Bob_Builds_Models' award-winning N-1 Starfighter. Silver, Heritage Con 2026 Star Wars Ground & Flight category.

Bob switched from Badger Stynylrez to Vallejo Mecha Black Primer for this build, citing easier airbrush cleaning with no loss in durability or adhesion. The black base gives the metallic layers above it natural shadow depth without needing to add black to the mix.

The N-1's signature polished hull is built up by sponging Light Steel and Dark Steel alternately across the airframe. Sponging rather than airbrushing creates natural tonal variation that reads as worn and reflective metal. Washes are applied selectively for streaking effects along the hull and wings.

Engine parts are painted Gun Metal as a base. A light application of True Metallic Metal Sapphire Blue toward the exhaust areas creates a convincing heat treatment effect — the blue-purple tint that real metals develop from high-temperature oxidation. The Dark Brown wash adds a worn, heat-soaked appearance further back toward the exhaust nozzles.

Rather than using the kit's decals, Bob masked and painted all markings directly onto the hull using Tamiya masking tape. The yellow and red insignia were airbrushed with Vallejo Air paints. The chipping was achieved using the hairspray technique: a thin coat of Tamiya Chipping Fluid is applied under the marking colors, once dry then apply the marking colour over top of the dried chipping fluid layer. the marking paint is then scratched away with a stiff brush or water to reveal the steel beneath, simulating battle wear and age. A great way to get realistic chipping and is quite simple to execute.

Panel lines are picked out with a fine brush using Vallejo Model Washes. The black and dark brown washes are applied selectively, allowing each to flow into the recesses by capillary action. The cockpit interior is darkwashed with the black wash.

The Mandalorian pilot figure is painted in airbrushed chrome, keeping the Beskar armour reading as highly polished metal consistent with the character's appearance on screen. Grogu is painted with Citadel Warpstone Glow for his distinctive green skin.

The Bandai N-1 Starfighter kit and all paints used in this build are in stock at Wheels & Wings Hobbies in Toronto, available online with Canada-wide shipping.