Thanks Tom,Charles,Jesse, Alan and Guy for the help with tracking down
references. As usual I still lack the nth detail but anyone who can argue
about it will need to be pretty well informed.
I'd like to pose a technique question now. Basically, anyone got a better
way to represent lacing than the one I'm about to use?
The F.2B has laced on rather than (or as well as) stitched fabric panels.
The lacing is very noticeable in photos so it needs to be there. In 1/48
the cord scales at something like 2 1/2 thou thick so it should really not
be represented in depth - or at least I'm not keen on trying. I've come up
with a fairly convincing way of doing it with home made decals, reduced on a
photocopier.
I start with an ink drawing of the various lacing patterns looking like
multiple runs of:
/\/\/\/\/\/\
or
\ / \ / \ / \ /
/ \ / \ / \ / \
or
/ / / / / / /
or
/ \ / \ / \ / \
depending on the particular prototype. Then scaled down onto decal film you
are left with a fine and not too densely black pattern of strips. Cut to an
appropriate width and applied properly it looks pretty convincing (I have
some doubt if it would work in 1/72 but haven't tried) After a coat of
varnish and a dry brush to pick out the edge of the decal (if it represents
the edge of a folded over and stitched frabric panel) you're done.
All easier than putting umpteen tiny slivers of something on at regular
intervals. Only trouble is that my eyes and those of many a ompetition judge
seem to want something overscale with a bit more 3rd dimension. Any
alternative suggestions welcome.
Incidentally the fabric panels have been represented with 5 thou and the oh
so obvious wrinkles embosssed with the blunt end of a brush
Shane