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Last post

Do-your-own decals

Last post by smeg1959 « Mon Apr 05, 2021 12:58
Replies: 10
by moresby » Sun Mar 20, 2011 11:01
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This topic was posted 3687 days ago
First post

Hi to all. I have just applied my first self-made decals and I'm quite happy with them 8-) .

I've bought a 10-sheet pack of laser-printable clear decals (European A-4 format), followed the instructions and -voilà- here are the serials for my RAF Maryland and P-40b, the U.S....

Last post

That’s great news, Mike. Perhaps someone’s consumer watchdog did succeed in shaming these guys, because it was certainly beyond the pale.

And I’m loving those two builds, particularly the Catalina, one of my faves. :mrgreen:
10 Replies

4569 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Mon Apr 05, 2021 12:58
Canopy frames

Last post by rmasu « Sat Mar 20, 2021 16:01
Replies: 31
by mike_m » Fri Aug 24, 2012 22:20
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This topic was posted 3163 days ago
First post

Does anyone have any good suggestions for canopy frames? I have tried painting (wonky edges), decal strip (good for straight lines, not for curves) vinyl tape (a bit thick and gaps at joins), masking (paint bleeds under the tape or won't stick at all). I prefer to make copies of...

Last post

A tip I discovered last month.... I buyed this permanent pen called Le Plume (marvy uchida) in a artistic material shop
buyed yellow dandelion just to test in propelers..

It failed in propelers tips.. the paint not cover well.. is to thin...
But the paint is good to tint...
31 Replies

22658 Views

Last post by rmasu
Sat Mar 20, 2021 16:01
Vac forming canopies

Last post by smeg1959 « Mon Mar 15, 2021 0:58
Replies: 16
by BigReg » Mon Jul 06, 2020 17:32
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This topic was posted 291 days ago
First post

Has anyone tried vacforming canopies? If so what type of material did you use?
Thanks in advance,

David

Last post

Excellent article, Sam. Plenty of food for thought, especially for those of us who are seriously considering a little vacforming action at home. :D

F_IV, I took your advice and bought a cheap heat gun from Bunnings (our major hardware chain Down Under). Definitely worth the...
16 Replies

2990 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Mon Mar 15, 2021 0:58
Model storage

Last post by smeg1959 « Mon Dec 14, 2020 7:04
Replies: 11
by Mark_W » Wed Dec 27, 2017 22:33
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2
This topic was posted 1212 days ago
First post

Hi

I'm looking at storing most of my collection of completed models.

Any tips on types of containers or other tips that might be good for this?

I'm also open to selling or giving some away. Any tips on posting models?

Thanks!

Mark

Last post

Fritz, your posting here could well be put into practice in the not-too-distant, providing I can locate enough foam and toothpicks to move my collection. After 3 years in the rented apartment, I may not be renewing the lease as my two daughters want me (i) to move closer to them...
11 Replies

3921 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Mon Dec 14, 2020 7:04
Preparing PE for Painting

Last post by teddybeer « Mon Nov 30, 2020 14:26
Replies: 9
by smeg1959 » Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:27
This topic was posted 146 days ago
First post

To date, I haven't used a lot of PE, with Brengun pilot seats being my most common creation. As everything has been internal and, hence, protected from paws, claws, etc., I also haven't bothered priming the surfaces, just going with acrylics applied with a hairy stick. However,...

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I hope you do not mind to have an opinion from Mr Beer :lol: :lol: :lol: ....
For my models, which are practically all in metal (Arrowhead, Chaubet or those I casted...), I use either Tamya (gray) primer or Mr Metal Primer.
And once painted and before varnishing, I put, with a...

9 Replies

1461 Views

Last post by teddybeer
Mon Nov 30, 2020 14:26
Dealing with Tailsitters

Last post by smeg1959 « Sat Sep 12, 2020 8:17
Replies: 21
by smeg1959 » Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:16
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This topic was posted 3294 days ago
First post

A query following a recent completion, the F-Toys' P-39Q. With such a pronounced nose up attitude thanks to its very high nosewheel leg, the Airacobra is always going to be a strong candidate for tail sitting , so much so that F-Toys include a little clear plastic support to...

Last post

With the advent of other white metal or pewter bits and bobs, Merlin definitely has a point. There is the odd replacement (the springs to mind). Certainly a nice little niche market, I would have thought. And, in keeping with Merlin's comments, under the brand name Metallica...
21 Replies

11515 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Sat Sep 12, 2020 8:17
A guide to making Vac-form kits

Last post by smeg1959 « Thu Aug 27, 2020 5:21
Replies: 16
by bluedonkey99 » Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:01
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This topic was posted 285 days ago
First post

One with pictures

Last post

You are definitely knee deep into this build! :P

You can blame the solitary confinement here in Melbourne for that last one ... :oops:
16 Replies

3216 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Thu Aug 27, 2020 5:21
White metal casting -first try

Last post by smeg1959 « Sat May 02, 2020 8:43
Replies: 19
by BigReg » Sun Feb 16, 2020 15:53
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This topic was posted 432 days ago
First post

I belong to two model clubs, North Somerset and North Devon. Each club has a different ethos but both share a common bond - helping each other, passing on hints and tips. One of our new recruits at North Devon is Sera Vine, she of Diverse Images and Staples and Vine fame. Sera...

Last post

Casting couch ... :lol:
19 Replies

3686 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Sat May 02, 2020 8:43
Melamine Sponges and F-Toys Decals

Last post by bluedonkey99 « Fri Feb 28, 2020 8:47

by bluedonkey99 » Fri Feb 28, 2020 8:47
This topic was posted 420 days ago

Interesting set of tweets,which in turn where retweeted by F-Toys themeselved

A method to reduce the thickness and gloss of Eftoys decals by half.

① Attach decals with mark softer and setter.
② Rub decal surface with melamine sponge soaked in water.
③ Completed when the...

0 Replies

614 Views

Last post by bluedonkey99
Fri Feb 28, 2020 8:47
F-16D - IDF Sufa possability...

Last post by MattP « Thu Jun 13, 2019 8:54

by MattP » Thu Jun 13, 2019 8:54
This topic was posted 680 days ago

If you're doing an IADF F-16I SUFA, the large inboard tanks that they use are identical to the large inboard tanks the JASDF use for their F-2's! So if you have the 'PLATZ' F-2 kit, that comes with 2 kits, you have the larger tanks that the IDAF uses. If not, find a friend, make...

0 Replies

2153 Views

Last post by MattP
Thu Jun 13, 2019 8:54
Paint Reviews

Last post by smeg1959 « Mon Apr 08, 2019 0:11
Replies: 21
by Triggerhappy » Mon Sep 07, 2015 9:48
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This topic was posted 2055 days ago
First post

Okay, paint reviews is a bit boastful, really. Random thoughts on different brands of model paints would probably be more accurate. However, since this seems to be a topic that's frequently discussed here and hotly debated, I thought I'd add my couple of cents worth. Now, I'm...

Last post

I will be writing a review of the Hataka Red range of lacquers in coming weeks once I've baptised them on my F-100D for the Cold War GB. As I am still having the odd adhesion issue with Tamiya (rather strangely confined to colours with high XF codes, most particularly XF81 RAF...
21 Replies

15027 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Mon Apr 08, 2019 0:11
Advice needed - cleaning and prepping 3D printed material

Last post by mtcc75 « Tue Nov 27, 2018 4:26
Replies: 12
by ajmm » Sat Nov 24, 2018 0:20
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This topic was posted 881 days ago
First post

I know there are numerous articles on this on the web but everyone has a slightly different idea. I wondered if anyone here has a view.

I have a TripleNuts Javelin. I’d like to build it for the GB. Two issues - 1) it has that waxy surface coating and 2) jet has that terraced...

Last post

So all are aware, Triple Nuts used (until recently) Shapeways to do the printing, so what you are looking at is basically FUD (or whatever they call it now) , might broaden the range of documented options to clean and prep.

I personally find a good coating of Klear smooths the...
12 Replies

4124 Views

Last post by mtcc75
Tue Nov 27, 2018 4:26
decalling - need some help

Last post by smeg1959 « Mon Oct 15, 2018 7:54
Replies: 3
by bootneck42 » Sat Oct 13, 2018 18:08
This topic was posted 923 days ago
First post

I've just been looking at those excellent models from E-day that have been displayed on the forum. The main thing that interests me, apart from the beautifully built models, is that I can see no trace of any decal surround; the clear edge normally found after decalling. I know...

Last post

The oft-cited approach which I use on all my builds now is to spray the model with gloss (or, in my case, semi-gloss) clear. I find Tamiya rattle cans work pretty well, providing (i) you mist on the coats (no pooling) and (ii) you protect clear parts which will cloud if exposed...

3 Replies

1577 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Mon Oct 15, 2018 7:54
Fine Painting...How's it done?

Last post by smeg1959 « Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:23
Replies: 14
by MerlinJones » Mon Jan 26, 2015 13:47
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This topic was posted 2279 days ago
First post

My painting can occasionally be sloppy...
Okay, it can be sloppy a lot of the time.
Especially when viewed under high magnification...
Or on a foggy day...in the dark...if you punch your nose really hard...whilst chopping onions...

So, for those of you who do better, how do you...

Last post

I've copied-and-pasted this entry from Ian Cowley from the RAF GB for reference purposes ...

Postby cowleyi » Tue Jul 10, 2018 8:36 pm

Hello All,
Apologies, the weekend was the intention but that was squeezed out and then I have been ill for the past couple of days so I...
14 Replies

12009 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:23
Displaying your models? Stands etc..

Last post by BigReg « Sat Mar 31, 2018 7:35
Replies: 17
by MerlinJones » Fri Jan 16, 2015 23:27
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This topic was posted 2288 days ago
First post

Back in the day, Airfix, Matchbox and FROG all supplied stands for their aircraft models. Aurora, from the US of A, did likewise, but such kits were exotica and so will not necessarily feature in my reminiscence. Harking back to the time when models were all 1/72 and intended...

Last post

I love Billy bookcases, we have seven in the lounge and two in my office! The four of the ones in the lounge are the narrow type and are used for books (strange I know). The others are used a display for glasses and girlie things that Christine likes on display. The ones in my...
17 Replies

12158 Views

Last post by BigReg
Sat Mar 31, 2018 7:35
uploading pictures here

Last post by BigReg « Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:03
Replies: 3
by BigReg » Thu Feb 08, 2018 17:10
This topic was posted 1170 days ago
First post

Help, I can't always get my pix from flickr to show in my posts. Anyone got a simple step by step guide??
Thanks, David

Last post

Thank you Jonathan and Martin.
David

3 Replies

1952 Views

Last post by BigReg
Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:03
Breaking decals

Last post by tonyr « Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:24
Replies: 4
by tonyr » Wed Sep 20, 2017 21:20
This topic was posted 1310 days ago
First post

Hello folks,
I have just found an old set of microscale decals for the F-105 Thud. Unfortunately they break up as they are very old. Does anyone have any tips for keeping them together for long enough to use them. I tried johnsons, and it may have been a fluke but it stayed...

Last post

Thanks for the advice guys. I put a touch of Vallejo gloss varnish on a big decal last night and tested it this morning and it worked fine too. Its just a relief being able to use them plus all of the stenciling for the 105.

4 Replies

4880 Views

Last post by tonyr
Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:24
German aircraft drawing translations

Last post by smeg1959 « Thu Sep 21, 2017 0:03
Replies: 1
by Wege » Wed Aug 09, 2017 13:01
This topic was posted 1353 days ago
First post

kindly linked to a kiwi website! :)

(I suspect that it is associated with Wingnut Wings...)

Last post

If it's not sponsored by Wingnut, it should be. Excellent site! ;)

1 Replies

2764 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Thu Sep 21, 2017 0:03
Photo Etching at Home

Last post by bluedonkey99 « Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:38
Replies: 1
by smeg1959 » Wed Jul 19, 2017 2:18
This topic was posted 1374 days ago
First post

. ShelfOddity, Brengun, et al need not fear but it could be a solution to the odd one-offs we sometimes find we need. Actually, the YouTuber responsible (PLASMO) has some really handy tips, as does . And I am finally starting to appreciate that I am more of a visual learner than...

Last post

YouTube has saved the day on many occasions, on a whole host of topics, where written directions or narratives have failed.

Don't get me wrong, over the years I have realised it's a lot harder than it would seem to write great how-to, training or user guides. That said, its...

1 Replies

2358 Views

Last post by bluedonkey99
Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:38
Compatability - Decals and Setting solutions

Last post by smeg1959 « Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:08
Replies: 10
by TonyG2 » Thu Apr 21, 2016 12:06
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This topic was posted 1828 days ago
First post

Just wondering if anyone has had any compatability problems using the decals that come with pre-finished models such as F-Toys, J-Wings etc with setting solutions such as Microsol and Microset?

I use the solutions all the time on regular kits, nornmally having first applied a...

Last post

Just communicated exactly that to my Cathay Pacific pilot brother in Hong Kong. Why is it that when we're young 'uns, we build 1/72, 1/48, 1/32 and, if we were really wealthy or had extremely large shelves, 1/24. Now that we're in the twilight of our lives, with eyesight, manual...
10 Replies

8122 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:08
ASB Radar

Last post by Wege « Thu Jun 01, 2017 12:09
Replies: 4
by ajmm » Wed May 31, 2017 15:32
This topic was posted 1423 days ago
First post

Whilst building my Helldiver, I've been pondering how to make an ASB radar for it - these are the 'yagi' TV aerial type radars (below left) seen on Helldivers up to SB2C4, as well as on US and British marks of the Grumman Avenger, Dauntless and other breeds.

Radar.tiff...

Last post

heeeeeyyy that stuff could also maybe do the trick for some ASI spikes under wings (looking at Spittys etc)

4 Replies

5288 Views

Last post by Wege
Thu Jun 01, 2017 12:09
Problems with J Wings Decals

Last post by TonyG2 « Mon May 08, 2017 11:43

by TonyG2 » Mon May 08, 2017 11:43
This topic was posted 1446 days ago

Not had this happen before but I was working on a JWings F-18C (USMC Lancers low-vis scheme) which I have had in the stash for some time and found that the decals were breaking up after being dunked in the water. For example the Marines markings split in two Mar and Ines .......

0 Replies

1684 Views

Last post by TonyG2
Mon May 08, 2017 11:43
Paint program for iphone

Last post by TonyG2 « Fri Apr 07, 2017 12:36
Replies: 3
by pbhawkin » Sat Sep 24, 2011 6:40
This topic was posted 3499 days ago
First post

Hi all,
In collaboration with Pierre-Alain CEO of id6 who has just released a update to his app for the program iModelKit version 1.2 which now includes my hobby paint comparison chart to Luftwaffe RLM colours. He has also done a major update including a LOT of various paint...

Last post

Same here

3 Replies

5060 Views

Last post by TonyG2
Fri Apr 07, 2017 12:36
Painting Bands on Aircraft Spinners

Last post by smeg1959 « Sat Mar 04, 2017 11:33
Replies: 4
by smeg1959 » Fri Mar 03, 2017 1:09
This topic was posted 1512 days ago
First post

Here’s a little idea I had for painting coloured bands on aircraft spinners.

With larger scales, you can use things like Tamiya masking tape but, in our scale, it’s extremely difficult to get the masking straight thanks to the curvature of the spinner, particularly towards its...

Last post

Thanks, guys. I'm occasionally creative, though usually to mask my lack of skills (the canopy frame decal is a good example). Tony, I'd read about the Dremel approach for larger scale aircraft and the odd modeller has improvised a rig to allow the painting of spirals on spinners...

4 Replies

4547 Views

Last post by smeg1959
Sat Mar 04, 2017 11:33
How can I glue a crack in Milliput, before it snaps in two?

Last post by bootneck42 « Mon Feb 27, 2017 15:54
Replies: 2
by bootneck42 » Mon Feb 27, 2017 12:27
This topic was posted 1516 days ago
First post

I've had a go at making a fuselage, using plastic sheet and milliput; however the hardened compound has a hairline crack, across the aea where the blade points to below, and I am concerned that it might cause it to snap in two. Can cracks or breaks in Milliput be glued? If so,...

Last post

Hi Tony,

the crack is hairline and goes from the top to halfway down the fuselage. It is difficult to see as it stands but shows whilst I am sanding the model. I'll have a look for some extra thin CA glue next time I get to a model shop and try that.

cheers

Mike

2 Replies

2720 Views

Last post by bootneck42
Mon Feb 27, 2017 15:54

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