Bell X-1 in loading pit

Martin Oostrom
The finished dio. Plane build can be found here: Tamiya Bell X-1 | Album by Mahoo76 (1:72)
Base build can be found here: Bell X-1 Loading Pit | Album by Mahoo76 (1:72)

Couple of things tried, couple of things failed, couple of things learned, had fun.
I tried blackbasing beneath the orange, that one failed. To get enough coverage, some panel lines were flooded with paint.
I tried to build a nice base, second attempt already. The idea was okay, but the AK concrete was a bit too rough for 1/72. When thinned with demi-water, it could be fine. Now it's beyond salvageing.
I still have trouble in using Mig's panel line washes. Can't get a consistent colour.

Anyhow, I'm quite content with the overall result.

Choppa Nutta
I like this, nice idea, not something I've seen before 🙂
plane looks good 🙂

Łukasz Gliński
Well, the plane looks v.nice I have to admit😉, but the base... hmmm... maybe mounting the evergreen plastic plates on all surfaces (or just thick paper?) would make it more realistic?

Spanjaard
i would suggest to make some lines in the base, and some oil stains, etc, or some light washes, so give some contrast. X-1 looking really nice.

Martin Oostrom
Thanks guys for the feedback. The base, the base 🙁
The idea was nice, execution not so much. I'll try to cover the sides to see if that improves the overall appearance. And I'll dirty it up a bit.
The AK Concrete is not easy to smoothen (at least for me). Straight from the jar it's too rough, when dilluted it becomes smoother, but also becomes runny.

Choppa Nutta
before you cover it with grey card board give it a good sanding first and flatten all the faces😉 🙂
perhaps that AK concrete is the wrong stuff for this, I'd go with carving up a foam block and covering it in grey card board with PVA glue,
inside of cereal packets is just fine,
cut up into the scale size tiles etc. etc. 🙂
Your plane deserves a decent base, as does your great idea too 😄