I’m kitbashing and detailing an N scale locomotive and am unsure of what to do about the MU hoses. I applied them first, but then as the model got moved from place to place a couple got messed up and when I moved them back they snapped off (they’re brass). That also got me to thinking that if they’re on the model when I airbrush it that there would be some unpainted plastic under it that could show in the future. Is it better to airbrush the locomotive, then airbrush the MU hoses on the sprue and apply them after painting? If not, what is the benefit to having them attached to the locomotive before I airbrush it as I’ve seen in many other people’s pictures?
Here’s a picture of the back of the locomotive as it stands today. Thanks for your help!
I prefer putting any details on after the shell is painted after setting for a couple days…then brush painting them…but not painting any attachment parts, so they adhere better to what you’re putting them on, like in use of CA.
To echo what has already been posted, I test fit any details, then attach them after painting. Trying to get paint behind small parts is just a PITA. The key it to let the paint dry completely before attempting to glue the details into place.
Thanks everyone. Exelent advice and exactly what I was hoping to hear. I figured I’d have problems getting the paint begind the hoses and it will also make the locomotive easier to handle! Thanks again!
For me, it depends on what color the pilot is. That bracket the hoses are attached to should be the same color as the pilot face. If it’s black, I’ll leave them off and install / paint them after painting. If they are yellow, for example, I’ll install them first so the bracket gets painted the same color.
