WIP MQ-9 Reaper Pictures

Main hull and wings together. Very quick build without a cockpit 

Final little details added to the hull. just about ready for priming 

Underside of the body 

Close up of the weapon pylons 

I added some lead wire to replace the plastic tubes that weren't fully molded. Turned out great. 

All the bits ready for priming 

Preshading complete. Trying out a mottled technique to get some slight color modulation in the final grey. 

Underside. I went back and added a bit more mottling after this. 

Extra hull bits preshaded as well. The prop cap is slightly glossy for metallic paint. 

Underside of the hull after the main color painted on. The modulation turned out subtle but still visible. Should be a bit more pronounced after varnishing. 

Top side in lighter grey. 

Landing gear bits painted, just before varnishing. 

Ordnance painted, just before varnishing. 

Panel lining on the ordnance and landing gear bits 

 

The prop hub was painted with a brush and acrylic silver paint while spinning it slowing with a hand drill to get the brushed effect. 

Varnish and panel lines always add a lot of detail. 

Color modulation on the upper hull is less apparent, but still visible. 

Decals on the ordnance. 

Underside with landing gear installed, and decals going on. 

Closeup of the tail decals 

Upper hull decals. Lots of red and white dots for various caps and port covers 

 

Upper tail decals. 

Fully assembled, and matte varnished. 

 

Underside with ordnance and matte varnish. 

Close up of the ordnance and landing gear.