Let’s face it, if you’re like most scale modelers you’re someone inclined to be a hoarder. Your stash of kits is likely to consist of more kits than you could ever build in your lifetime, maybe even two! This propensity to acquire more isn’t just limited to model kits. It also applies to scale modeling tools and everything related.
How To Add Details To A Model Railroad Or Diorama
Tom’s Corner
Tips, techniques and commentary from Master Model Railroader Tom Piccirillo
Some people say, “It’s all in the details.” This is certainly true for award-winning scale models. Models are submitted for judging at contests, and much of the “score” needed to win an award is derived by the clean installation and proper placement of details.
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Scale Model Painting with an Airbrush
As a scale modeler I started like most of my peers with a variety of old fashion stick type paintbrushes to paint my models. Even today there are some aspects of scale model painting that require the use of a paintbrush. Before I really mastered the stroke of a paintbrush I was introduced to painting my models using spray cans of paint. What a time savings and a more realistic appearance (no brush marks) they provided.
Glues, Cement and Solvents for Scale Model Building
Once upon a time … or as we say now … “back in the day,” when you purchased a model kit you also picked up a tube of model cement for the assembly process. If your parents were like mine they knew when you were scale model building instead of doing your homework. Model cement had a strong distinctive odor that permeated the air throughout the house. It was the mainstay product to stick those pieces and parts together, and it all too often bore our fingerprints if we weren’t careful with how we applied the cement.
Light ’em Up!
Imagine drawing on the wall of a cave or trying to paint the ceiling of a 16th Century Chapel using nothing but a couple of candles to illuminate what you’re working on. Today’s hobbyist, craftsmen and artists don’t have to rely on the light emitted by a few candles. We can have ample lighting to see what we are doing with just the flip of a switch. This is accomplished through the use of overhead lights, task lights, and key lights. As an added bonus, in the 21st century we have access to full spectrum lighting and magnification lamps!
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