Each time there is an increase of postage rates, I find myself digging through the back of my desk drawer to sort through my collection of stamps to offset the difference. What a collection I have accumulated! I hope the person who gets the letter with all of those little denomination stamps doesn’t think I’m nuts.

There is however “GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS STAMPS” for a resourceful modeler that is. So before you toss those empty books away of used up stamps, take a look for those that have these on them.

What you have are instant circle templates for painting roundels! Or other circular patterns that need a mask or guide. Start with the outer area to apply a white, then insert the other rings to mask for the other colors. With a little care you can use them several times.

These work well for smaller 1:48 scale aircraft as well as larger 1:72…give them a try.

If you have a suggestion for a tip you’d like to see or have one to share, drop me a note at newsletter@hawkeyeshobbies.com