There used to be a TV programme called 'Scrimpers' which was full of money saving hints and tips,the adage that if you save cash on the simple things then this will leave you with more money to spend on the expensive bits and pieces is true,after all everything we purchase really has two uses 1/ the original application and 2/ what you can use it for afterwards,to this end this little corner is devoted to those people like myself, who use resourcefull and thrifty ways to subsidise our hobbies,we throw away far too many bits and pieces that can be used in model building,here are a few ideas,no doubt that you will have more,come here and share them with us,we want to know your uses for everyday items in modelling !
Dont throw away old rolls of masking tape,a quick zap in the microwave will quickly restore them for further use.
How many use pop wrap for protecting delicate models in storage or carrying in the car ? you can buy it for 90p a small roll, but why bother when supermarkets just throw it away by the ton ?
Old lollypop sticks are great for stirring up paint.
Walk any street and you will find enough elastic bands dropped by our post men to keep you going for ages.
The plastic film containers have lots of uses for storage of small screws etc,you can even use them for keeping liquids such as small tins of paint that have become unuseable,make sure that you label them up so that you know the contents.
Strapping from packing cases makes a great substitute for the mylar hinge making material.
Visit your local pound shop and you will be surprised how many goodies are on the shelf ideal for our hobby.
Ceral boxes makes great card for cutting out templates.
Cereal boxes with one corner cut off at an angle make good storage containers for your magazines,just add the year on the end in marker pen.
When building balsa models,economise by buying balsa bundles for internal pieces of your model,the bargain wood may not be as well finished externally but can be ideal for internal areas.
Look out for the lead weights that drop off car wheels on our roads,you will not only be protecting our environment but they make great ballast material for your model.
Always be on the lookout for broken domestic items that you can pull apart,they can yield useful parts and materials.
Large biscuit tins such as sold at Christmas time are ideal material for making up fuel tanks and other scale bits and bobs.
Car boot sales are a treasure trove for modellers.I have purchased complete kits and discarded materials,but make sure that plastic kits are not bodged or incomplete,unless they are cheap enough to buy for spare parts.
Many of our nations refuse tips have small shops that sell off discarded items,do not overlook them but dont pay fancy money.
Skips are well known for treasures,look for timber for work benches etc and anything else that is useful.
Plain wallpaper or shelf paper is ideal for drawing up plans.
Come on fellow scrimpers or tightwads as our American cousins call us,we need your valuable ideas.
Dont throw away old rolls of masking tape,a quick zap in the microwave will quickly restore them for further use.
How many use pop wrap for protecting delicate models in storage or carrying in the car ? you can buy it for 90p a small roll, but why bother when supermarkets just throw it away by the ton ?
Old lollypop sticks are great for stirring up paint.
Walk any street and you will find enough elastic bands dropped by our post men to keep you going for ages.
The plastic film containers have lots of uses for storage of small screws etc,you can even use them for keeping liquids such as small tins of paint that have become unuseable,make sure that you label them up so that you know the contents.
Strapping from packing cases makes a great substitute for the mylar hinge making material.
Visit your local pound shop and you will be surprised how many goodies are on the shelf ideal for our hobby.
Ceral boxes makes great card for cutting out templates.
Cereal boxes with one corner cut off at an angle make good storage containers for your magazines,just add the year on the end in marker pen.
When building balsa models,economise by buying balsa bundles for internal pieces of your model,the bargain wood may not be as well finished externally but can be ideal for internal areas.
Look out for the lead weights that drop off car wheels on our roads,you will not only be protecting our environment but they make great ballast material for your model.
Always be on the lookout for broken domestic items that you can pull apart,they can yield useful parts and materials.
Large biscuit tins such as sold at Christmas time are ideal material for making up fuel tanks and other scale bits and bobs.
Car boot sales are a treasure trove for modellers.I have purchased complete kits and discarded materials,but make sure that plastic kits are not bodged or incomplete,unless they are cheap enough to buy for spare parts.
Many of our nations refuse tips have small shops that sell off discarded items,do not overlook them but dont pay fancy money.
Skips are well known for treasures,look for timber for work benches etc and anything else that is useful.
Plain wallpaper or shelf paper is ideal for drawing up plans.
Come on fellow scrimpers or tightwads as our American cousins call us,we need your valuable ideas.
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