Scratch building.............

[Guest]

Hello fellow modellers!

I have a few questions which have come about due to my plastic adventures over the last few weeks.

I've noticed on may models, there are little bits and bobs that are sometimes not included; an example of this is on my 1/72 Zero fighter - the small indicators on the upper wing surfaces to show the landing gear is down and locked are not included. There are also extra parts on the undercarriage doors that are missing.

I'm wondering if I can use old plastic cartons for tiny parts - you know, like yoghurt pots and so on? I'd like to get some plasticard for my stock also, for bigger 1/35 work, so would 1mm be a good size to start with for armoured vehicles, etc? I know there is no set in stone answer, but just wanting opinions

Cheers, Alex

[Ian M]

If you want get a small collection of scratch build materials together, go to the Scale Model shop (link at the top of the page) and buy some plastic card, I would suggest (approx sizes); 0,5 1,0 and 1,5 Some lead wire in 0,5 1mm, which is great for wires and lines etc. Some brass wire in around the same sizes and some brass tube. That should get you started. You can also get plastic rod, tube and profiles, but I'm not sure John carries those in the shop.

Ian M

[Guest]

Thanks, Ian! That answers that

[Guest]

a few bits of balsa wood and some different thicknesses of soldering wire will be invaluable (you can flatten the wire to form bits similar to PE)

[Guest]

i have started using old earphone wire stripped down to the wire,its thin and colourful(blues,greens, gold and silver)only found out whilst mending a set of in ear ones for the eldest daughter(yup she never got them as i said`it`s no good they re broken lol)

mobear

[geegad]

if john doesn't have it then you will find it here from foam board to rods and tube and alikehttp://www.netmerchants.co.uk

just started to scratch build my self and evergreen sheets are a must or any other make of styrene will do

[yak face]

Hi alex , a good place to get some ideas is the unconventional modelling materials thread in Quick tips. Theres loads of great ideas for materials that arent immediately obvious . As for the yoghurt pot idea , its a co-incidence that i have been messing this week with the very things! I had a Muller corner yoghurt the other day (you know , the one with a separate pot with goodies to tip into the yoghurt!! ) I cleaned it out and had a mess about, it turns out its the same type of plastic as styrene card and sticks fine with any poly cement . I cant say if any other makers pots are the same but these ones are a useful source of plastic card ,albeit in small bits. The U/C indicator rods on the 1/72 Zero are quite easy, get an old toothbrush and cut out a couple of straight bristles, these are perfect scale for the little rods, just needing cutting to size, sticking in and painting. These are also great for the static dump wicks seen on the trailing edges of a lot of modern aircraft, or whip aerials. cheers tony

[yak face]

Forgot to mention, the yoghurt pot lids are a great source of foil ,for seat belts etc. tony

[Guest]

Thanks for the great feedback as usual, guys.

Tony, I know those yoghurts well. They were my favs when I was in the UK. Can't get them over here.....

Thanks for the toothbrush tip. Recycling makes me feel like I'm doing something good, so will check out the Quick tips.

Alex