discussion Molding a pilot

[AlanG]

I have a pilot that came with the 1/48 FW190 D-11 kit for the GB. As normal he is in the sitting position arms outstretched.

My question is; Is there anyway of molding him to another position (outside of the aircraft) or would i have to buy seperate figures? I presume heating him up to a malable state would work but what would i heat him up with?

 

[PJP]

Having expensively distorted the upper hull of a 1/16th Tiger II recently on a fireside fire extinguisher, sustained gentle pressure with the heat will help no end.

I'd try a hairdryer set on high with the pilot held in a clamp so the the pressure is constant. If the figure is hollow, there is the risk of collapsing it inwards.

Also, I wouldn't try this unless the figure was regarded as disposable!!

Let us know how you get on in any event please.

Peter

 

[AlanG]

Cheers Peter. I'll give the hairdryer method a go. Not particularly bothered if the model has a pilot or not but would be nice to make a mini dio out of one for the GB

 

[Guest]

I would be more inclined to slice the figure up and use plastic card to make wedges to re shape it. The more pieces you cut them up, the more believable the finished object would be as the amount of alteration to angles would be less.

As an example, if you have a seated figure and you want to straighten the leg, cut through the knee at 45 degrees to the 90 degree bend and form a 45 degree wedge or fillet to fit in the back of the knee. Weld this in place with liquid cement and when firmly dry, use needle files to follow the creases through the new plastic. In various shapes, this can be used to reshape most figure stances.