I am about to start the gloss coat/decal/weathering stage of my P-47. I was wondering, do you guys usually wait until the model is complete (all weathering,decals and clear coats finished) before you attach pieces such as landing gear, gear doors, bombs etc.? Just curious...

Thanks

redman71

Nah, better at least to attach the gear doors first. I left them out at first and couldn't get the exact same paint tone again for them after the lower half was finished.

I guess basically Im asking, is it smart to wait and attach the landing gear, and small accessories last to prevent breaking. I have everything painted, just ready to decal and clear coat now...

I don't typically attach the landing gear until I have painted the bulk of the model. However, I tend to roll up some masking tape to fill up the wheel wells, then stick the doors to that in the up/retracted position. Then I paint the bottom of the fuselage with them in place. When I'm done painting, off they come, out comes the wadded-up tape, and the gear and doors are installed.

Great idea, Part-Timer!!!!! Never thought of doing it that way.
I usually do the whole build and then paint, covering what I don't want painted with low-tac tape.

Thanks guys for all your tips!