Yellowing of Aero Mini models

flieger · 02-01-2003, 06:03 PM

It is well known, that the decals of Aero Mini models tend to yellow even at correct display of the models.

But today I found my USNAVY F4E in the post, and this model is yellowed all over. The grey paint is covered with a clear coat, which faded and went completely yellow over the years and even started to peel.

Since this model is so great and accurate, the yellowing looked acid and I decided to remove it. Of course, upper decals are gone now and model needs to be refreshed in grey colour.

Question:
Was this clear coat "standard" for the Fighter models of Aero Mini?
Or was there a former owner, who tried to protect the model by applying clear coat of poor quality?
Is the strong yellowing of those fighter models a well known problem? Questions...questions.....questions

I will post a pic, when the model is finished.

rgds

Chris

Flying Ace · 02-03-2003, 11:17 AM

I have some questions for you Chris...

Did you not see a picture of the model prior to purchase?

Although I do not have any fighters, to the best of my knowledge all Aero Minis were essentitally constructed in the same manner...that is paint with decal detailings without any sort of clear coat. I do know that prior owners have attempted to protect the details by applying a clear coat which is always disastrous...especially since I think way back when these models were in production I don't recall ever seeing clearcoats for that purpose. Probably they used something else (not intended for modeling with the end result that it tarnished over the years).

My suggestion at this point is a full restoration...soak the thing in acetone to remove everything and reapply a good base coat of an an original like color. You can mask off certain areas and also repaint the missiles, etc in the correct colors.

In my hunt for decals on an unrelated project, I know of some good websites that provide military decorations and custom decorations...which should complete the model. I hope you were able to pick this model up fairly cheaply because you will probably have to invest some time and money to restore.

Best..
K

flieger · 02-03-2003, 02:18 PM

No, there was no photo, but the model was cheap enough to buy even without (25,- bucks).
The Phantom is nearly finished already, while I decided to make a Luftwaffe out of it. Problem is indeed the decals, which are hard to achieve for this scale (1/100). I have some Luftwaffe markings, so here we go.
I have made it to mask the lower white, which is still in good condition and to protect even the black, which is surrounding the canopy. I am satisfied, and that means a little...

Biggest problem are the end of the missiles, which are all gone. Have to think about.

Probably you are right, must have been a real "professional guy" who tried to protect the decals from yellowing, possibly due to experience with other Aero Mini models. Great job..., however, it gives some relaxing work to me.
Photo next weekend.

Cheers

Chris

mkXIV · 02-04-2003, 12:38 PM

I just recently bought a royal navy f-4 off ebay also. It also did not have a picture. When i opened the parcel, to my surprise the model was in perfect condition, all decals are complete and not yellowed. The only flaw is a small chip of paint on the top of the model behind the canopy. All I need now is a Dc-8 and a Zero to complete my aero mini collection.

Flying Ace · 02-05-2003, 05:01 PM

WHich DC-8 is it? I bet it is the JAL DC-8. Or are you just trying to get one of each aircraft that Aero Mini made? If it is the former...then you are alot further along then I am!

mkXIV · 02-05-2003, 09:12 PM

Well i am, so far just collecting one of each mould so any Dc-8 will do! A nice zero will be a challenge to find!

flieger · 02-08-2003, 02:08 PM

Completed my Phantom. As I already announced, it became a Luftwaffe. Is most easiest in terms of decals

The paint scheme is not fully in accordance to the real LW, since I believe, they are painted light grey on the bottom and not white. However, a potential Aero Mini could have looked like this.

flieger · 02-08-2003, 02:11 PM

By the way, I have also Phantom from Dinky and Ertl.

Which one out of all three do you like most?

BOWENAERO · 02-11-2003, 01:03 PM

FOR THOSE OF YOU COLLECTING AERO MINI FIGHTERS, HERE'S THE COMPLETE SET.

I HAVE SEEN 1 PICTURE OF A SILVER ZERO, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS REPAINTED EITHER BY THE CONSUMER OR THE MANUFACTURER AFTER AERO MINI CEASED RELATIONS WITH THEIR JAPANESE MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIERS (MATSUDAI-MODERN TOYS.)

AS TO THE FINISHING, NO CLEAR COATS WERE APPLIED IN THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IT IS COMMON TO FIND ROYAL NAVY F-4'S WITH SOME SORT OF PROTECTION TO THEIR DECALS APPLIED BY THEIR OWNERS AS THESE DECALS ARE PARTICULARLY SUCCEPTIBLE TO "FLAKING."

REGARDS

MIKE

Flying Ace · 02-11-2003, 05:08 PM

NIce job Chris....looks like original paint to me, and for what its worth, the Aero Mini is my favorite of the three!

Best Regards,

K

Flying Ace · 02-11-2003, 05:16 PM

Mike...

I see from an early thread you have a complete collection. If I ever get around to the military models..it probably will not be until I after I acquire most of the commercial jets.

It is probably embarassing, especially to much of the faithful who read this forum, but I did reach a landmark just a couple of weeks ago...I completed my first airline series. I'll post pictures when I get the planes to my home in Florida with the others. I guess it is not so bad though considering I resumed my Aero Mini search less than 2 years ago and have made other significant strides in that time.

By the way, what was your secret to acquire all of the Peckham models and the almost impossible JAL DC-8, ANA 727/737, the Thompkins models (I do have one), and the Chrome American 747? I would really like to learn about how you managed to find these.

Regards,

Ken

flieger · 02-12-2003, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mkXIV
I just recently bought a royal navy f-4 off ebay also. It also did not have a picture. When i opened the parcel, to my surprise the model was in perfect condition, all decals are complete and not yellowed. The only flaw is a small chip of paint on the top of the model behind the canopy.

Uups! You got your's from the same seller as I did!
I considered to bid on the Royal Navy as well, but since the condition of this model was obviously better than the US Navy type (no missiles broken), I expected a final price too high. WRONG! Your's became as cheap as mine!

Well, anyway, have fun with your model!

flieger · 02-12-2003, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ktaylor
NIce job Chris....looks like original paint to me, and for what its worth, the Aero Mini is my favorite of the three!
K

Thanks, K!

By the way: The missiles have been taken from a Revell Snap Together kit of scale 1/100, which I purchased extra for the restauration.
Looks much better than the original ones!

BOWENAERO · 02-19-2003, 10:13 PM

KEN,

I COULD TALK FOR DAYS ABOUT HOW I FOUND ALL THE MODELS. THAT HAS BEEN THE FUN PART. THE SHORT STORY IS TEN YEARS OF FIRST DETECTIVE WORK, LUCK, THEN NETWORKING, LUCK, TRAVELING, LUCK, SNOOPING, LUCK, BEGGING, LUCK, GENEROUS FRIENDS MORE LUCK AND THEN FINALLY EBAY CAME AROUND AND MADE IT A LITTLE EASIER, ALTHOUGH I THINK I'VE ONLY BOUGHT 1 I NEEDED THERE. (IT WAS THE JAL DC-8 THOUGH.) I WAS JUST IN TOUCH WITH THE PECKHAMS AS THEIR MODELS CAME OUT AND ORDERED REGULARLY. I WISH NOW I'D BOUGHT A COUPLE OF EACH.

BTW, I COMPLETED MY FIRST AIRLINE (EASTERN) SOME 30 YEARS AGO WHEN THE PLANES WERE IN THE AIRLINE CATALOGS AND COST LESS THAN $10 ea. I WAS PLEASED TO DO THAT AND THEN HAVE ONE EACH OF THE OTHER THREE AIRLINERS. TWA 707, VC-10 AND UAL 737.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE IN JAX? MY SISTER LIVED ON AMELIA ISLAND FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HER HUSBAND WORKS ON A NUKE OUT OF ST. MARYS, GA. SHE LIVES THERE NOW.

MIKE

Flying Ace · 02-20-2003, 12:39 PM

Thanks for responding back Mike.

Perhaps you could shed some light on Brian Peckham for me. Is he still producing models...does he still have any, and is he even worth writing to?

That Jal DC-8...I remember that on ebay...it was a hefty investment for you...but these models always are.

Regarding Jax...I live south of the city on an area known as Fleming Island...just south of Orange Park on the way to Green Cove Springs. Over the last 7 or so years, the area has seen alot of growth...both residential and commercial...alot of nice new retail...all within a short drive...it is very nice, plus the city is a short drive down US17.

Sounds like he works out of Kings Bay, Ga. When I did my stint in the Navy ( I was at NAS JAX), I visited there a couple times. Really fascinating. It is still a good landmark as the flight paths for Jacksonville International is usually over that base ( or close to it).

I ended up getting stranded down there this weekend last...with the massive snow in D.C. I could not get back until last night...what heartbreak. Temperatures the last couple days were in the mid 70's there.

From Savannah down to the first Coast of Florida is really nice...I wish I could spend more time there than what I do but the career necessitates this duality in living.

Best,

Ken

BOWENAERO · 02-22-2003, 11:43 AM

KEN,

I'M JUST NOT SURE WHAT THE STATUS OF BRIAN PECKHAM IS. IT HAS BEEN SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME NOW SINCE I'VE HEARD OF ANYTHING. THE ARCHAIC WAY IN WHICH HE COMMUNICATES (SPORADIC SNAIL MAIL) HAS A TENDENCY TO SLOW THE WHOLE PROCESS DOWN. I WOULD THINK ANY ACTIVITY ON HIS PART WOULD BE REPORTED ON THIS FORUM. ALOT OF THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH OVER THE YEARS.

I SUPPOSE IT IS ALWAYS WORTH A QUICK NOTE TO SEE WHAT HE IS UP TO, BUT I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT RESPONSE YOU WILL GET. I WILL SEND A LETTER MYSELF HERE THIS WEEK. AS A PREVIOUS CUSTOMER, PERHAPS I CAN GET A RISE OUT OF HIM. I 'LL KEEP YOU POSTED..

MIKE

Flying Ace · 02-24-2003, 01:53 PM

Mike,

Thank you for doing this for me. I would really appreciate any help to acquire any of his models...as I only have managed to get one in the 2 years I have been back in this hobby...the US AIR 737. But it is a gem.

For some reason I really like his Air Wests 727s...I don't know why, but they are really eye catching to me.

Anyway, thank you again and I will wait to hear from you. Please check back here as I am hoping to post a few pictures from my collection later in the week.

Regards,

Ken

Flying Ace · 05-31-2003, 03:21 PM

THE PECKHAM MODELS TYPICALLY APPROACH IN EXCESS OF $300 ON EBAY...OR AT LEAST GREATER THAN $225. I HAVE ON OCCAISSON BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO OBTAIN A COUPLE ON THAT VENUE FOR UNDER $200, BUT IT IS TRULY A MATTER OF LUCK AND TIMING. I SUSPECT THE BRANIFF WILL GO MUCH HIGHER. USUALLY I TRY TO OBTAIN THE PECKHAM MODELS OFF EBAY THROUGH TRADES AND CASH DEALS INVOLVING MULTIPLE AIRCRAFT.

ANYWAY AS I HAVE A PRIVATE DEAL IN THE WORKS NOW THE BRANIFF WILL BE GOING TO ANOTHER LUCKY HOME OTHER THAN MINE

02-01-2003, 06:03 PM	#1
flieger Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DARMSTADT Age: 40 Posts: 515	Yellowing of Aero Mini models It is well known, that the decals of Aero Mini models tend to yellow even at correct display of the models. But today I found my USNAVY F4E in the post, and this model is yellowed all over. The grey paint is covered with a clear coat, which faded and went completely yellow over the years and even started to peel. Since this model is so great and accurate, the yellowing looked acid and I decided to remove it. Of course, upper decals are gone now and model needs to be refreshed in grey colour. Question: Was this clear coat "standard" for the Fighter models of Aero Mini? Or was there a former owner, who tried to protect the model by applying clear coat of poor quality? Is the strong yellowing of those fighter models a well known problem? Questions...questions.....questions I will post a pic, when the model is finished. rgds Chris

02-03-2003, 11:17 AM	#2
Flying Ace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,150	I have some questions for you Chris... Did you not see a picture of the model prior to purchase? Although I do not have any fighters, to the best of my knowledge all Aero Minis were essentitally constructed in the same manner...that is paint with decal detailings without any sort of clear coat. I do know that prior owners have attempted to protect the details by applying a clear coat which is always disastrous...especially since I think way back when these models were in production I don't recall ever seeing clearcoats for that purpose. Probably they used something else (not intended for modeling with the end result that it tarnished over the years). My suggestion at this point is a full restoration...soak the thing in acetone to remove everything and reapply a good base coat of an an original like color. You can mask off certain areas and also repaint the missiles, etc in the correct colors. In my hunt for decals on an unrelated project, I know of some good websites that provide military decorations and custom decorations...which should complete the model. I hope you were able to pick this model up fairly cheaply because you will probably have to invest some time and money to restore. Best.. K Last edited by ktaylor; 02-03-2003 at 11:20 AM.

02-03-2003, 02:18 PM	#3
flieger Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DARMSTADT Age: 40 Posts: 515	Yellowing No, there was no photo, but the model was cheap enough to buy even without (25,- bucks). The Phantom is nearly finished already, while I decided to make a Luftwaffe out of it. Problem is indeed the decals, which are hard to achieve for this scale (1/100). I have some Luftwaffe markings, so here we go. I have made it to mask the lower white, which is still in good condition and to protect even the black, which is surrounding the canopy. I am satisfied, and that means a little... Biggest problem are the end of the missiles, which are all gone. Have to think about. Probably you are right, must have been a real "professional guy" who tried to protect the decals from yellowing, possibly due to experience with other Aero Mini models. Great job..., however, it gives some relaxing work to me. Photo next weekend. Cheers Chris

02-04-2003, 12:38 PM	#4
mkXIV Junior Collector Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: dayton Posts: 33	aero mini Royal Navy F-4 I just recently bought a royal navy f-4 off ebay also. It also did not have a picture. When i opened the parcel, to my surprise the model was in perfect condition, all decals are complete and not yellowed. The only flaw is a small chip of paint on the top of the model behind the canopy. All I need now is a Dc-8 and a Zero to complete my aero mini collection.

02-05-2003, 05:01 PM	#5
Flying Ace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,150	WHich DC8?? WHich DC-8 is it? I bet it is the JAL DC-8. Or are you just trying to get one of each aircraft that Aero Mini made? If it is the former...then you are alot further along then I am!

02-05-2003, 09:12 PM	#6
mkXIV Junior Collector Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: dayton Posts: 33	Well i am, so far just collecting one of each mould so any Dc-8 will do! A nice zero will be a challenge to find!

02-08-2003, 02:08 PM	#7
flieger Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DARMSTADT Age: 40 Posts: 515	Phantom is phinished! Completed my Phantom. As I already announced, it became a Luftwaffe. Is most easiest in terms of decals The paint scheme is not fully in accordance to the real LW, since I believe, they are painted light grey on the bottom and not white. However, a potential Aero Mini could have looked like this.

02-08-2003, 02:11 PM	#8
flieger Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DARMSTADT Age: 40 Posts: 515	How about Dinky and Ertl By the way, I have also Phantom from Dinky and Ertl. Which one out of all three do you like most?

02-11-2003, 01:03 PM	#9
BOWENAERO Junior Collector Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: NOBLESVILLE, IN Posts: 23	AERO MINI FIGHTERS FOR THOSE OF YOU COLLECTING AERO MINI FIGHTERS, HERE'S THE COMPLETE SET. I HAVE SEEN 1 PICTURE OF A SILVER ZERO, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS REPAINTED EITHER BY THE CONSUMER OR THE MANUFACTURER AFTER AERO MINI CEASED RELATIONS WITH THEIR JAPANESE MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIERS (MATSUDAI-MODERN TOYS.) AS TO THE FINISHING, NO CLEAR COATS WERE APPLIED IN THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IT IS COMMON TO FIND ROYAL NAVY F-4'S WITH SOME SORT OF PROTECTION TO THEIR DECALS APPLIED BY THEIR OWNERS AS THESE DECALS ARE PARTICULARLY SUCCEPTIBLE TO "FLAKING." REGARDS MIKE

02-11-2003, 05:08 PM	#10
Flying Ace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,150	REPAINT NIce job Chris....looks like original paint to me, and for what its worth, the Aero Mini is my favorite of the three! Best Regards, K

02-11-2003, 05:16 PM	#11
Flying Ace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,150	MILITARY AERO MINIS Mike... I see from an early thread you have a complete collection. If I ever get around to the military models..it probably will not be until I after I acquire most of the commercial jets. It is probably embarassing, especially to much of the faithful who read this forum, but I did reach a landmark just a couple of weeks ago...I completed my first airline series. I'll post pictures when I get the planes to my home in Florida with the others. I guess it is not so bad though considering I resumed my Aero Mini search less than 2 years ago and have made other significant strides in that time. By the way, what was your secret to acquire all of the Peckham models and the almost impossible JAL DC-8, ANA 727/737, the Thompkins models (I do have one), and the Chrome American 747? I would really like to learn about how you managed to find these. Regards, Ken

02-19-2003, 10:13 PM	#14
BOWENAERO Junior Collector Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: NOBLESVILLE, IN Posts: 23	KEN, I COULD TALK FOR DAYS ABOUT HOW I FOUND ALL THE MODELS. THAT HAS BEEN THE FUN PART. THE SHORT STORY IS TEN YEARS OF FIRST DETECTIVE WORK, LUCK, THEN NETWORKING, LUCK, TRAVELING, LUCK, SNOOPING, LUCK, BEGGING, LUCK, GENEROUS FRIENDS MORE LUCK AND THEN FINALLY EBAY CAME AROUND AND MADE IT A LITTLE EASIER, ALTHOUGH I THINK I'VE ONLY BOUGHT 1 I NEEDED THERE. (IT WAS THE JAL DC-8 THOUGH.) I WAS JUST IN TOUCH WITH THE PECKHAMS AS THEIR MODELS CAME OUT AND ORDERED REGULARLY. I WISH NOW I'D BOUGHT A COUPLE OF EACH. BTW, I COMPLETED MY FIRST AIRLINE (EASTERN) SOME 30 YEARS AGO WHEN THE PLANES WERE IN THE AIRLINE CATALOGS AND COST LESS THAN $10 ea. I WAS PLEASED TO DO THAT AND THEN HAVE ONE EACH OF THE OTHER THREE AIRLINERS. TWA 707, VC-10 AND UAL 737. WHERE DO YOU LIVE IN JAX? MY SISTER LIVED ON AMELIA ISLAND FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HER HUSBAND WORKS ON A NUKE OUT OF ST. MARYS, GA. SHE LIVES THERE NOW. MIKE

02-20-2003, 12:39 PM	#15
Flying Ace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,150	JAX INFO & OTHER STUFF Thanks for responding back Mike. Perhaps you could shed some light on Brian Peckham for me. Is he still producing models...does he still have any, and is he even worth writing to? That Jal DC-8...I remember that on ebay...it was a hefty investment for you...but these models always are. Regarding Jax...I live south of the city on an area known as Fleming Island...just south of Orange Park on the way to Green Cove Springs. Over the last 7 or so years, the area has seen alot of growth...both residential and commercial...alot of nice new retail...all within a short drive...it is very nice, plus the city is a short drive down US17. Sounds like he works out of Kings Bay, Ga. When I did my stint in the Navy ( I was at NAS JAX), I visited there a couple times. Really fascinating. It is still a good landmark as the flight paths for Jacksonville International is usually over that base ( or close to it). I ended up getting stranded down there this weekend last...with the massive snow in D.C. I could not get back until last night...what heartbreak. Temperatures the last couple days were in the mid 70's there. From Savannah down to the first Coast of Florida is really nice...I wish I could spend more time there than what I do but the career necessitates this duality in living. Best, Ken Last edited by ktaylor; 02-20-2003 at 12:43 PM.

02-22-2003, 11:43 AM	#16
BOWENAERO Junior Collector Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: NOBLESVILLE, IN Posts: 23	PECKHAM KEN, I'M JUST NOT SURE WHAT THE STATUS OF BRIAN PECKHAM IS. IT HAS BEEN SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME NOW SINCE I'VE HEARD OF ANYTHING. THE ARCHAIC WAY IN WHICH HE COMMUNICATES (SPORADIC SNAIL MAIL) HAS A TENDENCY TO SLOW THE WHOLE PROCESS DOWN. I WOULD THINK ANY ACTIVITY ON HIS PART WOULD BE REPORTED ON THIS FORUM. ALOT OF THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH OVER THE YEARS. I SUPPOSE IT IS ALWAYS WORTH A QUICK NOTE TO SEE WHAT HE IS UP TO, BUT I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT RESPONSE YOU WILL GET. I WILL SEND A LETTER MYSELF HERE THIS WEEK. AS A PREVIOUS CUSTOMER, PERHAPS I CAN GET A RISE OUT OF HIM. I 'LL KEEP YOU POSTED.. MIKE

02-24-2003, 01:53 PM	#17
Flying Ace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,150	PECKHAM Mike, Thank you for doing this for me. I would really appreciate any help to acquire any of his models...as I only have managed to get one in the 2 years I have been back in this hobby...the US AIR 737. But it is a gem. For some reason I really like his Air Wests 727s...I don't know why, but they are really eye catching to me. Anyway, thank you again and I will wait to hear from you. Please check back here as I am hoping to post a few pictures from my collection later in the week. Regards, Ken Last edited by ktaylor; 02-24-2003 at 01:55 PM.

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05-31-2003, 03:21 PM	#18
Flying Ace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,150	THE PECKHAM MODELS TYPICALLY APPROACH IN EXCESS OF $300 ON EBAY...OR AT LEAST GREATER THAN $225. I HAVE ON OCCAISSON BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO OBTAIN A COUPLE ON THAT VENUE FOR UNDER $200, BUT IT IS TRULY A MATTER OF LUCK AND TIMING. I SUSPECT THE BRANIFF WILL GO MUCH HIGHER. USUALLY I TRY TO OBTAIN THE PECKHAM MODELS OFF EBAY THROUGH TRADES AND CASH DEALS INVOLVING MULTIPLE AIRCRAFT. ANYWAY AS I HAVE A PRIVATE DEAL IN THE WORKS NOW THE BRANIFF WILL BE GOING TO ANOTHER LUCKY HOME OTHER THAN MINE Last edited by ktaylor; 05-31-2003 at 03:24 PM.