Jean-Marc Deschamps’ 2001 German Satellite

This is the German Satellite from Adam “Aja Models” Johnson.

From a general point of view, the model is good, but the a lot of detail needed replacing and that was not fun.   The most difficult part of the model is to assemble the corrugated panels at the stern.   I re-made pipes and the small slotted rectangular details (those inside the grooves on the left and on the right of the body).   I added some pipe details under the main tower and others little plastic details here and there.

Off white models, are very difficult to play with. For this case, I used acrylic paints. I started with a grey primer to prepare the surfaces and see how they looked on the assembled parts (especialy on the stern). Next, I pre-shaded the whole model with a dark grey paint in the recessed grooves (the sides and the “stairs” like details). I then painted the model with a very light grey and finished it with an off white. All the paints are mat/satin finish.

This German Satellite looks almost white in the photos, but it isn’t. Color varies depending on the lighting. To give it more relief, I drybrushed white paint on few areas, like the motor housing, but in a very, very subtle manner. Be carefull not to overdo this otherwise the model will look like a model. The engine bells are painted bright silver and weathered with mat black (the “nozzles” at the center are black).

Where the decals go I passed a thin layer of clear varnish, applied the dceal, and secured with a mat varnish. The model stands on two brass rods, above a wooden base, the same I use for the others 2001 models. That gives an “unity” to my collection.

Jean-Marc Deschamps