Search found 31 matches

by TB2
Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:50 am
Forum: Lighting & Electronics
Topic: LED duration
Replies: 5
Views: 7968

LED duration

I have Bandai's 1/35 Batmobile (Batman Forever) which lights up with a single blue LED. I plan to enter this in contests, so I'd like to have the LED on for at least three hours during judging, preferably about six in total over the duration of each contest. It's powered by three 1.5 V watch batteri...
by TB2
Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:10 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: eggshell/foil technique (replicating discoloured metal)
Replies: 10
Views: 7605

Thanks for the input guys. Suggestions on what adhesive to use to attach the foil?

(Who thinks of this stuff anyway? What's the thought process?
"Hmm...exhaust discolouration.....EGGS...yeah, that'll do it!)
by TB2
Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:42 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: eggshell/foil technique (replicating discoloured metal)
Replies: 10
Views: 7605

eggshell/foil technique (replicating discoloured metal)

Does anyone know how to discolour foil using crushed eggshells? It's a method used to replicate burnished or discoloured metal on things such as aircraft exhaust cans. From what I understand, regular cooking foil is placed in a pot of boiling water with crushed egg shells, the time it's left in affe...
by TB2
Wed Mar 01, 2006 5:02 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: paint before assemble?
Replies: 2
Views: 3440

paint before assemble?

Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering how many of you paint parts while they're still on the sprues. I've heard this recommended many times, but to me it makes no sense because: -it's a lot easier to remove mold parting lines off the sprue -paint needs to be scraped away to ensure a good bond (especi...
by TB2
Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:34 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Pine-Sol and Simple Green
Replies: 20
Views: 12454

I've never had a problem with Pine Sol softening styrene. I don't leave parts in for longer than a few hours and it seems to remove 95-100% of the paint. What remains can be taken care of with a little Easy Off. Very little mess. I keep the Pine Sol in a container and have re-used it for years. Sugg...
by TB2
Sun Jan 01, 2006 2:18 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Badger 200 airbrush trouble-help!
Replies: 4
Views: 4384

Badger 200 airbrush trouble-help!

I've been experiencing blow-back with my Badger 200 airbrush (ie, bubbles in the paint cup with nothing coming out the nozzle), and I can't figure out why. I performed my usual trouble-shooting attempts: -tore it down, thoroughly cleaned all parts with laquer (except teflon ring and o-ring) -checked...
by TB2
Fri Oct 21, 2005 3:55 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: new Batmobile-painting suggestions?
Replies: 8
Views: 9185

Hi HWR,

If you get access to a computer that allows you to view pics, www.codyscoop.com has some good photos of the Bandai build. As for a cop car, the Revell "American Heroes" (?) kit has a 1/32 Malibu that could be right up your alley. :)
by TB2
Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:23 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Tamiya primer
Replies: 0
Views: 8667

Tamiya primer

Can automotive laquer be sprayed (with spray can) over Tamiya white or gray primer?
by TB2
Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:03 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: new Batmobile-painting suggestions?
Replies: 8
Views: 9185

I ended up doing it in a very dark gray, drybrushed in a lighter shade. Came out nice, IMHO.
by TB2
Wed Sep 14, 2005 7:34 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: new Batmobile-painting suggestions?
Replies: 8
Views: 9185

Yeah, it's hard to explain the effect I want to achieve if I do it in blue. Y'know how for example a black aircraft such as a stealth can take on a slight bluish tone when viewed from a distance, due to atmospheric interference such as haze? That's what I'm thinking of. I realize it would pretty muc...
by TB2
Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:15 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: new Batmobile-painting suggestions?
Replies: 8
Views: 9185

new Batmobile-painting suggestions?

I just got the new Bandai "Batmobile" on the weekend. Desite being 1/35 scale (I would have preferred 1/24 or 1/25) the detail is teriffic and the fit is outstanding! I'm thinking of painting it a very dark blue, almost black. I've been toying with the idea of preshading it. Think I should?
by TB2
Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:11 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: 1/2" numbers, letters
Replies: 6
Views: 6186

BTW, thanks for the offer Andrew!
by TB2
Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:45 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: 1/2" numbers, letters
Replies: 6
Views: 6186

Thanks all for the info, much appreciated. Kylwell, that looks like what I need! Funny enough, I was at the Ottawa show yesterday (anyone else go?) and stumbled across two sheets of 1/2" Roman lettering. After I order the set recommended here I should be good to go :D
by TB2
Fri Sep 09, 2005 4:38 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: 1/2" numbers, letters
Replies: 6
Views: 6186

1/2" numbers, letters

Anyone know where I can find 1/2" high WHITE letters and numbers, in a Times New Roman style, or something similar? In this case I'm not looking for a modern type of font. I'd prefer rub-on, although if I have to I'll use decals. I've checked Chartpak, Letraset and Woodland Scenics but they don...
by TB2
Mon Jul 04, 2005 12:39 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: weathering black
Replies: 4
Views: 4909

weathering black

I'm currently working on a large (1/25 or G Scale) steam engine for a BTTF III scene. I've airbrushed it all in Testors Interior Black (actually a VERY dark gray) to start, to cover the primer and fill the areas that'll be in shadow. It looks like one big black mass at the moment. Since I've never w...
by TB2
Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:24 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: pinstriping the Batmobile
Replies: 3
Views: 5115

pinstriping the Batmobile

I'm faced with the rather daunting (to me) task of having to apply the "red" pinstriping on the 1966 TV Batmobile. I've thought of using tape but there are a lot of tight curves that will be a problem. Any suggestions? If paint is suggested what should I use to apply it to get a clean edge?
by TB2
Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:22 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: Modeling clay question
Replies: 9
Views: 13608

Anyone tried Kneadatite? How's it compare to Magicsculp?
by TB2
Thu May 26, 2005 2:13 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: vacuform question
Replies: 2
Views: 4732

Thanks Jack, I'll give it a try. I always hold my breath when I open a kit containing clear vacuform parts and hope they're not too bad. Hopefully this will alleviate my concerns.
by TB2
Thu May 26, 2005 8:38 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: vacuform question
Replies: 2
Views: 4732

vacuform question

I have found almost invariably that any vacuform clear parts I get in garage kits is distorted i.e.; seems to have a cloudy look in spots. Is there any way to fix this, other than trying to make new ones? I presume it's a fairly common occurence.
by TB2
Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:49 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: when done can u sand?
Replies: 3
Views: 4440

Chevy, hope this doesn't discourage you too much. I'd consider a vinyl kit somewhat ambitious for a first model, but that's just my opinion. I think you'll find that these hurdles are great teachers and you'll quickly learn from them. There's a ton of talent on this site and by asking questions as y...
by TB2
Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:05 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Advanced. Decals
Replies: 210
Views: 667828

need to make some decals

Help! I need to make some decals. Actually, I have a sheet of stickers that I want to clean up, change the colour slightly and copy into decals using my computer. I have a colour printer/scanner/copier (an HP PSC 2170) but I'm a newbie to all this so I don't know what to do or if I can do it on my s...
by TB2
Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:49 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: how soon can i fine sand a scratch in metallic silver ?
Replies: 6
Views: 6000

Bert, as I'm not the one doing it this will be easy for me to suggest. But.. If you weigh the time it's taking to buff, sand, re-coat etc. etc. I wonder if it wouldn't take just as much time to reprime (if you did) and re-paint the whole thing. Yeah it's a pain, but that way you'll get an even finis...
by TB2
Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:40 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Advanced. Decals
Replies: 210
Views: 667828

Eagle wrote: I just whacked on three light coats of acrylic varnish from a home improvement store. Sound as a pound! :)
Great, I'll test it on a scrap first. Thanks.
by TB2
Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:27 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Advanced. Decals
Replies: 210
Views: 667828

Eagle, did you coat the decals with anything before putting them in water? This thread is very timely as I printed off some decals last night on my HP psc 2170. I need to treat them as I know they will run (smeared it easily with a dry finger). Any suggestions on what to use? I have an airbrush.
by TB2
Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:24 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: Lightsheet + Glasses = ?
Replies: 9
Views: 11566

Pro: I think you could conceivably do it with two power sources. As Lightsheet can be cut to just about any shape, you could probably trim it to the shape of a lens on each side with the connectors facing the bridge of the nose, run the leads to the power source(s) concealed in a baseball cap, for e...
by TB2
Fri Apr 08, 2005 4:56 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Teeny weeny LED's
Replies: 9
Views: 12366

Does the digikey catalogue have pics? I'm not familiar enough with this stuff to know exactly what it is I need by description alone.
by TB2
Thu Apr 07, 2005 3:35 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: Teeny weeny LED's
Replies: 9
Views: 12366

Teeny weeny LED's

Anyone know a good source for teeny tiny LED's (white or clear and red). I'm talkin' a mm or two in diameter. Do they make them that small?
by TB2
Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:12 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Help with mini trees
Replies: 8
Views: 12127

As mentioned, drilling and gluing is the easiest way. If you're going to paint the branch, adding roots at the base using Milliput or another putty beforehand will make it that much more realistic. Look at real trees to get an idea of how it should look.
by TB2
Fri Jul 30, 2004 11:54 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Advanced. Decals
Replies: 210
Views: 667828

I just decaled a rock recently, never done that before. It's actually a piece of rail road ballast which I've attached a brass plaque to for my BTTF III diorama.