to use airbrush. I think it is both cheaper and better to learn the basics of model building with brushes or maybe, with a spray can. Air brushing is not cheap and it may even scare a future model-ace away from the hobby with all the numbers (pressures and so on). An airbrush is something you should pick up along the way to perfection. Learn the basics first, get used to them, find ways to fulfill your ambitions with your project. I even have thoughts about finding ways to create the look of a used airbrush without even using one, just with brush or other cheap tools. For the beginner...the first step is to feel satisfied with the finished work, not to compare with an airbrushing modelbuilding ace. It takes years and a lot of mistakes to get even close to the perfect build. Prio one should be to have fun and enjoy the building process, and the cheaper, the better!

[@ModelMinutes]

good points, I see in many online spaces that the belief that using an airbrush is the go-to solution for smooth paint. But without the basics of understanding paint and how it is applied, (and with the specific difficulties of airbrushing) it can result in a negative experience

[@sweetcorn1968]

Wow, a Wiko rattle can, that'll be worth a few quid soon.😂

[@ModelMinutes]

Maybe I should stop using it and sell it in a few years as a collector's item . . . tbh i've used this on a few models in the past and there is still about 50% left, it has lasted and age. It's not my favourite lacquer varnish though, I think it is a little blotchy and can be a bit sticky

[@bradleyhatchen]

Ok matt here what I see the bottom bay doors were a bit messy how they fitter the putty or filler was a bit to dry the door had some fitt issue the wings fitted not to bad painting was good decal were not to bad sense it was a old kit by air fix I know the glue was a bit running the landing door bay kind of messy oh yes the stand part I guess you didn't need the weight it will sit on the stand love to comment on the build yes the gaps under the bottom

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching

[@stormus65]

Very nice build there, and also shows off that ya dont need an airbrush t get an awesome finish. I have always used brushes for my builds :3

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, sometimes an airbrush can be overkill for a project :)

[@stormus65]

@@ModelMinutes even on larger builds, it's possible to get an awesome finish with brushes. ^.^

[@anjkovo2138]

👍👍

[@ModelMinutes]

:)