Hints and Tips

Modeling in the Desert

IPMS Las Vegas

HINTS AND tiPs

Text Box: When you spray your model, have a piece of white decal paper handy to paint it as well. Clear coat it after it has dried thoroughly and you have the exact same color to use to “touch-up” the model without having to match the paint. Tom Flynn

Freebies. The tiny paper dipping cups at Burger King (next to the catsup dispenser) are just the right size to mix small quantities of two-part epoxy. Kevin Savage

Text Box: When you spray your model, have a piece of decal paper handy to apply the same color to use as patching. Yes, flat colors can be applied as well. When the paper is thoroughly dried, apply a light mist of clear coat. I use the paper found in the hobby shop for making decals on the printer. You can use flat or gloss from the can. Let dry thoroughly and viola, patching material! Tom Flynn

If you have a complicated decal design to apply, make a photocopy of the decal sheet. Cut out the pieces that you want to apply and use them as a template to ensure that they will fit exactly and allow you to address any complications you may encounter. Tom Flynn

Text Box: We always suggest removal of molding lines as basic to good model construction. Unfortunately, small parts tend to slip and get lost when we try to scrape off the offending molding line. I suggest gluing the part in place without trying to clean off the molding lines. After the glue sets up hold the entire kit (or sub assembly) and clean up the part with no chance of losing it. I like to glue four to ten parts on at the same time. Once the glue sets I can quickly clean up the parts faster than if they were loose. Parts breakage is greatly reduced. Since many parts can be quickly glued on at one time future alignment problems are also reduced. Kevin Savage

Text Box: ‘click’ to see... SPRAY BOOTH DESIGN AND FAN SELECTION

Text Box: Large paper clamps, found in office supply stores, are great for holding wings and other pieces to paint. If the part is small enough, clamp one end and you can rest the clamp on its edge while the part dries. You can hang them up as well. Tom Flynn

To get that sharp crisp line for the radome and other areas, use Parafilm. Stretch it to adhere to the conical shape and align it where needed. Spray away from the parafilm area to decrease the chance of paint build up along the edge. When tacky, carefully remove the film and amaze yourself at the results!

Tom Flynn

To get sandpaper to conform to curves easier, soak it in water

for a few hours. It softens the backing but ensure that you use the wet/dry type available at auto supply stores. I have 400/600 800/1000/1200/1500 and 2000 grit on my bench.

Tom Flynn