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Another neat effect is to mask off the outline of a panel and repaint it with a slightly lighter shade from the original.  This gives the impression that a part has recently been replaced.  Sticking a piece of thin aluminum foil over an outlined section can also suggest a temporarily replaced panel.  You can also add soot or stains before applying the aluminum to suggest emergency repairs of battle damage.

3. Bullet Holes

On some replicas of military aeroplanes of dogfight scenes and dioramas, it may be interesting to add bullet holes.  Use a Dremel tool to drill tiny holes in the area you wish to modify, and then using a cotton swab with most of its tip pulled off, stamp little silver dots over the holes.  You may also add the aforementioned mixture of black paint and thinner to simulate a fuel leak, but this may be tricky, as the plane would have normally been flying at the time, and the fuel would not drip in a straight line to the ground.

you may also try this technique with windshields, but this time, apply a very small amount of blue, or greenish paint to the edges of the holes to simulate the effect of shatterproof glass. Be very subtle in the application of the paint, and do not use thinner, as it may damage the clear finish of the plastic.

Some people who really plan ahead can also add bits of blood at the inside of the windshield, and on the pilot.  We know this is quite morbid, but if you are into recreating battle scenes using models, you may find this tip to be an interesting twist.  You may also make the pilot hunch over by reshaping the piece in advance using a lighter, or small butane torch.*

*Do not use open flames anywhere near your working area, as it is filled with hazardous and highly flammable chemicals.

Canvas winged aircraft from the first world war could also benefit from bullet holes. Make sure you have calculated angles so that a bullet that has gone through a section and would also encounter other parts in its path has the holes to show it. Take tiny bits of tissue paper which are torn in circular shape, and paint them with the same finish as the biplane wings. Glue the bits of paper to the desired places and use your drill to make little holes through the fabric.

Be sure to study the actual aircraft you are modifying, as some sections of the  planes were made of different materials, i.e. wood, tin, and canvas. Research will help you achieve better results every time.

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