X-Wing Starfighter - Building / Painting / Weathering

This is the X-Wing Starfighter kit from Bandai's 1/72 Star Wars line of models. Its the Red 5 model that Luke Skywalker flew to destroy the first Death Star. Its a snaptite that has a very good fit but I still glued most pieces together. I focused mainly on the painting and weathering for this video as the build is fairly straightforward.
I painted and weathered the model using Tamiya acrylics and their panel line accent color. I sealed the model with Testors Dullcote.
Exterior: XF-19 (Sky Grey)
Interior: XF-53 (Neutral Grey)
Music:
"All This" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Ascending the Vale" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Full On" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@normalguytalk5508]

Beautiful, Just wonderful

[@spamfiend]

Great painting tutorial. I have this kit on my desk ready to build and your brilliant video shows me some great tips but also the colour co-ordination will help me as I can just pause the video and check the colours. Thanks!!!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍 good luck and glad I can help!

[@bobstone2515]

So detailed, like it

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@MrBMBuilder]

Nice job on this!!!!! Will have to build this kit sooner or later

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

+MrBMBuilder Thanks! These Bandai Star Wars kits are quick and fun

[@SNAKE_PLISSKEN1979]

Great job!!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@FineKits]

It looks awesome. Thanks for sharing :D

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

+FineKits Thanks! Glad you like it

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Great work sir

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@MrBioniclefan1]

Great video

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

+Gahlok12 Thanks!

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Amazing detail well done. Quite therapeutic to watch you painting 👊👌👍

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you! I feel the same way watching model build videos.

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Have you seen my R2-D2 I weathered on my channel my freind.?? I weather all my models also I've got a remote control American Bulldog Tank I've weathered and loads of other stuff 😃 , I've never liked things that look to clean lol. 😁 you do a fantastic job my freind 👍👍👍👍

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Yea I just checked out your R2D2 vid. Good job! Weathering adds so much to most model kits.

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Thank you so much it means alot coming from a professional like you. Yes it does make a difference it not looking like a Toy. 😊👍👍

[@vadimgalimov2576]

Blast marks would probably look much better if you point the brush in a direction along the surface, not from top down, to give them the appearance of a glancing hit (sorta tear-shaped)

[@RestorationAustralia]

Nicely done.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@Raider1836]

Dang man! You are good!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

+11Raider11 Thanks for the encouragement!

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

Brill job matey ! Lovely looking kit ! I'm hoping they some star wars bits this year

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

+Mottys Military Models - Steve Mottram Thanks! I really like these Bandai kits (even if they are snap tites)

[@rubytheater6330]

Great art work Thanks ⚡SMA

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍

[@singhac9480]

So smart with the blu-tac, never thought of that! Now I’m actually inspired to paint these smaller pilots* Thanks!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Awesome! Tac comes in really handy for holding those small parts

[@thedarkknight803able]

Awesome!💫😎👍🏿

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@user-pr4be7qm3b]

Good job！ いい仕事ですね。

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@simonwillis1529]

Helps me out with how to do mine 👍great vid

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Good luck with your build!

[@paulgertsch7105]

Really enjoyed your video.. thao

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks! 👍

[@craigdunn3231]

It is at great model

[@4RGeo]

Well done! How long it took you to complete it?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

It took about a week. Maybe 8 hours of actual work. Its on the more simplistic end of modeling being that its a snap tite. Still fun though b/c I like Star Wars

[@cvzanikos1]

I was trying so hard to see what you used for the accents! When I finally caught you!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Haha, I either use the tamiya accent or a mix of oils/mineral spirits. I've been adding captions to my more recent videos so you wouldn't have to search as hard to see what paints/products Im using.

[@cvzanikos1]

@@ScaleModelAssassin Good! Lol

[@alexwhitman9343]

😳😳awesome

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@bpj9022]

Excellent paint work. Just finished this model, so plan to do some similar paint work on mine. 👍🏻

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks and good luck on your own!

[@jonasqueiroga5106]

Grate job! what ink did you use for weathering?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks, I used Tamiya's black panel line accent

[@user-vd4ew9fg8l]

仕上がりが うまい！BANDAIさんも 仕上がりが ホッとしているだろうね

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

ありがとうございました！！👍

[@colemans8120]

How were you able to brush paint the Tamiya paints? I've tried in the past and it rolls so easily, even when thinned.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I think the reason I was able on this build was because the area's I was brush painting were so small. I didn't use any thinner on this one (although I typically do use thinner on more recent builds). I do remember periodically dipping my brush in clean water and re-shaking paint jars when I spent a while painting with the same color. Overall I just try to limit brush painting with Tamiya to very small area's.

[@sdr2346]

Hello, that is an awesome job, best one I have seen. I am new to modelling and as per another comment am brush painting. You mention X-20, sorry for the rookie question but how much should I mix in? Thanks heaps for your time.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you! For Tamiya, my paint mix is ~50-60% thinner

[@sdr2346]

Thanks heaps mate.

[@musicmate70]

brilliant build but no glass in the cockpit canopy cover ?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Yep. Just to try something different since they give you the option, plus its easier to see inside the cockpit

[@tsu8003]

I wish they would make a Rogue One Blue Squadron version of this!

[@joescott778]

Paint one up yourself. :)

[@marcidee869]

they did

[@johnhopkins6565]

Nice, but a suggestion for scale weathering is to try black basing first, then with your airbrush on a narrow pattern, spray with the sky grey. It gives it a more mottled or marbled look. Another trick is to use salt chopping. I would also beat up R2 a bit, seems like he always takes a hit in combat.

[@tsu8003]

I know you can buy aftermarket decals for Blue Squadron, I just would have preferred if they made an official version.

[@halon181]

Do you have a list somewhere of all the tools and brushes you use to do this stuff. I'm looking for a new hobby. Since I love Star Wars I figured this is a good one.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

No list as of yet but sometimes I mention (particularly in my recent videos) what brand/tool Im using in the captions. My tweezers and hobby knife are both "excel" brand. I use an assortment of brushes, some purchased from art supply stores (Michaels) and some purchased from my local hobby store (brands AK, Testors, & other no name brands). Megahobby.com is a good website and if there is a hobby store near where you live, folks who run those places are generally helpful with getting you what you need to start out. If youre familiar with reddit, r/modelmakers has some good threads for equipment and lots of good posts in general.

[@halon181]

Thanks!

[@OutOTW]

Really nice!! What colour you used for the chipping?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Similar color to the base coat. In this case it was xf-19 sky grey

[@mansoortanweer]

Thinking of buying one for a nephew. These don't require glue, right?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

That's correct. They're snap-tite and as I recall, the pieces all fit pretty well together

[@luisantoniopinedavega9540]

I'm planning to do the same job, if it's not too much trouble, what kind of paintings did you use?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

They are Tamiya brand paints. I listed them in the video description and captions

[@williamholmes9195]

Question what ratio of sky grey to white would you suggest to someone who is brush painting this? I am building a kit of this for a friend and do not have a airbrush, I hand brush or spray can my models depending. Would like your suggestion.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I used 100% sky grey for the exterior so if you plan to mix in white, I would do so sparingly. Id recommend mixing with X-20A thinner though if you plan to brush paint. The Tamiya paint will dry quickly and the thinner will help to get smoother coverage as well as dry slower. Build up multiple thin coats.

[@williamholmes9195]

@@ScaleModelAssassin Thank you.

[@quentinediting]

I am just getting into modeling for the first time, but I want to put together a model x wing for testing special effects. Do you think this would be a hard model to put together for a beginner? And if not, what materials do you recommend for a model x wing?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

This is a good model for a beginner. It can be assembled with nothing more than just the kit itself. Its snap-tite so you don't even need glue. The plastic comes in a few basic colors so its not necessary to paint it, although it will look better if you do. It really depends on your budget as to how much equipment (paintbrushes, airbrush, paint, etc) you want to buy. Youll need a knife to trim up the plastic when its removed from the sprue, but thats about all thats required. The decal markings I used also come in the form of stickers in this kit, so you can easily peel and stick if you dont want to attempt decals just yet.

[@lydiadamphousse6514]

Did you varnish between the tamiya paint and the panel line? If yes which product did you use? Thanks :)

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I didn't on this particular build, but Ive used mr color gx super clear III and alclad 600 aqua gloss recently. Both work well.

[@TylerDurdon1986]

What Kind of dough do you use at the start for the little figure?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

It's called plumbers putty

[@scottvaldez6699]

How are decals applied ?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

You'll take the decal you want to apply and soak it in water to loosen it from the backing. This takes less than 1 min usually. Then slide it onto the model, position it with fingers/tweezers, and let it dry. When dry I brush on microsol to help it adhere better and conform to panel lines.

[@uglitor]

How long should one wait after applying the panel line wash before starting to remove the excess?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Just wait until its dry to the touch. The shortest Ive waited is 30 min.

[@uglitor]

@@ScaleModelAssassin Thanks!

[@stuartancell1279]

Hi what colour did you use for the canopy thanks

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I'm certain it was a Tamiya color and I'm pretty sure it was XF-23 light blue

[@stuartancell1279]

Hi there thanks for your prompt response

[@dunetiger]

I thought this kit came with stickers. Where did you pick up the transfers?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

It came with both stickers and transfers (decals). I think all my Bandai Star Wars kits have come with both options.

[@dunetiger]

@@ScaleModelAssassin huh good to know! I may have to reconsider picking one up then. Seemed like a little too much painting for a Bandai kit and we know how well stickers play with that. :) Thanks!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Yep I wouldn't recommend the stickers if you plan on painting

[@carmine2210]

I always heard gloss coat before decals and weathering. I'm using Tamiya acrylics, is this still true?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Yea Id recommend the gloss coat even though I didn't do it on this model.

[@AJpalma23]

What paint color for the outer cockpit? almost like a greyish blue?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Im pretty sure it was light blue xf-23. You're asking about the canopy correct?

[@AJpalma23]

Scale Model Assassin yes! Thank you!

[@ryanthill9494]

Would you ever do a commission job for one of these or a 1:48 scale?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Sure I'd consider it

[@buccianti]

Wow, this is awesome! Is there a list of supplies needed? I'd like to try it but don't have any of the supplies.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I don't think I have a list of supplies, it would be very dependent on how much money you're willing to spend and so it's a tough question to answer. At a minimum, you could make it with a hobby knife and then assuming you want to paint it, a few paint colors and a couple brushes. The less budget friendly option would be an airbrush, panel washes, larger selection of paint colors, decal softener, gloss/Matt varnish, glue. Good luck and thanks for the good feedback!

[@kaihill5519]

This is a long shot, but any chance you have the weight of the x-wing alone without a stand. Would be greatly appreciated! great work!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

No problem, I just weighed it at 54 grams without the base.

[@kaihill5519]

@@ScaleModelAssassin Hey! thanks so much, that's super helpful. I fly fpv drones and am hoping to mount one of these in front of the gopro to get a third person flight perspective of the x-wing. Wasn't sure if the 1/72 would make the quad too front heavy, but 54 grams should work fine. Now i just gotta learn how to build, paint and weather a model for the first time... i imagine you don't sell any of your painted models haha

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

@@kaihill5519 cool cool! Watching a bunch of videos will definitely help you learn. I'm actually always open to selling completed models, but the main barrier is shipping. It could be expensive depending on location in the world and also most of my models are very fragile and I wouldn't want them to arrive damaged. That said, the x-wing is less fragile than most and not too large so if you want to talk more, send me an email: [e-mail]

[@kaihill5519]

@@ScaleModelAssassin hey thanks for the response, actually went out and bought one and put it together last night, tho now i need to paint it and not really sure how to go about that. not really trying to invest in an airbrush, but wondering if its possible to do the whole thing with just a paint brush, or if you can use regular spray paint for the base layer. also wondering what type of paint is best to use, acrylic im hearing? thanks for all your help

[@kaihill5519]

@@ScaleModelAssassin /could i use like normal spray paint for a base layer? like rustoleum or what not. i don't need it to be perfect, but would like it to be as good as possible without having to purchase things like an airbrush.

[@enrienri8300]

El Chavo del 8 jugaba aviones y naves espaciales con una caja vieja de zapatos y era un niño feliz.

[@olirussel1980]

Did you paint the pilot using Tamiya without thinner?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Sort of. I cleaned my brush with thinner a few times while painting since it dries so quickly

[@davidbright8978]

Question why didnt you just paint instead of the decals?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Just quicker, but I'll probably build another x wing at some point and would paint some of the stripes instead of decals.

[@migue0livares]

What song is?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

There are 3 songs I used. I forgot to cite them initially, but look in the video description and you will find them now.

[@dav2705]

Did you use glue?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

The short answer is yes. The Bandai snap tight pieces have very good, tight fits so you could probably be fine without using glue. Since I already have plastic cement from all my other builds, its not much effort to use a little to guarantee the model wont be coming apart later.

[@rickbarg3980]

Black pastel chalks work better for exhaust blast

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

True, I'd probably go that route if I rebuilt it today

[@Razgriz911]

does this x-wing still have flappy wing syndrome? where if the S-foils are not opened the body will rotate freely?

[@freefloydfreefloyd6176]

Why do you brushed luke in orange

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Dwayne got it. Also since orange is the main color of the figure, I start with that color as a base and then brush paint small areas over it

[@tsu8003]

I like the look of these kits but they do look a bit pricey once they've been imported and have to pay all the import charges! Works out on average £35 for the 1/72 kits, which is a lot of money for a kit of that scale!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

+tsu 800 I'm no economist but 35 pounds sounds like thievery. That's unfortunate. I paid about $25 USD for each Bandai kit I've done.

[@tsu8003]

The problem is we have a postal system that is the thief! The Royal Mail charges us £8 to pay the import tax on our behalf, whether we like it or not and regardless of how much the item is! We end up paying more to the Royal Mail than the actual import tax, so a model that costs £20 and attracts £4 import tax ends up costing £32. To rub salt into the wound we have to go to the sorting office to pay the damn charge and pick up the item! The Ebay Global Shipping Program, which is sometimes used for items purchased in America and includes the import tax in the initial purchase and direct delivery, doesn't extend to Japan, which is a shame because it is much better!

[@millenniumfalconnotes6628]

Really? I paid £21.05 for my 1/72 Bandai X-Wing including shipping from Japan.

[@ianfleetwood8804]

I buy from a seller on Ebay called "Hobby Japan" and they ship to the uk and do sometimes under value the package to help get it through customs.

[@rexgamer117]

Songs ?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Theyre listed in the video description

[@tonybrehier9450]

4:29 what is this what the pencil referance

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I am sorry, I do not understand your question

[@tonybrehier9450]

@@ScaleModelAssassin I would like to know what is the brush

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

​@@tonybrehier9450 Oh ok 👍. The brush is attached inside the cap on the bottle of "Tamiya panel line accent wash"

[@craigdunn3231]

I am at star wars fan

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Same here. Its a lot of fun building the ships/vehicles from the movies

[@Anyad911]

dripping paint with a pipette but stirring it with a toothpick? really? - use a paintbrush for both

[@jason-sp8nb]

That's to easy to build I want the harder one's

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Its easy to build, harder to paint. The Bandai Slave 1 is a tough paint job. Which model would you consider to be hard?

[@jason-sp8nb]

@@ScaleModelAssassin ban dai millennium falcon

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Ah yes, someday I'll probably get to that one

[@jason-sp8nb]

@@ScaleModelAssassin if you complete a hard one I shake your hand ha ha 😂