Full Thrust: Civilian Ships and NAC Battleship

Hi folks,

After a couple of rambling essays (yes, this week I did have a lot of time on my hands, but I enjoy putting stuff like that together and it doesn't take much time), I thought I should post some pics of the models I have been working on. That's not to say there isn't more FT fluff stuff to come.

First up a trio of generic civilian ships. A small fast liner (I think based on the Presidents ship from the newer Battlestar Galactica) and two haulers. I've already got the flight peg toppers glued to the underside of these, to make them easier to mount. I just need to give the flight peg toppers a coat of matt back and then varnish these three. The downside of these metal models is how easily they shed paint. The slightest thing seems to cause metal to show through, despite spray primer, painted primer, etc.

Left to Right - FT-337 Olympus Short Haul Passenger Transport, FT-338A Tradewind class Space Freighter with 2 x Cargo Pods, FT-344 Merino class Livestock Transport

Left to Right - FT-337 Olympus Short Haul Passenger Transport, FT-338A Tradewind class Space Freighter with 2 x Cargo Pods, FT-344 Merino class Livestock Transport

The bright colours were a challenge for me - I actually struggle a lot coming up with paint schemes for things like this. Still, it was an interesting change from all the Russian Uniform tanks and vehicles!

Next up, some muscle from me NAC fleet.

Top: FT-140 Thunderer class Battleship. Bottom: FT-134 Troutbridge class Frigate

Top: FT-140 Thunderer class Battleship. Bottom: FT-134 Troutbridge class Frigate

I've tried to keep the colour scheme similar for all the ships. Doing the first of any class is difficult for me, as it requires thought! Once the first ship is done, I just have to copy it for each subsequent ship.

FT-143 Midway class Light Carrier (prior to being repaired due to the bloody paint chipping - again).

FT-143 Midway class Light Carrier (prior to being repaired due to the bloody paint chipping - again).

I'm just working steadily through the small number of these ships I had prepped at the start of the painting challenge. This includes another Battleship (there is another unbuilt and unprimed I may do as well) and a Battledreadnought. And a number of Cruisers and small escorts. Hopefully over the Christmas period I will be able to finish these all off.

Any tips for how to stop the paint chipping off at the slightest touch? I've tried multiple coats of acrylic matt varnish, but it doesn't seem to make any difference. the models were all washed with a firm toothbrush and hot water before hand. They were also all sprayed with primer.