Info EDUARD
Monthly magazine about history and scale plastic modeling.
How to Work with Plastic?
In this workflow article, I will cover the most basic modeling procedures and techniques, presenting the tools that help with usual activities every modeler should master. For this demonstration, I've chosen the new P-51B/C 1/48 scale kit, which includes several features for easy assembly, such as the parts being connected to the sprues from the bottom, making it especially beginner-friendly.
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How to Work with Plastic?KITSJakub NademlejnskýIn this workflow article,I will cover the most basicmodeling procedures andtechniques, presentingthe tools that helpwith usual activitiesevery modelershould master. For thisdemonstration, I've chosenthe new P-51B/C 1/48 scale kit,which includes several features for easyassembly, such as the parts being connectedto the sprues from the bottom, making it especiallybeginner-friendly.Experienced modelers might initially see this articleas unnecessary, but I recommend reading it nonetheless.Repetition is the mother of wisdom!Part I-The BasicsThe photo shows all the toolsI use to build the model.I use two types of nippers.The blue-handled nippershave cutting blades onboth sides and are moresubstantial, making thembetter for splitting bulkierframes or massive spruesthat are hard to access.Comparison of frame cuts: onthe left is the frame cut withthe single cuttingblade nippers,and on the right with the twocutting-blade nippers. Thesingle cutting-blade makesa straight cut, while two cutting-blades tend to chip the plastic.The red-handled nippers haveonly one cutting blade anda flat blade, and when usedon frame sprues, they cleanlycut through in one go. Note,I always position the flat bladeagainst the plastic part.INFO Eduard68July 2024Page 2
KITSA piece of the cockpit floor part cut with singlecuttingblade nippers. The photo shows thebottom sprue stumps on the part.Here, the sprue stumps on the bottom of the cockpit floor arevisible.I'll cut these sprue stumps off with singlecutting-blade nippers.I sand the spots clean after cutting. Alternatively, I can clean the part witha straight-bladed scalpel...or a round-bladed scalpel.When handlingsmall parts,I use straighttweezers. I don'thold the part tootightly to avoid itslipping out of thetweezers.I place the control stick on thecockpit floor in the slot where theinstructions indicate to glue it.I then glue it in place using Mr. Cement SP glue. I dip the brush thoroughly into the glue,wipe the excess against the edge of the container, and then apply a sufficiently wet brushto the joint between the stick and the floor.INFO Eduard69July 2024Page 3
The joint dries within 5 seconds. Any excess glue will disappear afterthe first coat of primer or paint.Here, I used Mr. Cement S glue to glue the tank, which driesa little slower than Mr. Cement SP glue.I use the same procedure to attach the tank in the cockpit.The bottom sprue stumps can also be found onthe wing halves. Again, I cut them off with singlecutting-blade nippers...KITSINFO Eduard70July 2024Page 4
For gluing fuselage halves or wings, I always dry-fit the parts together and flatten themto make the joint as clean as possible.To glue the wing halves together, I decided to useMr. Cement SP B, which is Mr. Cement SP glue tintedblack. The color allows me to see where the gluehas been applied....and sand the stumps fromthe sprues with a coarse file.KITSINFO Eduard71July 2024Page 5
Caution: when using solvent glues, always keep your fingerswell away from the glued joint......otherwise, your fingers will etch the surface of the wing.I then sand the glue marks carefully witha file.I restore the panel lines that were lost during sanding and gluing with a razor saw.I restore the panel lines on the leadingedge of the wing, one at a time from bothhalves of the wing.Another option is to use a chisel, whichI place in an existing engraved line and pullbackward to complete the new engraving.When sanding, I move the file according to theshape of the leading edge of the wing to keepits shape.The wing is then sanded and polishedwith fine files or sandpaper of 1000, 1200,and finally 1500 grit.I place the saw in the existing lines and, with slowforward strokes, restore the lost panel lines.KITSINFO Eduard72July 2024Page 6
I use Mr. Cement S glue to dissolve any residual plastic dust. I then polish the entire area with 1500 grit sandpaper dipped in water.I prick one rivet at a time.Polish and sand the joint of the wing halves. There will be nodifference after applying a primer surfacer or paint.Lost rivets are restored with a phonograph needle fixed in a holder.To be continued...KITSINFO Eduard73July 2024
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