Search found 874 matches

by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Oct 23, 2023 8:08 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Reliable methods for scribing on a sphere or cone?
Replies: 5
Views: 14873

Re: Reliable methods for scribing on a sphere or cone?

There’s a tool on Micro Mark for just this scenario. It’s literally an X-Acto blade handle on an adjustable arm. It’s with their model ship kits, as it’s made for scribing plank detail parallel to the water line. Or, there’s the method suggested on these very forums 16 years ago to me when I needed ...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Oct 23, 2023 7:51 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Quick question re: plastic yard-sale signs
Replies: 5
Views: 9610

Re: Quick question re: plastic yard-sale signs

I use them all the time. The printing is vinyl, so there’s not much chemically you can do. I just use a little sanding block and sand one way, pulling away from the center and towards the edge of the piece so I don’t crinkle up the sheet. Most times, it’s not even necessary, though, unless there’s a...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:22 pm
Forum: Wonderfest 2023
Topic: Tony Wootson's Second part of the 2023 Wonderefest Show Report
Replies: 4
Views: 14045

Re: Tony Wootson's Second part of the 2023 Wonderefest Show Report

Wug wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:10 pm Many thanks. You've got the best Wonderfest coverage on the web.
Seconded! A great report that always makes my entries look good.

Kenny
by Lt. Z0mBe
Wed Jul 12, 2023 8:27 am
Forum: Wonderfest 2023
Topic: Tony Wootson's First part of the Wonderfest 2023 Report
Replies: 8
Views: 9157

Re: Tony Wootson's First part of the Wonderfest 2023 Report

Excellent work, as always. I enjoyed your videos. Just like with your pictures, you made my entry look good.

Kenny
by Lt. Z0mBe
Wed Jul 12, 2023 8:26 am
Forum: Wonderfest 2023
Topic: Fine Scale Modeler Photo Gallery
Replies: 11
Views: 14404

Re: Fine Scale Modeler Photo Gallery

Thanks for the link. I am humbled that my A-Wing made the cut.

Kenny
by Lt. Z0mBe
Sat Mar 18, 2023 11:46 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Dust! How to vanquish it?
Replies: 17
Views: 48378

Re: Dust! How to vanquish it?

Rocketeer wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:47 pm I'd be a little careful when using alcohol to wipe down a model. Once when I fouled up an airbrushed acrylic paint job, I used alcohol to strip it, and it worked a treat.
Of course. My posts above were assuming bare plastic or primed models compatible with alcohol or Windex.

Kenny
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue Mar 14, 2023 5:58 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Dust! How to vanquish it?
Replies: 17
Views: 48378

Re: Dust! How to vanquish it?

A long time ago Polly S (I think that was part of Floquil then) made something that was supposed to take "static" out of plastic models so it would not accumulate dust so easily. I'm not sure it was a "forever" 100% thing? Alas, Floquil is no more and Testors for the most part h...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Mar 13, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Dust! How to vanquish it?
Replies: 17
Views: 48378

Re: Dust! How to vanquish it?

I wash with Windex or isoporopyl alcohol (90-percent). If there’s any primer that doesn’t like alcohol or Windex, I’ll use water and a lint-free paper towel to clean, followed by a tac rag. I still use the tac rag even if using Windex or alcohol. I switched to alcohol after noticing how badly Stynyl...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: plastic display cases
Replies: 1
Views: 5800

Re: plastic display cases

I don’t know about those cases but some Novus plastic polish might work for you. That and a polishing kit like those ones sold at Micro-Mark. Use the kit first, wet polishing like you would a canopy, changing water and rinsing the plastic between grits. Rinse again and use the Novus, rinsing after y...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Burnishing Chrome foil
Replies: 19
Views: 61976

Re: Burnishing Chrome foil

The stuff works great for small applications, like chrome trim pieces or aircraft light reflectors. When used in large applications it looks, like, well pieces of foil burnished down on a model. I considered using it for a project long ago, I remember seeing the builds in FSM and being thoroughly un...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:05 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Anyone else have problems with Vallejo?
Replies: 11
Views: 32303

Re: Anyone else have problems with Vallejo?

It looks to me as though you’re fighting at least one of two problems. The first is white always being a problem with regards to opacity. Secondly, as others have stated, is how badly Vallejo needs to be shaken. The Model Air variety is not nearly as problematic in this regard but the basic Vallejo ...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Scratchbuilding
Topic: How Do You Start?
Replies: 24
Views: 87996

Re: How Do You Start?

If you want to get good at building, you literally have to treat it like a sport. Build a little everyday. Specifically, you’re asking about getting ideas on paper. Well. it’s like any art, in that there’s no best way. What is an absolute though, is that you literally need to figure out the relevant...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Feb 14, 2022 6:33 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Using Vallejo Glaze to hand paint over overspray and underbleed
Replies: 2
Views: 6972

Re: Using Vallejo Glaze to hand paint over overspray and underbleed

If you absolutely have to brush it on, I would get some Liquitex Slow-Dri and some Flow-Aid, if the brand thinner is not doing the trick. However, your best bet would be to mask and airbrush. I assume we’re talking about some pretty light work here, so try something really gentle, like Post-It Notes...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Feb 14, 2022 6:27 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Tamiya acrylics applied with a brush
Replies: 10
Views: 17746

Re: Tamiya acrylics applied with a brush

The higher percentage IPA will be “hotter” and thus mire likely to damage undercoats. It depends on the undercoat, but one of three things will happen: 1.) Nothing, on the first time or two. 2.) The undercoat will “frost” like CA does with fingerprints. It can usually be fixed by brushing on some Fu...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:08 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Anyone ever try something different than super glue for vinyl kits?
Replies: 7
Views: 18175

Re: Anyone ever try something different than super glue for vinyl kits?

What about PVC pipe cement used in plumbing? I’ve always said I would try it of I built a vinyl kit.

Kenny
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Sep 20, 2021 8:06 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: What is the oldest paint you have that is still good?
Replies: 25
Views: 87651

Re: What is the oldest paint you have that is still good?

I have a lot of 30-plus year old Testor’s and Model Master enamels. I don’t airbrush them much but I do end up using them on cockpits and crew figures. I think I do it just so I can use a bit of thr old stuff from the old days, lol. Additionally, I have lots of 15-plus year old Apple Barrel and Vall...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Sep 20, 2021 8:01 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Weathering and painting prepainted kits and Gundam
Replies: 2
Views: 10462

Re: Weathering and painting prepainted kits and Gundam

When I work with anything pre-painted, I prime it as I do most other things; before the primer, I will lightly wet sand anything painted with 400- or 600-grit sandpaper. Then, after sanding and priming, I paint as usual. Choice of primer is up to you, but you can’t go wrong with Mr. Surfacer or auto...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Fri Sep 17, 2021 2:06 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Dulling down gloss and semi-gloss hobby enamels with flattening powders,can it be done?
Replies: 7
Views: 21763

Re: Dulling down gloss and semi-gloss hobby enamels with flattening powders,can it be done?

I know that the typical answer to this would be, "use a flat or semi-gloss clear coat" or even to, "sand the painted surface after it cures to dull it down",but has anyone attempted using a flattening powder or "base" with a flattening agent in it to completely flatten...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Mon Sep 06, 2021 7:18 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Fixing panel line messes
Replies: 23
Views: 76410

Re: Fixing panel line messes

I have to say this about panel lines. A scale of 1/72 is the same as the “real” thing seen from 40 feet away. Panel lines are certainly visible at that distance, so yeah he would want them to be visible. An experiment you can do is to take a photograph of a prototype vehicle with visible panel line...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Fri Sep 03, 2021 6:31 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Fixing panel line messes
Replies: 23
Views: 76410

Re: Fixing panel line messes

CA is one of my go-to's. Use thick, don't use an accelerator, as that actually weakens the CS, and don't use talk or baking soda as a thickener/accelerator, as both, after about 20 years, start to dissolve. You have a couple of hours after the CA is dry to sand and scribe, otherwise, as others have...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue Aug 31, 2021 6:13 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Fixing panel line messes
Replies: 23
Views: 76410

Re: Fixing panel line messes

I don’t recommend the sprue goo for something you’re going to be scribing over. It dries way too soft, IF it dries at all. I’ve experimented with it for filling vehicle gaps as well as seams on figures; Shep Paine is where I learned that trick with figures. It’s not ideal for vehicle seams, because ...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:34 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: Fixing panel line messes
Replies: 23
Views: 76410

Re: Fixing panel line messes

I've used 5 minute steel epoxy instead of regular body fillers. Almost the same deal as using a super glue filler, but a "stronger bind" I.M.O and its not hard to scribe and it stakes tooling pretty well and just as easy to prime. I used steel epoxy about 21-years ago on a scratchbuilt ae...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Fri Aug 13, 2021 9:14 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Fixing panel line messes
Replies: 23
Views: 76410

Re: Fixing panel line messes

Don’t use talc and CA in this application. It makes CA softer and that’s not what you want if you’re going to be scribing over it. Just apply the CA and let it dry. Good, old Loctite in the clearish, triangular bottle with the black ribbed cap like you get at WalMart is what you want here. It sands ...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue Aug 10, 2021 8:33 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Who prints decals?
Replies: 2
Views: 9919

Re: Who prints decals?

Fighting Pirahna Graphics. You will have to supply them a PDF of the image and be very specific about size, quantity and the like. They do excellent work. If you need the PDF created, and aren’t an Adobe or Gimp guy, I suggest our own Robb “Kylwell” Merrill at Hungry Lizard Studios. Contact him here...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue Aug 10, 2021 8:29 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Fixing panel line messes
Replies: 23
Views: 76410

Re: Fixing panel line messes

Place a drop of Loctite CA on a palette. Dip the tip of a straght pin into the droplet and then walk the drop along the failed line using the straight pin. Allow to dry for five or 10 minutes. View your sanding/scribing process in relief via using a light source opposite of your face with the subjec...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue Jun 05, 2018 6:08 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Weathering/paint chipping&rusting effects
Replies: 12
Views: 35558

Re: Weathering/paint chipping&rusting effects

P.S: I'm still looking for the old article I found many moons ago,but has anyone used or tried the "wax" paint chipping method?It may have even been "future floor wax"(I don't remember).You basically paint in layers then remove the wax with an adhesive strip like tape to uncover...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Tue May 29, 2018 6:03 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Advanced. Weathering. Pastels
Replies: 84
Views: 309340

Re: Advanced. Weathering. Pastels

I had thought of doing something similar not knowing if anyone had done it already or tried it?I was thinking of just mixing some pastel powder with water(or rubbing alcohol),applying them accordingly (as a wash)and allowing them to dry,then maybe rubbing them with a Q-TIP to make it streak,or to r...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Fri Sep 29, 2017 9:18 pm
Forum: Scratchbuilding
Topic: Good source for rocket exhaust bells?
Replies: 2
Views: 18569

Re: Good source for rocket exhaust bells?

Can anyone recommend some good, inexpensive sources for rocket exhaust bells? One inch diameter or smaller... If you're wanting Apollo-ish type bells, perhaps some of the Kotobukiya sets would suit you. They have verniers, weapons, engine bells, grab handles, hatches, etc... They're cheap, too! You...
by Lt. Z0mBe
Fri Sep 29, 2017 9:07 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: New Future packaging?
Replies: 12
Views: 32886

Re: New Future packaging?

That thread should still be here somewhere in the Finishing forum. They don't get pruned, so far as I know. That being said, I do not have the time or patience to run it down. I've got building to do :lol:

Kenny
by Lt. Z0mBe
Thu Sep 21, 2017 10:39 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Tamiya acrylics and using a gloss coat
Replies: 7
Views: 21357

Re: Tamiya acrylics and using a gloss coat

Sounds like the OP used a rattlecan lacquer like Testor's Dullcote or somesuch. That's the most likely candidate for washing away acrylic. That, or it was something with a ridiculous amount of alcohol and was soaked on instead of misted.

Kenny