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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The Perfect Pliers
The perfect pliers are right at the end of each of your arms…your fingers. Well, maybe they’re not the most perfect pliers…let me explain why.
As strong as your fingers are, they don’t have the strength and rigidity necessary to do many of the tasks you want to do. You might have fingers that are too short, too fat or they might lack the dexterity necessary to perform delicate tasks. My fingers don’t have the dexterity they did in my youth so I reach for a tool suited for the job.
Models, Modelers and Scale Modeling Tools
Scale Models cover different subjects, eras, scales and of varying quality. You’ll find that modelers come from different backgrounds, various ages, physical size and scale modeling ability. Mix the two and you have a diverse group.