Hints And Tips

[delta7]

I thought Id start a hints and tips section , Ill start with my thoughts and hopefully others can add into it to help us all. Iv picked these up from the web and they have made a difference to my kits

Here are some of my favourite sites with hints for modelers

http://www.swannysmodels.com/

http://www.swannysmodels.com/Tools.html

http://www.hyperscale.com/

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?act=idx

For a good step by step guide

http://www.hyperscale.com/features/2001/gekkogc_1.htm

http://www.hyperscale.com/features/2001/gekkogc_2.htm

http://hyperscale.com/features/2002/gekkogc_3.htm

My Tips

Basic Tools

1) Modeler knife for trimming

2) Sandpaper 400 600 1000 1500 grit

3) Tweezers

4) Masking tape – Tamiya

5) Filler- revels plasto or squadron green are good

6) Superglue for small parts and wood glue for canopies – superglue will fog up clear canopies

7) Model glue- I use revells

Bluetack and cocktail sticks for holding small pieces

9) Future/klear for protecting canopies and matting before using decals

10) Small scissors for decals /etch etc

Paint

I primarily use brushes – get decent ones and keep them clean

I will be experimenting more with airbrush so will post back with my thoughts on this

I like using Acrylics as they are quick to dry and easy to clean.

I have only used them with brushes as they clogged my airbrush but Iv found this is a problem unless thinned – use the paint manufacturers thinner for best results

I have used enamels in an airbrush and they worked well when thinned but Iv found brushes with acrylics quicker to use and less toxic

Apply a primer before painting – either Tamiya or Halfords

This aids the paint to adhere and also shows up any rough bits/seams/glue splotches etc which should be sanded and reprimed prior to painting

Use thinner even when brush painting, it aids coverage and reduces brush marks. Paints should have the consistancy of milk when applying

Apply a few thin coats rather than one thick one and leave to dry properly before next coat or varnish

Most important thing Iv learnt is to try to have patience and not rush things – when things start going wrong to put it down and leave it until I have calmed down as by constant fiddling I usually make it worse and not better

[B16Enk]

Nice post Dave, those links would be good in a Modellers link section - I'll create one now

[Sid]

Thanks Dave, plenty of scope for browsing there.

Oh, and thanks Rog, good idea to start a section for modellers......

[Crash]

Good idea to have a model section. I plan to attack a 1/32 zero I bought on ebay for£9 Is the halfords primer the car paint?