Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

I agree with the majority of the tools listed here however I am going to go high tech 1. Digital/dial calipers - they are getting fairly cheap to purchase and are great for measuring things to make sure they are the right length 2. CAD/graphics Programs - has a steep learning curve but I find it ver...

what is wrong with 2 part epoxy? Inside the model I would first lightly hot glue the plug in place. I would then make 2 strap to hold down the plug. I would then epoxy the entire assembly to hold it in place. Another option is to pour resin into the area to encapsulate the plug and straps. For the p...

Too many project so little time How goes with you? It looks like I will be missing C6.

oliver_s wrote:Hi Alex, haven't heard from you since C5

Where do you think you were having problems?

jemhadar wrote:Alex, Hey I read those pages

I was trying to do the same thing with software I have but its proving to be above me.

Here is what I did to scratch by Serenity http://www.alexkung1.com/scale/serenity/tut/tut.htm I have also used this method to make a 3 ft Voyager http://www.alexkung1.com/scale/voyager/vg.htm I also made cross sections for a 1:350 Ent E (one Day) , 17.5" long Jembug (Scale?) I started a 1:1000 ...

Originally I would have said direct lighting but after playing around with the Raytheon effect on the 1:1000 kit I am impressed. I can see the direct lighting being very frustrating to get looking right. I am not sure how it will turn out on the 1350 kit though. What works in 1:1000 might not work i...

I can't get the link to work

When using wood glue I would put a piece of newspaper in between to help it dry. The paper got in the way when carving the Styrofoam so I stopped sing that. It was good for gluing together large sheets ofStyrofoam. There is chaulking glue specifically for the blue stuff but I never found it worked w...

There is this hobby stuff called ELO (Easy Lift Off)

It lifted off a layer of Testors new metallic paint when CSC did nothing. I am also a fan of CSC

You might want to look into the PICAXE. All you would need to know is how to write basic language.

I think it is much simpler then code

Over time the lacquer will make the tip swell up. I should know I did this before. I now use castrol superclean

Can you mask off the two sides of the gap and then use gap filling CA glue?

Try and find a flashing LED and wire that in series with the other LEDS so when the flahing LED blinks the other LEDs will also. Of course you do not have control over the flash rate besides what the LED flashes at. You could also purchase a commercial kit http://store.qkits.com/moreinfo.cfm/FK141 h...

Hmm I never thought about prheating the thing before adding the styrne sheet. And here I was drilling some of the holes. I tried without the holes and the sheet pulls away from the clamping frame during vacforming and I lose the seal. I will have to try it again as drilling holes is a pain. Anyone h...

Wow excellent web site for grade up parts. Affordable too


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

I also got one from ebay and it does work well with if used right. I also punch/drill all those holes as it seems to produce better results. One key thing is the seal around the table edge. Once that is tight things work better. I have taped the edge with some Tamiya masking tape. I also do one draw...

I found that running thinner or cleaner through does not clean the insides completely. I would run lacquer thinner through and then when I disassembled the nozzle I would still find paint inside. Some tips disassemble and assemble better then others. It is just a habit I got used to. Instead of runn...

How much patience do you have? What I have done is set up a chopper to cut even strips of styrene. This will be used for the actual parts. I then use other styrene bits as spacers. Once a bunch of them have been set up you can apply glue to the ends to glue them in place. Be careful you do not accid...

Recently I put in one of my old nozzles and it the trigger was floppy and paint would come out even without pressing or pulling bck on the trigger. It looks like the spring on the nozzle is longer then other nozzles and is actually strong enough to push the needle and trigger back so paint flows. I ...

Try first airbushing water onto paper. or water with a few drops of black acrylic paint or ink. To get a fine line you normally have to have the tip very close ot the paper. Play around with air pressure, pressing down on the trigger, pulling back on the trigger etc. Practice, practice, practice Goo...

Depends on the paint and how long I am airbrushing.

For Lacquers yes. For short acrylic paint jobs. No.

I try and avoid lacquers and enamels whenever I can


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

There are now PE saws that are quite narrow. Try Hobby Link. I have a jewelers type hack saw with a super narrow blade but found it hard getting it to cut straight.

The back side of the EXacto knife works in a pinch.


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

It sounds like you have a short. Any chance you can draw your wiring diagram?

I have purchased some units from these people intended for my 1:350NX-01 and 1:350 Refit. The dual unit kitss seem to be the best value for $$

http://elwirecheap.com/index.html

I have also bought from these people
http://www.fiberopticproducts.com


HTH



Alex
Styrofoam Guy

I don't think it is overkill. 3 gallons is not much for some air tools.

If you pump it up to 125psi and turn it off when the motor cuts out then it would probably last quite a while for some silent airbrushing before you needed to fill the tank again.

IS the compressor part broken off? Can you get some sort of rubber hose and some hose clamps? Yes a compressor with a tank and regulator/moisture trap a hardware store is fine. they are getting quite cheap now. AS for the Model Master Airbrush I have the older Aztek which has a screw instead of the ...

I also would say hot glue and 5 minute epoxy.

I would use hot glue as it is a bit quicker and you can pull up mistakes easier then with epoxy.


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

Description says it has the 12V outlet. It looks like it is shown in the last photo.

Built in compressor and light also.

At 26lbs you can also use it to work out.

Some larger units come with a 120V outlet


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

I have seen those battery things with 9-12V and a light. Not common items You need one of those automotive jump starters with a 12V outlet. You can then get an automotive converter from Radio SHack to convert to 9V. A bit pricier but on the plus side you can jump start your car if needed Alex Styrof...

First Airbrush - Badger 200 - hated the clean up time. gave it away Second Airbrush - Pasche H- Single action external. Easy to learn and easy to clean. I now use it only 5% of the time for large areas Third Airbrush - Aztek - Double action internal. Very quick cleanup which I love. I use it 95% of ...