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How To Paint Realistic Metal Finish

by Gerald Voigt
March 9th, 2012

Natural Metal Finishes are not just for aircraft or trim on automotive subjects…Gamers and SciFi modelers love it too. Check out this video by Lester Bursley host of AwesomePaintJob.com

Thanks Lester for sharing your experiences with our products.

Categories How-To, Product Review, Tips & Techniques
Comments (0)

Ask And Get Answers

by Gerald Voigt
March 7th, 2012

Most of us scale modelers have tons of questions to ask about building scale models. We are eager to pick the brain of a modeler whose work we find interesting as well as inspiring. Sometimes having access isn’t possible or the barriers of distance and language impede it from occurring. Well I am working to change that.

I try to have a variety of topics and guest on The Plastic Scale Modeling Hour to answer those questions of those you so want to ask. Indulge me for a moment while I share with you some of the topics and guests coming up in the near future.

A few episodes ago I had a hobby store owner on the show, we discussed the challenges he faced to operate his business. This sparked emails from listeners who wanted to know more about starting a hobby retail business, so we’re going to give you the opportunity to submit your questions, ask them live on the air.

Hal Miller of Model Retailer Magazine returns next week with a panel of guests to share with you some of the things you need to know BEFORE you make your decision to step into the retail hobby arena. Representatives from a major distributor, franchise and hobby retailer association will join Hal and myself to provide inspiring entrepreneurs with the much needed FACTS about starting a hobby shop. Whether virtual (internet) or brick and mortar.

Vladimir Sulc, President of Eduard Model Accessories will be joining me on May 3rd, to discuss the niche market of aftermarket and limited run kits. We’ve seen a lot of product improvements and variety since this segment of the hobby got started in the early 90′s.

The owners of smaller cottage manufacturers such as Barracuda Studios, Belcher Bits and Draw Decal will be joining me as well. So be sure to keep apprised of the schedule to see when.

We’ll also chat with hosts of your favorite internet modeling forums, if they’re willing. Such as Brett Green of Hyperscale.

The International Plastic Modelers Society has sanctioned events around the world. Representatives from these events are encourage to be on the show to promote their events. I have also confirmed with IPMS-USA that members of the eBoard will be joining me to talk about the Society, its history and what the future has in store.

I know many of you listen to the program in its podcast form or as a live stream playback from the Warbird Radio site, so you are not able to call in during the LIVE broadcast. So I encourage you to write in with your questions so I can ask them and get answers to them. Its easy just drop me a line at mailbag@theplasticscalemodelinghour.com  or mailbag@hawkeyes-squawkbox.com

Categories Editorial, News, The Plastic Scale Modeling Hour, Warbird Radio
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Metal Stuff – Shaping Skin

by Gerald Voigt
March 2nd, 2012

Its a perfect evening to be working at the workbench, we had a snow storm earlier in the day and the movie The Right Stuff is on the television…so that’s my excuse and I’d sticking to it. ;0)

To get this project rolling I am going to start with a section of the fuselage to create a skin for it that will later be battle damaged. I start with a piece of thin aluminum, that from my valued stash of printers plating and anneal it using a candle, holding it with a pair of needle nose pliers. A good sooty smokey flame is best. It helps soften the metal to make it more pliable.

Once that is done, I start by taping it and the model in place. The metal to the fuselage and the fuselage to the workbench. Then I start to work the metal, stretching and shaping it to the fuselage half. Gentle rubbing, gradually working the metal to prevent it from tearing.

You can add a drop or two of soapy water to ease the friction. As you can see by this illustration, I am using a variety of tools. Crochet hook, knitting needle, clay sculpting tool and whatever else works. If you find the metal not conforming as easy as you like, carefully peel off the tape and metal and anneal it again. Tape it back in place and start working it some more.

Eventually with patience and persistence you’ll have a piece of metal that looks much like the side of the fuselage.

Any deep scratches in the metal can be eased with the use of a polishing stick. I recommend you do this while the piece is still taped in place on the fuselage. If you want to add rivet detail, this too is the best time to do it.

Once you’re satisfied, remember you are going to destroy this piece later on so cosmetics isn’t really important. Trip away the excess not necessary. The flash in this case around the window opening. If you look closely you can see the panel lines embossed in the metal.

 

With the part removed you can start to fabricate the other details necessary. Such as the interior structures…ribs, bulkheads and gussets.

 

 

 

You can make these by using strips of the same aluminum bent and shaped using the appropriate tools. I use my Xuron 9180ET Pro PE Scissors and my The Small Shop’s  Hold n Fold. Find what works best for you, but I highly recommend these tools!

Again remember don’t worry too much about how neat and fancy it is, its most likely going to be mangled and torn as part of the battle damage inflicted on the aircraft.

Well I have a lot of little fiddly bits to make and install so until next time listen to The Plastic Scale Modeling Hour on Warbird Radio and spend some quality time at your work bench. Stay tuned for more of this project!

Categories How-To, Progressive Model Build, Tips & Techniques
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