Tom’s Corner
Tips, techniques and commentary from Master Model Railroader Tom Piccirillo
Model builders have never before enjoyed such a diverse assortment of materials for duplicating full-size materials in miniature.
The scale modeler can now obtain corrugated metal, honeycomb sheet and etched materials in the precise sizes and contours needed for model construction, but using old-world tools to trim these materials to size just won’t “cut-it.” In this blog post, we’ll look at two versions of a precision scissor that will more easily provide you with the results you’re looking for.
For this work, I recommend using a precision scissor, the Xuron #9180ET Professional Photo Etch Scissors. Slim, finely honed blades slice through contoured surfaces without distortion. You will be amazed at the incredible amount of control you’ll have of the cut line. Waste is virtually eliminated, which maximizes the value of your purchased materials.
For trimming paper and sheet plastic, the Xuron® Model 440 High Precision Scissor is the tool of choice. Especially good for trimming decals, the razor-sharp cutting tips shear without fraying, leaving a sharp edge for proper placement on your model.
Please share your own tips for scale model construction in the comments below. I would love to hear about your favorite tools and techniques for making beautiful model railroad layouts. If you haven’t tried using a precision scissors yet, I highly recommend giving them a try. The 9180ET Professional Photo-Etch Scissors and 440 High Precision Scissors are two great options that will help you cut with accuracy and ease. Thanks for reading, and happy modeling!
